Born in 1929 means my great grandmother has costume jewelry pieces sprawled across the last 80+ years. Her collection features some of the most decedent styles from the most coveted decades that inspire trends today. (Wake-up call: fashion was cool well before the 90s.) Whether it’s the sentimental lockets of wartime 40s, the precious pearls from their “going steady” in the 50s, thick “man-sized” chains of the far-out 70s, or the lacquer plastic 80s pieces, heirloom jewelry is both a nod to the past and a stride to the future.
Colored Pearls: Most consider pearls to be the most pure and timeless element to a piece of jewelry. Almost everyone has owned a pair of pearl earrings in their lifetime. Some have even received pearl bracelets or necklaces for gifts for communion, graduation, their wedding day, and the like.
But, what most fail to realize is pearls don’t have to be white...and they certainly don’t have to be pure. If you have paid any attention to Pantone’s color of the year, you know that pale blue and mint green are strong contenders. In fact, green in all its variants is a force to be reckoned with in 2020. I inherited these iced blue and teal pearls about ten years ago and I find between their simple shape and their pastel shade, they can be worn with nearly anything! A colored pearl seems less serious and can add class to a simple t-shirt and jeans. I don’t want to insult your intelligence by telling you how to wear pearls but, I will say they are practically made for the 2020 return of the cardigan twin set and I will leave it at that.
I layer my blue pearls with a blend of silver and gold chains from my own collection to modernize the delicate old pieces; to which my great grandmother would say, makes me look like a gypsy. I also slide the stunning clasp to the side of my duo teal pearl strings so it can be seen. Rotating an old piece to its side can sometimes make it look like it was just bought. Oldest trick in the book.
Pendant + Chain Combos: Normally you select a necklace because you like the pendant; it either represents something to you or you merely like the aesthetics. This year, Fashion Week (Gabriela Hearst, Oscar de la Renta, Adeam, Escada, and more) has proven that this is flawed thinking. That the chain is more important than the charm, a concept that hasn’t been mainstream (non-grunge) since the 1970s. For this trend forget silver exists. I’ll tell you why. Gold is brighter in nature - shiner. Gold speaks for a bigger picture, while silver has always been great for engraving intricate designs. A thick gold chain linked bracelet or necklace is what we are after here. Hit up mom or grandma's closet and watch TV Land for inspo. Generally speaking I find a chain link bracelet to be sophisticated like Chanel and a short chained or even choker length necklace to act more edgy.
Wearing a chain with no charms seems minimalistic however, it is far from. The emphasis switches to the craftsmanship of the chain. I love this chain my grandmother picked out (pictured above) because it's double linked, super shiny, and durable (I mean its made it like 45 years.)
So, I know I just preached about how cool chains are but like, so are pendants. 2020 fashion rules are confusing because there pretty much aren’t any. Industrial size chain on your wrist? Check. A glitzy charm necklace composed of femme hearts, stars, and shells? Also check.
A way to modernize a cool retro chain you come across is by linking multiple pendants through with pliers. The only thing more fun than retro jewelry is customized born again retro jewelry. Not sure which pendants would match the chain’s boss babe vibe? Any common heirloom shapes like coins, old watch faces, locket charms, engraved roses, and gemstones for color will fit the bill. Ancient rings that aren’t your size would also make an old fashion edition to a homemade necklace.
I prefer a charm necklace to a charm bracelet because it's a fresher concept and it doesn’t get in the way. A charm necklace doesn’t hover over the bowl of salsa as you reach for a chip or clang on your keyboard as you “just follow up.” It just stays put and looks fly.
Plastic on a Post: AKA old lady earrings. (I know you’re questioning me right now but, I also know you own dad sneaks and are plotting to steal his teal and purple 80s windbreaker as we speak.) Filling your earlobes with huge statement earrings has been a thing for at least two years now. 2020 takes the earring craze one step further by suggesting new piercings to fill your ears to capacity. I. E. earrings are more important now than ever.
We’re talking the plastic-y lacquer circular studs of the 1980s as seen on everyone from Barbara Walters to Brooke Shields. Most often found in a Strawbridges box with the date on it covered in dust. If you do come across these puppies in a thrift shop however, you will notice lacquer earrings are frequently sold with a duplicate, but larger necklace. Splurge for the full set. Time-honored matchy-matchy is having a moment.
Instead of going to the leisure room to play with little Joey after supper, go all Raiders of the Lost Ark in your favorite old lady’s jewelry chest.
U make Mommom and I proud, that you wear her jewelry well!
Mom-mom’s right you do look like a Gypsy and who doesn’t love a Gypsy!!