Vintage Treasures

People often ask me where I find some of the items I use in my jewelry. I spend a lot of time searching for vintage things to incorporate into my jewelry designs.  Sometimes I think the search is almost as much fun as the actual crafting of the design.  There are flea markets and craft shows locally where I hunt. I love looking through old and sometimes dusty collections to find interesting things.

I also do a substantial amount of looking on the internet.  There are thousands of sellers who deal exclusively in vintage parts, but finding reliable and consistent product can be challenging.  On eBay, feedback, number of ratings, and how long they have been a member are the most important considerations. It's okay to buy from a new member, and I like to give the first positive feedback.  If I don't pay too much for an item from a newbie, I feel it is worth the risk.

Websites outside of a known collection of sellers like eBay can be a bit more daunting because you have no way of knowing if the seller is reliable and honest. A good indication would be the number of years they have been selling online.  It is also helpful if they have a feedback or guestbook section. 

When buying vintage items, whether locally or online, there is always a chance that the piece that you buy is not old, and not a genuine antique.  It pays to do your research so that when you go hunting,  you will have an idea of the qualities you are looking for.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to enjoy the search.  Whether I discover a priceless antique or just some cool vintage stuff, I can always find a purpose for my finds. And sometimes what other people throw away is just the thing I was looking for. Around the corner is my next excursion to locate new trash or treasure.