There is nothing more pleasing than discovering a beautiful hidden treasure to add to your collection, and if you have a particularly keen eye for stylish and potentially-valuable jewellery, you can find some real gems that you’ll cherish forever.
Here at William May, only the most special pieces of jewellery and accessories make it into our collection. We know a thing or two about what to look for when choosing new items, whether it is looking for the clarity of jewels, sniffing out the latest trends or simply looking for something unique, we have a few tips to help you find an exceptional item.
Understated style
Minimal jewellery is increasingly popular, and the days when bling ruled supreme are long gone. People are favouring timeless classics over extravagance.
If you want to invest in a piece of jewellery but are unsure about what to go for, then stick to the minimal rule and keep it simple. Diamonds have been a favourite for hundreds of years, they always look fantastic and can be found in a range of different styles.
Opt for a classic pair of diamond studded earrings to instantly add glamour to your look, or choose a long diamond pendant on a chain colour of your choice. Select a classic shape such as a round or a princess cut, or go for something a little more unique like an emerald or a pear shaped cut.
Purchase another classic style such as a plain bangle or a tennis link bracelet and you will soon find that they become staples in your jewellery collection that you will be reaching for time and time again.
Going vintage
The allure of vintage jewellery is the rarity of the pieces, wearing something that nobody else has and representing past styles. A gorgeous vintage item can add sophistication and higher class to an outfit, making a definitive fashion statement.
The meaning of the term vintage jewellery is open to debate, but to us, vintage jewellery is younger than 100 years but usually older than 30. What can often look like a vintage treasure can sometimes be a replica of the real deal, so before you part with your cash make sure to ask the right questions. Find out where the seller purchased the item from, how old the piece is and whether it has all its original features, as some pieces have vintage settings but have been repurposed with modern jewels to improve the look of the item.
We have an extensive collection of unique vintage jewellery at William May, so you don’t have to worry about the authenticity of our pieces.
Shop with purpose
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when shopping for jewellery as there are so many gorgeous items out there. Avoid being bombarded by keeping an idea of what you are looking for in mind and try not to steer away from this.
Jewellery should be used to complement your overall look, consider what pieces you already own and whether this new item will match up with your personal style.
Don’t be short-sighted
The beauty of vintage jewellery is that it never really goes out of fashion. If you’ve really got a strong appreciation of trends and styles, you’ll know that some of the modern pieces you buy today could become even more popular further down the line.
It can be hard to predict fashion trends, but there’s every chance that something you buy now will be all the rage in 10, 20 or even 50 years’ time. That’s why you should think long term when sizing up new pieces to add to your collection.
