Every Christmas I like to select a few special pieces of vintage jewellery which are especially suitable for gifts this year. Today I am looking at pieces that you might like to ask Santa to bring for yourself,  pieces that are all wearable, stylish and could well be a good investment too. Here’s a few tips on what to look out for this year. Cameos and pearls seem to be very popular this year and being timeless are an essential part of every jewellery lovers collection. A charm bracelet which still has space for you to add some special charms of your own, a couple of brooches and amazing cocktail rings to add a touch of glamour and sparkle during the party season.  

Cameos  

What to look for in a piece of cameo jewellery, first and foremost does the picture appeal to you? Do you like the subject and is it well carved. With shell cameos they should be free of cracks, the carving lines should be smooth and natural rather than rough and angular. No look at the frame , does it suit the picture in proportion and do you prefer gold silver or costume jewellery?  Although they are popular pieces of jewellery and I do sell them, I am not a great fan of shell cameo rings as I think the shell is a little soft to stand up to much wear. If you would like a cameo ring look at a hardstone cameo rather than shell . Alternatively just reserve your cameo ring for very special occasions. For wearing more regularly a cameo brooch or earrings are more durable.  

Designer Brooch

Pearls  

What to look for in a piece of pearl jewellery. At a reasonable price you can choose between cultured pearls or faux pearls. Cultured pearls have been grown inside an oyster cultured pearls are entirely man made.  Either way you have a choice of colours but a creamy or white colour is most classically associated with pearls. If choosing round pearls look for them being well matched in your piece of jewellery in size and shape. The most classical pieces of pearl jewellery are a necklace or earrings. In the past it was usual to wear your pearl necklace together with pearl earrings , this gives a very classy look reminiscent of the 1950s.  Pearls do not wear well in rings so if you do want a pearl set ring then please just wear it on special occasions.  

Charm Bracelets  

Here the choice is normally silver or gold depending on your colour preference and budget. The great this about a charm bracelet is that you can start off simple and then add more pieces over the years. The bracelet will then be totally unique to you . Charm bracelets traditionally were worn fastening with a heart shaped padlock and having 13 charms. Most folks these days like to have many more than 13 charms – they can become quite bold and chunky pieces of jewellery. If you are thinking of filling the bracelet with charms then I suggest you look for one which has a sturdy central chain. Charm bracelets with finer central chains are better for fewer charms or a daintier look.  

Vintage brooches  

Look at size, colour, age / style , material and maker /designer for your vintage brooch choice.  For most brooches the choice is set by the size colour and material . Brooches by a named designer or maker are for collectors as they attract a premium price.  Select you brooch in a size and colour to suit most of your outfits. A brooch in an interesting shape and made from just silver or just gold will go well with most pieces of clothing. Do you want a large statement piece of jewellery – brooches up to 6/7 cms are readily available and are most suited to wearing on heavier weight fabrics. A smaller pin type brooch at one or two centimeters across will add a point of interest and can be attached to lightweight fabrics but beware may leave a hole in the most delicate materials.  

Cocktail rings  

A true cocktail ring is meant to be big, loud and showy. It is a piece of glamour jewellery for party and occasion wear. Look for a ring with large and colourful stones.  A cocktail ring is not meant to be worn every day and can be made from gold, silver or costume jewellery. AntiquesAvenue offers you a wide choice of these special pieces of vintage jewellery. Which finger are you looking at wearing your cocktail ring on? Maybe they are to big for a little finger?  Look for a cocktail ring with stones in a colour to match or contract with your party wear.  

Cocktail Ring

Why not make sure you get the piece of vitnage jewellery you want for Christmas this year? Leave nothing to chance, find the piece on AntiquesAvenue.co.uk and either print off the page and leave it where your loved one can see it or be even more bold and e.mail them a link to the piece of jewellery on the website.  

Happy Hunting  

Anne x