Hello, and welcome to your Sunday Vintage Post! Coming to you a couple of days later than usual after spending the past week celebrating the holidays with family in western Maine. I feel so revitalized and happy, calm and at ease, and generally ready to hop into some amazing and fun projects in the new year!
Before we roll into 2025, I wanted to share some pieces that have been inspiring me lately. My etsy favorites have been getting pretty jewelry-centric, and I think it all started with the holiday lookbook styling of a beautiful vintage rhinestone choker.
Worn here by my sister, this rhinestone choker from Peaceful Pagan collection was the reason I started scouring the vintage-net for similarly glam / maximalist pieces.
I’ve never had a necklace like this in my own jewelry lineup, but I’m really leaning into the idea of it. The icon that comes to mind when envisioning a styled string of diamanté is the one and only Carrie Bradshaw. Her tiara-esque necklace is the epitome of minimalist maximalism, and I’m so close to grabbing this necklace which I think is nearly identical to what she’s wearing below. Another low profile option here, and slightly different tiara style here.
vintage tiara rhinestone necklace, inspired by Carrie's great taste in costume jewelry
It’s been fun to chase the rabbit and see what’s out there for beautiful — and usually inexpensive — pieces to add some sparkle to my wardrobe. Of course I can’t get all of these amazing jewels myself so I thought I’d share some of the magic with you all.
1940s Vintage Rhinestone Necklace [$35] — this neck candy reminds me of something Carrie might wear casually to a coffee shop (or even to sleep in!) A lot of rhinestone necklaces fit like chokers, as in the one photographed on my sister, so they would be ideal for layering with longer necklaces.
Rhinestone chain necklace [$7] — I love the simplicity of the criss cross pattern on this choker. It would be so fun peeping out from a ringer tee or crew sweater. Also, under $10! so would make a great entry piece if you are curious to try some sparkles without committing to a full-on princess look.
Brushed Gold Tone Link Choker [$36] — A weighty necklace like this once can be the perfect hardware amongst heavy layers of a winter outfit. Definitely one of my favorites from this post!
Baguette Rhinestone Necklace & Bracelet [$207] — the elongated shape of these stones feels a little more classic vintage to me, but I love how they are arranged in a chain effect. It could easily be modernized with a few other longer necklaces layered around it. Not to mention the matching bracelet ~sigh~
Pins have also been catching my eye lately. Most of these are costume jewelry — but that doesn’t really have a bearing on how amazing they would look gracing a winter jacket, a tied scarf, or even the side of a hat.
Rhinestone ‘Fruit Salad’ Brooches [$21] — these two are so darling, I can just imagine them adding a burst of multicolored magic to a tied scarf or a twinkle on the outside of a winter coat.
1950s Gold Tassel Brooch [$21] — this would look fantastic on the outside of a dark colored wool or woven winter trench coat. Also would be smart on a dark blazer to zhuzh the overall look.
Twin Snakes Coat Pin [$35] — my Chinese Zodiac is the Year of the Snake (and we are about to enter into another year of the snake in 2025!), and I love this brass button pin as an homage to my animal. I think it’s especially fun to search for vintage jewelry depicting specific animals — you run into so many unique pieces, like this red enamel snake pin (peep the little gold rattle tail!)
14k Gold Seed Pearl Lapel Studs [$240] — I had always loved the connective chains of lapel pins, and this one is particularly delicate. Could be worn as titled, on a lapel — but also have seen these 3-piece pins styled elegantly at the neckline of a collared shirt.
Yellow Capricorn Seagoat Brooch [$26] is anyone out there a Capricorn? The gilded gold edging encapsulates an enchanting constellation scene, sure to add a shock of brilliance to any lapel.
Sterling Yin Yang Signet Ring [$40] I’ve always adored a yin yang ring worn by Alexa Chung, and have found a few amazing sterling comps on etsy over the years. It’s great to dip into the vintage/secondhand jewelry market when you are looking for an occasion piece like this, the prices are much more friendly!
14k Gold ‘D’ Signet Ring [$295] — always on the hunt for that perfect signet ring, and this one is a top contender with it’s diamond cut gold and softly etched letter form.
Would love to know what vintage jewelry is in your sights these days! I got an etsy gift card for Christmas so I might just order one of these beautiful pieces and post about it in the coming weeks. Chime in on your favs so I know what direction to go in :)
A final note for 2024: thank you all for your readership and support this past year. I launched geostyled in July 2024, and it’s been a source of artistic motivation, style inspiration, a way to connect with others about my passion, and a catalyst for creating work that makes me happy. Looking forward to 2025, and wishing you all a happy and fulfilling year ahead!
Do my eyes deceive me? GRAPES!!!