Heirloom Jewelery

"I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines..." 
-Oliver Goldsmith

I must admit I seem to share Mr. Goldsmith's sentiments on the matter. In my opinion, the older the better. I've always been an old soul, and I spent a good portion of my youth fully convinced I was born during the wrong decade. Do you ever feel that way? I'm not lying when I say I dressed up as a 50s girl for more Halloweens than should be considered appropriate, but at least we got our money's worth out of that overpriced Lillian Vernon poodle skirt. See, there's one benefit to an elastic waist. And not growing an inch from age 7-15. 

Though my fashion choices have evolved considerably since my bobby sock days, I still have an affinity for old jewelry. From earrings pilfered from the bottom of my mom's jewelry box to costume pieces found in thrift stores, there's something so romantic about wearing a piece of jewelry that has already lived another life. It just seems wiser, seasoned, experienced. Like dating an older man or hanging out with your big sister, something as simple as an antique brooch somehow elevates you to a higher level of sophistication. 

My mom and I happened upon a holiday bazaar this weekend, and we couldn't help but scoop up funky chains and strands of pearls and countless other baubles. The mystery of their past is intriguing, but the pieces I love most are the ones that  share my history. Here are some of my most favorites:

Clown necklace from my mom's mom. She wore it all the time when I was younger, and anyone who knows her can testify that she is a total clown. When she passed the piece on to me I was thrilled. 

Mom's college earrings. I swiped these years ago, long before the word vintage became a part of my vocabulary, but the detailing makes them so unique.

Dad's ID bracelet from 8th grade. My mom had this in a pile to give to Goodwill. Seriously? It's no secret that I'm a total daddy's girl, and I really love having this piece. Whenever I wear it I can't help but think of my dad as a mischievous 13-year-old boy. 

Great-grandmother's cameo. When I visited my grandparents last December, my grandma let me rummage through her jewelry. I didn't think she was going to let me make off with this cameo necklace, but she did, only after explaining that it belonged to my grandfather's mother for years and years. She died when I was young, but the dainty, delicate charm suits my memories of her perfectly. 

Do you have any heirloom jewelry? Thrift store finds?

p.s. In case you missed it, refashioned vintage bling and vintage rings