Ahead of the Vogue Vintage Sale on 29 March, co-hosted by Jorja Smith and Iris Law and presented by eBay, Vogue is celebrating all things pre-loved. From a perfectly worn leather jacket uncovered in a thrift store to a slogan tee sourced online, pre-loved items can (and should) be a key player in every modern wardrobe.
I’m on a never-ending quest to find the best places to buy vintage jewellery in London. Having lived in the city for a decade, I’ve amassed quite the collection of pieces: from brassy costume jewels that I acquired as a student to sterling silver I’ve bought on visits to Camden Passage – a treasure trove I’ve frequented more times than I can count.
And while my jewellery box features many word-of-mouth contemporary brands, there’s something uniquely satisfying about saying: “I got it second-hand” when anyone complements your gems in a pub garden. There really is nothing like stumbling across a beautiful one-off piece on a stall or in a jewel-littered glass cabinet in a vintage store. Another aspect that fascinates me? The fact that a preloved jewellery piece lived a life long before you plucked it from obscurity.
Depending on the setting and format, some vintage jewellery dealers in London are open to price negotiations – the market stalls on Portobello Road and car boots in East and South, especially. But don’t forget, some vendors might interpret the worth of that gold marquise-cut diamond ring you’re trying to haggle down rather differently. Speaking from experience, it’s best to approach bartering with caution and care.
My pursuit to find the best vintage jewellery in London will never end – and I’m willing, if not happy, to accept that. But in the meantime, here are some of the standout spots I’ve visited during my 10 years, which come backed by myself and my jewellery-loving industry peers and friends.
Got time on your hands? If you’re keen for an epic browse of novelty gems, you can’t beat a weekend trip to Portobello Road. Widely-regarded at the epicentre of London vintage, the stretch from Westbourne Grove to Ladbroke Grove counts numerous celebrities among its fans. Delving into everything the various shops and stalls have to offer will set you back a few hours, so stock up on food and coffee before you head in. Though shorter in length and smaller in scale (the crowds here are slightly more manageable on a weekend), Brick Lane is also a mecca for vintage goods.
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Camden Passage is one of my favourite spots to hunt vintage jewellery – or just look for inspiration. The main market days are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and while smaller than the aforementioned locations, there’s still plenty to see. Unless you’re armed with an umbrella, then rainy days are probably better spent at Alfie’s Antiques, London’s biggest indoor antiques, or Grays Antiques, both of which are brimming with specialist dealers.
Remember: early birds catch the worm, and the best car boot bargains can be found within minutes of opening, which is why, if you’re planning a trip to Princess May (Dalston), Peckham Car Boot or St Augustine’s (Kilburn), you should consider arriving in a timely fashion. Naturally, it’s a gamble on what you might find, but that’s the fun of it – all of the above have at least one stall dedicated to jewellery. Godspeed.
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For investment-worthy vintage jewellery, consult the offerings of Pragnell, Hancock’s and Bentley & Skinner, which name check luxury houses as well as covetable pieces from bygone eras. Prepare to see some seriously precious finds cut from dazzling stones of many carats. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, they’re worth a browse.
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Ideally located in the heart of Mayfair, Kettle Kids has one of the best vintage watch curations in London, so much so, it has attracted avid collectors including Slawn. Founders Harvey and Jacob Hutson started their Kettle Kids journey with £1,000 and another thousand borrowed from their nan selling a small selection of pieces that they delivered by hand (the brothers scaled the UK with their rucksacks). “We were so young, that’s why we call it kids,” they tell Vogue from the basement of their flagship. “We bought what we like, and we still do now.” With an ever-growing collection, the duo regularly fly to far-flung destinations to meet clients’ needs, and in the next year, they plan to expand their women’s offering.
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Of course, you can peruse eBay’s incredible vintage jewellery range from anywhere in the world, but, despite its global presence, it’s worth a mention, given its unbeatable – and ever-changing – stock. From low-priced costume pieces to high-end gems (which you can feel confident about buying, thanks to the eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee), the options are endless, but make sure to narrow down your search to UK-based sellers to avoid customs and shipping fees, and prepare to be patient if you’re looking for something specific. Our advice? Set notifications if you’re after something in particular, and make sure to save any good sellers that you come across.
