When Natalie Leon decided to name her business Passionate About Vintage, she wasn’t just describing her work, she was describing herself and my goodness, how that passion lit up the party held to celebrate the opening of her new boutique in London’s Hampstead.
Sitting prettily on one of Hampstead’s beautiful streets, Passionate About Vintage is the ultimate treasure trove of original vintage jewellery. When you walk in, you don’t know where to look first, your eyes widen, your face lights up and you have that feeling of a child on Christmas morning – what will you look at first? Natalie’s perfectly curated selection of jewels in their antique cases call to you from the moment you step inside.
Work by iconic designers such as Trifari, Weiss, Vendome, Mariam Haskell, and Hattie Carnegie beckons. Original vintage earrings, necklaces, brooches, rings and sets from the deco days of the 1920s to the vibrant work of the 1970s sparkle brightly from the shelves. Pearls, pinks, sapphires and stones of every colour in settings of every style mean that whatever era you adore, you’ll find lots to love. Brides, if you’re a lover of vintage – genuine, beautiful pieces from the past – then you need to hot-foot it to Hampstead as soon as possible.
Natalie Leon, the altogether wonderful woman behind Passionate About Vintage, has been collecting jewellery ever since she was a child. She admits to buying beads and broken pieces and trying to restore items from an early age. Natalie is also the archetypal magpie – always on the look-out for that standout point and always travelling to source quality pieces from far flung fairs and auctions.
Brides to be also need to get to know Natalie as she offers the ultimate treat – exclusive bespoke appointments for those looking for their wedding jewellery. Arrange a time with in advance, and Passionate About Vintage will shut for an hour, allowing you, your maids or trusted family time to browse the jewellery in complete peace. Over a cup of tea and some cake, you can discuss your jewellery requirements, try on pieces, share details of your gown and allow all of Natalie’s knowledge and passion to guide you in the right direction.
As well as stocking such a huge range of original items (and there are so many more pieces in stock than are on display), Passionate About Vintage also offers a complimentary sourcing service if you’re looking for something specific or can’t find the right piece among the extensive collection. If you’re still not shopped-out, there’s also Natalie’s own range of beautiful earrings made from vintage components. Starting at just £35, these would make a truly fabulous bridesmaid gift (or an ideal honeymoon accessory!).
Images above taken by Tamryn Lawrence on Instagram
I loved my time at Passionate About Vintage. I loved that so many local people had popped in to offer support, I fell for the pretty boutique and it’s wonderful, uncluttered lay-out. I sighed happily over the range and quality of jewels on offer and I smiled at bold, colourful items and also at the elegant, chic pieces that sat alongside.
I spot a rather fabulous book above!
Images above taken by Tamryn Lawrence on Instagram
But, mostly, I just admired and adored being in the company of someone whose love for their work is undeniable. Natalie was letting young girls with huge smiles and disbelieving eyes try on jewels that made them feel like princesses. She was talking to everyone, sharing information on every item from its history to care notes for the future. Passionate About Vintage – it’s more than a name above a boutique door.
Passionate About Vintage can be found at 66 Mill Lane, West Hampstead, NW6 1NJ and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from West Hampstead or Kilburn tube stations. If you can’t make it to London, you can shop online at the Passionate About Vintage website and you can also connect with Natalie on Twitter and Facebook.
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Tamryn Settle View all Tamryn's articles
Self-confessed wedding addict Tamryn spends her days in her Berkshire studio writing about all things beautiful and romantic with her black Labrador for company.
