Vintage necklaces add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a night out on the town. Whether you choose a dainty locket or a chunky gold chain, you’ll find a unique vintage piece that speaks to your personal style.
Learning the lingo, like the difference between a riviere and a bolo can help you understand more about a specific style of vintage jewelry.
Choker Necklaces
A choker is a closely-fitting necklace that sits close to your collarbone. Often adorned with pendants, gemstones, gold, or rose gold, the style has evolved from the worn ribbons of the French Revolution to the ’90s mall-favorite plastic chokers and today’s sleek sterling silver and gold chain styles.
These tight-fitting neck adornments can be worn alone or layered with longer necklaces for an eye-catching look. Choose a short choker like the fashion choker Dot by Elisheva & Constance or a longer chain necklace to add to your layered look, such as the necklace Eclipse by Luisa Ferne.
For a personalized touch, choose a choker with an etched lucky number or initial to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Choker necklaces also make a statement when paired with a bold hoop or other pendant style. Rock stars, including David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, wore chokers as a symbol of their counterculture movement in the 1970s. The choker returned to popularity in the 1990s as a staple accessory of the grunge and alternative fashion movements.
Pendant Necklaces
Whether you are looking to make a statement or showcase your personal style, pendant necklaces are versatile and fun. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them easy to wear with any outfit. They can also be layered with other necklaces to create a chic and trendy look.
Initial pendants are especially popular as they are a great way to express your personality and individuality. They can be worn with a simple chain and t-shirt for a casual look or with a dress to add a touch of elegance.
Pendant necklaces are also available in a wide range of materials and can be adorned with different gems to suit the wearer’s preferences. They can be crafted from traditional metals like gold and silver or from more unique materials like wood and resin. They are often engraved with a message or design, capturing a special memory or moment. They are a great way to remember and cherish a loved one.
Earrings
Earrings have become a very important jewelry accessory for women. They frame the face and complete a woman’s look. They also represent a certain cultural identity or belief. Thieves pierced their ears to signify their belonging in the criminal world, pirates would wear earrings to mark a captured ship, seamen wore them to show that they had sailed around the Cape of Good Hope or crossed the Equator.
The naming of vintage necklaces can be confusing as it can vary by style and era. Knowing the lingo like a Lavalier vs a Pendant can help you navigate and identify vintage pieces that will add to your collection.
Whether you are shopping for a classic pearl strand or a bohemian tassel, Gadelles has a wide variety of vintage necklaces to complement your unique style. From the 1920’s when women earned the right to vote and prohibition was in effect to the 1970’s when the counterculture movement embraced chunky layered cuffs, our vintage collection is sure to have something that fits your aesthetic.
Bracelets
As the trend for vintage jewelry continues, it’s important to consider your outfit and what you are trying to achieve before purchasing an antique piece. This can prevent you from looking like a costume and instead make a true fashion statement.
For example, a bib necklace may look great with a black dress and a simple hairstyle. Alternatively, it could be worn with jeans and a t-shirt to give off a more casual vibe.
It’s also a good idea to stick to a theme when wearing your vintage jewelry. This will ensure that the collection looks cohesive and that you are not wearing too much.
For instance, it used to be proper jewelry etiquette not to mix gold and silver pieces together. However, that rule has long since changed and it is now fashionable to wear a combination of different metals to create unique jewelry combinations. In addition, mixing in modern necklaces or earrings can elevate the entire look.