All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Vintage jewelry brings the spice to any outfit recipe, allowing you to shapeshift into new personalities and speak volumes without saying a word. The effect of a chunky gold costume jewelry necklace or a Victorian cocktail ring is transformative—drawing the eye of curious magpies and average onlookers to tell a story as unique as a gemstone or antique setting itself.
With gold values reaching historic heights, more people than ever before are shopping for vintage fine jewelry for the first time in an effort to get in on the investment aspect. Along with that, a new generation is discovering the classic magic of affordable vintage costume jewelry and just how conducive it is to developing personal style.
Almost anyone would agree that vintage handbags and clothing are the bread and butter of any great tastemaker’s wardrobe in today’s world. But the power of vintage jewelry is that you’re unlikely to run into any other individual wearing even remotely the exact same thing. Case in point: last night at a dinner, myself and another guest were both wearing nearly the same dress, but in different colorways, from Junya Watanabe’s iconic spring 2003 collection. It happens enough in the world of fashion, but I’ve never run into anyone with the same vintage jewelry—yet.
Here, a selection of some of the best places to shop for vintage and antique jewelry in New York.
Pippin
Located at the crossroads of Union Square and the heart of Chelsea, this proverbial jewel box of a store is packed with every kind of vintage jewelry piece one could ever desire. Think: Victorian mourning treasures, 1950s sparkling costume jewelry brooches from brands like Weiss and Coro, vintage compacts, 1980s heavy hitter gold rings, antique coral necklaces, huge carved cameos and mid-century watches. The shop has a small-town feel, so you’ll never know what you’ll find. It’s a rare spot that inspires discovery and exploration at every price point.
Amarcord
If you’re looking for expertly curated designer vintage costume jewelry from the greats (Chanel! Yves Saint Laurent! Karl Lagerfeld!) Amarcord in Brooklyn is your spot. The boutique also offers chunky unsigned gems, big collar necklaces, huge brooches and major clip-on earrings that wow. Expect extremely rare, grail-worthy runway bracelets or necklaces from Chanel alongside more affordable options from costume jewelry legends like Monet.
Kentshire
If you’re seeking top tier, museum-level fine jewelry from the Victorian era to the 1980s, Kentshire is the place to go. Located inside the legendary Bergdorf Goodman department store, the shop is a family business that has spanned three generations since the 1940s. Expect to find splurge-worthy gems like heavy gold necklaces from Tiffany Co. and Cartier, Art Deco diamond bracelets, and rare coral rings and earrings from Van Cleef Arpels. There’s an emphasis on signed pieces from historic jewelry houses, but also a fair share of antique gold and gemstone-laden rings. Also on display: a small selection of designer costume jewelry.
Chelsea Flea
Every weekend, rain or shine, Chelsea Flea takes place on West 25th Street. A collective of ever-rotating vendors offer everything one could ever imagine, including some of the best vintage jewelry in the city—if you aren’t afraid to put in a little time, ask questions and know what you’re looking for. Finds as low as $5 exist. Some days there are Victorian lockets or silver; on others, it’s all about 1950s crystal necklaces, Southwest turquoise, or funky early 2000s rings.
Icon Style
This Upper West Side boutique is packed to the brim with unusual vintage and antique gems. Think: Georgian era brooches, Victorian snake rings, early 20th-century sterling necklaces and fun costume jewelry options. One could spend hours gazing into the cases, but here it’s about the thrill of the find and never knowing what might inspire you, whether it’s a 1930s arm cuff or a hulking animal-shaped brooch.
Gray Davis
.jpg)
Fans of antique jewelry will happily find everything from dripping moonstone festoon necklaces to diamond rivieras at Gray Davis on West 13th Street. An emphasis is placed on classic collectible pieces, like gold Victorian snake necklaces, engraved lockets, and extremely unique chains, collars and bracelets that feature the kind of workmanship that only an antique could. It’s the perfect spot for picking up a new heirloom, or a piece of celebratory jewelry to mark a milestone.
City Opera Thrift Shop
Located in Chelsea, this jewel of a small curated boutique has a small selection of expertly chosen costume jewelry, typically under $100. Think: chunky statement necklaces, funky brooches, and thick gold tone chokers from an ’80s dream. Plus, with 100% of proceeds supporting New York City Opera, your purchase is proudly giving back and doing good.
Sheri’s Vintage Costume Jewelry and Bridal Jewelry Salon
If you want to be truly overwhelmed and spoiled for choice for brilliant and beautiful vintage costume jewelry, Sheri’s is your place. Step inside and marvel at the many, many chunky gold tone necklaces, collars, rings, clip-on earrings and more, all of which lend major impact to an outfit. The maximalist aesthetic is alive and well here, and the emphasis on larger-than-life jewelry with personality can’t be found anywhere else.
The RealReal
Maybe you know this circular economy giant for its steady rotation of supreme designer vintage, but the jewelry section at its SoHo location is also worth a pilgrimage. Case after case contains stunning unsigned vintage and secondhand fine jewelry–from 1970s gold bracelets and watches to glammed-up 1940s gem-set tubogas necklaces. Also, expect the usual fan favorite Cartier and Van Cleef Arpels bestsellers, plus a selection of vintage engagement rings and wedding bands.