Why does one collect old jewelry and accessories? It's an inner drive so basic we can trace the practice of collection to the ancient Egyptians. The need to adorn oneself is so hardwired into our being that the oldest known manmade (or womanmade) artifacts were indeed pieces of antique jewelry--carved bone beads dating back 300,000 years!

           We choose pieces of jewelry because they remind us of something important--a special person, a never-to-be-repeated event, a memorable place, or even a wishful dream. They are markers of time and vehicles which can transport you back to a moment. You literally can keep jewelry "close to your heart." Antique jewelry and costume vintage jewelry is beautiful in its own right, but also powerfully symbolic. It's a deep well of the memories, joys, and concerns of our forebearers.  It's a bridge to our past and helps us understand who our ancestors were and what their lives were like.  Cherished treasures which have withstood the test of time.  

I hope my guide has been of interest and value to you, and  has left you with a little knowledge to share on the subject of  "Antique and Vintage Jewelry" collectables.

Read my next guide to "Black to the basic" coming soon!