How to wear vintage jewelry : to mark the festive season, TFJP and the Paris jewelry department of Christie’s present our 4th piece.

By Sandrine Merle.

 

 

The 1970s lion brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, the focal point of this outfit, is worn together with a pair of very jewel-like earrings by Italy’s Sabbadini along with two rings. One features a pairing of diamonds each weighing 2.54 carats – just like two big headlights! The other, by Suzanne Belperron, is a double-body ring (like two stacked rings) with a cushion-cut sapphire and a cushion-cut emerald.

 

Strong jewels on a strong piece

Don’t try to make your vintage jewelry the center of your outfit at all costs by choosing clothes that are too classic, too streamlined or even characterless. On the contrary, go for an overkill of materials, details, and volumes: pick extravagant pieces from designers like the one by Prune Goldschmidt known for her hypertrophied Victorian collars, ruffles, and disproportionate pleats. Paradoxically on this dress by neo Colombine, it’s the jewels that glitter. And why not also go a bit overboard on the make-up!

 

Work on positioning

The mane, which unfolds like a rosette around the lion’s mouth, naturally finds its place right in the middle of the chest: it looks like a pendant held together by a miracle. With their duo of stones, these rings are born to dialogue: they’re meant to be worn in perfect symmetry – one on each little finger. Meanwhile, the diamond flower brooch is worn like a cufflink. It disappears and reappears as you move… Finding the best location does not always mean showcasing the jewel exactly where people might expect…

 

Don’t over-match

Wearing an all-yellow gold figurative brooch just inches from a pair of sparkling emerald and diamond earrings doesn’t make sense. And yet it works, because it’s not about perfect matching these days. It’s a bit like, in fashion, matching a khaki trellis with a sequined top or a pair of sneakers with a pretty floral chiffon dress. With vintage jewelry, you enjoy total freedom!

 

Dress: Prune Goldschmidt

 

Photograph: Laura Bonnefous
Model: Suzanne Meyer (Tribe Management)
Stylist: Stéphanie Brissay
Assisted by Matthias Debras
Hair: Nina Olivet
Make up: Laura Merle
Assistant: Loup Catusse
Retouching: Granon Digital

 

Related articles:

TFJP x the jewelry department of Christie’s Paris, how to wear vintage jewelry /1

TFJP x the jewelry department of Christie’s Paris, how to wear vintage jewelry /2

TFJP x the jewelry department of Christie’s Paris, how to wear vintage jewelry /3

TFJP x the jewelry department of Christie’s Paris, how to wear vintage jewelry /5