Vintage Accessory Must
27-07-2011
Vintage Accessory Must-Haves

Old is the new, new so forget those bargain bins and that tacky high street jewellery that leaves a thick green line around your neck, because if you’re a fashion follower you will be investing in Vintage one-off pieces.
With the well known presence of jewel toned vintage splendour gracing the catwalks for A/W11 it’s no surprise that jewellery will be going hand in hand with fashion this coming season.
Take inspiration from past and present icons and get yourself a brilliant vintage piece. Embrace that slice of history that will undoubtedly be memorable to you. To get pieces like the one’s described below visit www.susancaplan.co.uk
Vintage Accessory must haves include:
Crystals/Diamonds

Worn by the likes of Paris Hilton, Queen Victoria and Marilyn Monroe, crystals/diamonds are cherished on their own, let alone once encrusted into gold or silver casing. With a variety of colours and each stone individual, the gems are what I describe as mineral magnificence, and for hundreds of years have been known as precious. If you ask me everyone should own at least one item of jewellery that contains a gemstone. After all diamonds are a girl’s best friend…
Wear With:
- Flawless skin
- A Lady-like polished image
- Evening wear
- Minimal accessories (let the jewellery speak for itself)
Silk Scarves

The scarf originated from Ancient Rome, where it was not used to keep warm, but to keep clean. The scarf became a real fashion accessory in the early 19th century for both men and women, and by the middle of the 20th century scarves became an essential item of clothing. The silk scarf proved popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s and is now making a come back. It can be worn tied round the neck or head, and in a variety of prints and colours.
Wear With:
- A retro style
- Black liquid eyeliner
- Sunglasses
- Lipstick
Pearls

The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. The pearl is famous in the painting by Johannes Vermeer’s “The girl with the pearl earring” and is worn by Aurdey Hepburn in the film Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The image of the pearl is one that is sophisticated and suave.
Brooches

A brooch also known in ancient times as a fibula; is a decorative jewellery item designed to be attached to garments. The earliest known brooches are from the Bronze Age. A brooch can change your outfit from drab to fab in a matter of seconds, and if you’re someone who likes to change their image all the time, a brooch can do just that. The bigger the statement the better, so when choosing a brooch think bold, large, unique and beautiful.
Wear With:
- A blouse, jacket or dress
- Attitude
- Heels
- Personality
Charm Bracelets

A charm bracelet is an item of jewellery worn around the wrist. It carries decorative pendants or trinkets which signify important things in the wearer’s life. The wearing of charms may have begun as a form of amulet to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. During the pre-historic period, jewellery charms would be made from shells, animal-bones and clay. Celebrities who have been known to wear charm bracelets include Victoria Beckham, Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Middleton and Rihanna.
Wear With:
- A Casual or Party outfit
- Bags of style
- Personal relevance
- Pride
Embroidered bags

The embroidered bag was popular from the 1940s to the 1960s and amazingly is tipped to become even more popular this decade. From boho chic slouch style bags to petite delicate clipped handbags. When buying a vintage embroidered item, it is always important to check the quality of the embroidery for any loose stitching. But personally I’d rather have a slightly damaged one-off gorgeous vintage piece, than a current mass produced product that has no personality.
For the ultimate in Vintage accessory treasures take a look at Susan Caplan’s vintage collection. Founder and collector Susan Caplan sources only the most exquisite and sophisticated vintage jewellery from all over the world. Her remarkable collection of dazzling jewels from the 1930s to the 1990s is steeped in iconic history. Her Collection resonates with an elegant and timeless beauty.
The Collection is now available to all who recognise the joy of wearing something special and unique – from Coco Chanel to unsigned beauties.
The Susan Caplan Vintage Collection is truly magical. Celebrities seen wearing the jewellery include Nicola Roberts, Eliza Doolittle, Jennifer Lopez, Kara Tointon and Jessie J.
Visit www.susancaplan.co.uk
By Jennie May Thompson







