Many brides like to incorporate an heirloom or a vintage piece of jewelry for their big day. For an item to be considered vintage jewelry, it must be at least twenty years old and can range from necklaces and bracelets to earrings and brooches. Here are ten of our absolute favorite pieces that are charming, romantic and glamorous.
Jacqueline Kennedy’s Pearls
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Courtesy: pearlsonly.de, shop.kennedy-center.org
Pearls are absolutely classic and timeless. It’s the perfect jewelry for any type of wedding and can be worn in a variety of ways: earrings, necklace, bracelet or in a pendant or brooch. This necklace in particular will really appeal to June-born brides since it’s their birthstone!
When we think of pearls, our minds immediately jump to the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy and her triple strand of glass pearls. Back in 1996, her pearls sold for over $200,000 at an auction. You can buy a replica of her necklace on the Kennedy Center’s website for only $150.
Queen Elizabeth’s Stunning Tiara
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Courtesy: tatler.com, amazon.com
Want to feel like royalty on your big day? A tiara is the perfect accessory! This stunning 1936 Cartier halo tiara was first worn by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day to King George VI. The crown, made of diamonds and platinum, was a wedding gift from King George to his beautiful bride-to-be just three weeks prior to their big day. It was then loaned to Kate Middleton for her 2011 nuptials. You can find a replica (shown above) on Amazon for just $36!
An Italian Cuff Bracelet
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Courtesy: invaluable.com, neimanmarcus.com
Does gold speak to you? This Italian 18K yellow and rose gold bracelet is a beauty! This cuff bracelet, made in the mid-20th century, features 54 natural rubies and is engraved with a textured Florentine finish.
In 1961, the American government required manufacturers to include the maker’s mark, indicating the producer of a piece of jewelry. This particular piece is stamped with the letter “V” surmounted by three circles. It sold at an auction in 2017 for $3,000. Need something more affordable? The 22-karat gold bracelet on the right (titled “Happy Moon”) features freshwater cultured pearls and a split opening. You can buy it at Neiman Marcus for $135.
A Colorful Starfish Brooch
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Courtesy: robbreport.com, rosemariecollections.com
Let’s head under the sea for this next stunning piece. For decades, brides wore colorful brooches for extra flair and elegance. But this particular piece is extra special.
This 1937 ruby and amethyst starfish brooch was designed for Rene Boivin—a renowned jewelry firm that was considered fashion and jewelry royalty. It was pictured in Vogue four times between 1937 and 1945, which was an unheard number of times for a magazine to feature a piece of jewelry. This brooch was a favorite among Boivin and is the absolute pinnacle of Boivin design.
We love the idea of a brooch being used for a brides’ big day. You can pin it to some ribbon around your bouquet or attach it to a headband to wear for your beach wedding. The gold crystal brooch on the right is available for just $25 and it’s so whimsical and fun.
Art Deco Drop Earrings
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Courtesy: antiquejewellerycompany.com, 1928.com
We’re kicking it back to the 1920s with these stylish art deco drop earrings. This pair features onyx, pearls and marcasite. It’s the perfect option for a more edgy bride or if you’re throwing a roaring 20s wedding!
Not ready to shell out nearly $700 for earrings? Go with these marquise black and gray earrings for just $24! This way you get the vintage look without the vintage price.
A Victorian-Period Statement Necklace
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Courtesy: rauantiques.com, annabellagio.com
When you think of Victorian era jewelry, there are a few key characteristics that stand out: colored gemstones, elaborate detailing, and dark metals. This necklace features all of it and was worn by wealthy brides and women of power.
We love the 18th century piece but the statement necklace on the right is equally beautiful. The multiple drops with round-shaped and tiny pave stones make it feel very Victorian but with a $138 price tag.
Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring
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Courtesy: victorbarbone.com, shopno3.com
It’s fun to pick out vintage jewelry for your big day but your engagement ring itself can also boast vintage flair! In 1956, all eyes were on legendary actress Grace Kelly when she wed the Prince of Monaco in a televised event. Her engagement ring was a nearly 10.5-carat emerald-cut diamond with two smaller baguette diamonds on either side. The ring boasts regal elegance and the design has been replicated with a twist by many jewelers for the last 75 years.
The 14k karat gold ring on the right is a modern twist on Kelly’s iconic silhouette. It’s more delicate yet equally dramatic with a one carat white sapphire and two white baguette sapphires on the sides. It retails just under $4,000.
Lady Diana’s Birdcage Veil
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Courtesy: outfittrends.com, affordableelegancebridal.com
While it’s not really considered “jewelry”, a veil is a big part of a bride’s wedding-day look. There are two iconic pieces in this look from Lady Diana—a pillbox hat and a birdcage veil. The tulle fabric covers the forehead and eyes for a flattering (& slightly seductive) look.
This was a super trendy look in the 1940s and 1950s with stylish housewives, and it’s gaining attention again with 21st century brides. We love that both styles are classic and elegant.
A Victorian Pendant
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Courtesy: bestproduct.com, jewelslin.com
Heading back to the Victorian Era, these cameo pendants were sure to turn heads towards anyone wearing one. This particular 14K gold pendant features a Greco-Roman woman carved into two layers of agate. It was common for these types of pendants to have a pin in the back so they could double as a brooch.
It can be yours forever for a cool $1,400. You could save yourself some money and go with a similar model—the ornate oval cameo pendant on the right for just $72. It’s styled with a 16-inch bronze chain to match the romanticism of the 1900s.
A Gemstone Ring
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Courtesy: goldwestvintage.com, thestudiojewellery.com
With your engagement ring on your left hand, add this beautiful blue gemstone ring on your right! This vintage 14K yellow-gold ring features clear baguettes on either side (another nod to Grace Kelly’s ring). We love how gorgeous the blue stone shines and pairs well with the dainty band.
Of course, gemstones are a bridesmaid’s best friend! Imagine giving each of your ladies a stunning turquoise circle amazonite ring as a bridesmaid gift. It’s nickel and lead-free and features a serrated head pattern. It screams vintage charm but is just modern enough for the girls to treasure forever.