With a growing trend for all things 'vintage', many designers and clever makey people are turning more and more to 'up-cycling' objects of the past and transforming them into pretty, quirky, unusual wearable pieces for today.
One of the most fabby examples of this I've come across of late is Swell Vintage. Imagine a collection of really gorgeous unique and old-fashioned looking jewellery - like the kind of stuff you'd find in your Grandma's jewellery box, mixed together with plenty of freshwater pearl - and you'll have in mind the type of pieces created by one Frankie Murray - a self confessed vintage and tea-drinking addict. Definitely my kinda gal...
"I make one-of-a-kind jewellery using authentic vintage and antique parts. I love to experiment with different styles and materials, from freshwater pearls to antique hardware. My main aim is to make jewellery that celebrates the past, but is also fun, unique and wearable."
All Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Swell Vintage {click to enlarge}
"I get a lot of the parts for my jewellery pieces online, but also love a rummage around thrift
shops and estate sales. I have a keen eye for shiny things. In fact,
I'm pretty sure I'm part-human, part-magpie. All of my pieces are
one-of-a-kind, so I always do my very best to make sure each item is
unique in its own right".
"My Inspiration can come from anywhere for me - history books, fairy-tales, even episodes of Poirot! I pop my DVD boxset on while I'm making pieces and let that wonderful little Belgium lead me. I don't think I could make jewellery without watching a DVD. A little while ago I got a bit obsessed with The Tudors - all of my pieces started to look very Anne Boleyn-esque."
I LOVE this jewellery - they make beautiful, unique and truly vintage original statement pieces.
The price varies on each piece and you should email Frankie directly for price information. Or just visit the Swell Vintage website and swoon over even more of Frankie's exquisite designs, like these...
Oh, and by the way, Frankie also happens to be a keen blogger, and Editor over at Queens of Vintage.
Expect to see more of Frankie and Swell Vintage here at Love My Dress. We've found a new lovely to add to our list of favourites! :)
Gorgeous find!
Posted by: bonzie | Tuesday, 23 February 2010 at 21:18
Some beautiful pieces there. How unique!
Posted by: Gayle | Wednesday, 24 February 2010 at 02:49
Swell Vintage LOVES LoveMyDress! Thank you so much for having me, it is a true honour and a privilege! x
Posted by: Frankie - Swell Vintage | Wednesday, 24 February 2010 at 15:40
What gorgeous and original designs, I've seen people recycling older stuff before but this is really lovely.
Posted by: Jess | Wednesday, 24 February 2010 at 16:11
This is something for our website
Posted by: RNS Sieraden | Sunday, 12 December 2010 at 23:09
Jess is right - I buy online antiques a lot, and this is a cut above most of the other stuff out there.
Posted by: Mark | Tuesday, 19 July 2011 at 21:58
They do make some gorgeous pieces, very in keeping with the originals
Posted by: Antique Jewellery | Sunday, 02 October 2011 at 01:25