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One of the many wonderful reasons to buy antique jewellery is that it can be stylised for a completely different purpose to look on trend today!

We recently acquired the delightful 9ct yellow gold stamp envelope, engraved with scrolls, that is pictured. These were designed originally to hold a postage stamp and be worn on a watch chain or chatelaine. Today, it could be worn on a charm bracelet or pendant and contain a secret love message – ideal for a Valentine’s gift.

Likewise, seal fobs that were originally worn on a watch chain to balance out the weight, with the watch on one end and the fob on the other, could be worn on a neck chain as an unusual and eye catching necklace. The fobs, which may have the original seal for imprinting on wax to seal letters, can be personalised with an engraving.

Any charm designed originally to be worn on a charm bracelet can be added to a chain for another meaningful necklace, particularly if the charm has a specific significance to the wearer, such as a horse riding boot for an equestrian or a church for someone getting married.

Bar brooches, popular in the late Victorian, Georgian and Art Deco eras,  were worn on a collar and have now been brought right into the 21^st century by affixing to a ribbon that is threaded under the collar of a shirt which is buttoned fully up to the neck. 

Long guard chains in gold or silver which used to hold pocket watches can now be seen wrapped around a wrist to give the impression of a very attractive stacking bracelet.

I love how antique jewellery will never go out of fashion!

Originally published in the Purbeck Gazette on 3rd February 2025.