Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Jeanette of @love_some_bling – who has been a part of the Jewelry Instagram community since 2019. I’ve always loved following her for her amazing stacks. I can’t pick one category of hers that I love most – bracelets, necklaces, rings, they’re all top notch! I’m so excited for feature her collection with you and share a bit more about her jewelry journey:
“I’ve been collecting jewelry my entire life, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I dove into the world of antique and vintage. As a little girl, my first pieces of “good” jewelry were tiny 14k hoops and a pearl ring gifted to me by my parents. When I was 5, I acquired my very first piece of personalized jewelry; it was a gold-plated hand-engraved heart-shaped nameplate bangle that I treasured and wore all the time (see photo.) That particular bracelet was the seed that grew me into the jewelry lover I am today.
In elementary school, I collected Avon animal perfume pin brooches and pinned them to my shirt- there was a hidden compartment of perfumed balm (Does anyone remember them??) If there was a new jewelry trend, I was wearing it.
As a teenager, I wore stacks of black rubber bracelets like Madonna (I just dated myself!), and I was obsessed with big, dangly costume earrings.
While in my 20s, my focus was on sterling silver and costume jewelry because it was fun, fashionable and inexpensive.
In my 30s and 40s, I transitioned to 14k contemporary and designer pieces and “antique-inspired” rings thinking they were more affordable than real antique and vintage (wrong!!) I have always admired vintage and antique jewelry, but never considered buying or collecting them; I thought they were out of my budget, totally unattainable.”
“Flash forward to 2019 when I created a secret jewelry instagram to showcase my then modest collection of rings. I didn’t want my *regular* IG friends to think I was jewelry-obsessed; I mean…who actually takes photos of their jewelry??! Little did I realize, this little secret side account would open up an incredible world of like-minded jewelry lovers. Beautiful pieces of history were within my reach! My first successful antique jewelry purchase was via Instagram in 2019; this was the catalyst. I went down a reallllllly deep rabbit hole and needless to say, my collection started to grow (& evolve) from that point forward.”
“Jewelry is my passion because it allows for self-expression and connection. I love that antique and vintage baubles are a part of history with a story to tell; it may come with an amazing known story or it might require a deeper dig or use of creativity to imagine the life it once lived. What I love even more is being able to continue the story for each piece that I acquire. Jewelry represents and marks moments in life, whether it be a celebration or a remembrance of a loved one. Jewelry holds value for the person wearing it, figuratively and literally. I love the jingle jangle sounds bracelets make when worn together. I enjoy making new ring stacks and wearing different ring combinations. Jewelry is an instant mood lifter because it is so emotional, meaningful and beautiful. It is creative and artistic, able to hold precious memories which is so soothing and special all at once.”
“I don’t have one particular place that I treasure hunt. If I see a sign that reads “vintage and antiques”, I’m drawn to it like a moth to light, a bee to a flower, a fly to dog… you get the idea, right? I love going to antique collectives and experiencing the thrill of a hunt and an even bigger thrill of a find! I’ve found many of my favorite pieces from random jewelry stores, trusted Instagram accounts, antique collectives, EBay, Etsy, The RealReal and Ruby Lane. However, I’ve slowed down a lot recently because I feel my collection is finally where it needs to be— yes I know.. famous last words! The spike in gold prices have also prevented me from shopping and hunting like I did so freely a few years ago.”
