Today, a lot of mixed media and jewelry artists work with a recycled vintage jewelry components and integrate them into new, fresh and innovative works of art. Obviously, working with vintage jewelry can enhance any jewelry piece. However, it’s greatest value comes from finding pieces that were once beautiful but have lost their place in this modern world. In fact, I think it’s quite unfortunate. There is nothing more rewarding as transforming an old forgotten work of art into a unique and relevant new piece of jewelry.

The unique qualities of vintage jewelry design, when incorporated into an updated piece, lend a characteristic flair that many find irresistibly appealing. In fact, all of my jewelry designs incorporate something vintage. I am always delighted to have the opportunity to incorporate vintage components into each and every piece I design. It assures me that the art from the past will find a new home rather than being relegated to the trash.

However, I have found it quite difficult to find the quality vintage jewelry pieces I want you work with. Right now, some of my favorite items to work with are high quality vintage and antique beads. Let’s face it; a well-crafted jewelry design that incorporates a dash of fashion history is good for the soul. More importantly, there is nothing more powerful than wearing a piece of history. In some strange way, it connects you to the past and keeps our history fresh in our hearts.

You can definitely locate fantastic vintage components by going to garage sales, antique malls, flea markets, or even your local bead store, but I often have better luck using the internet. The best approach is to identify the best search terms. While a search for "vintage components" may yield many extraordinary and unexpected results, a more refined search, like "vintage and antique beads," can identify the exact the items you may be seeking.

If you are unsure about specific terminology, start with a broad search, like "antique jewelry components." This will provide you a great deal of information and then you can determine which areas of interest you would like to do specific searches for. Eventually, mixing up and adding key words and phrases to your search terms will enable you to find exactly what your need.

Lastly, don’t forget to hit your local thrift stores. I have found the best vintage jewelry components by taking an afternoon every couple of weeks to go to second-hand stores. Usually, the pieces you do find are very affordable. Unfortunately, it may not be as convenient as shopping via the internet, but in many ways it’s far more rewarding.