Vintage earrings can be found at the bottom of a mother or grandmother’s jewelry box or in thrift, consignment, and vintage shops. Purchase the earrings that have a personal appeal (meaning they’ll get worn). If the clip doesn’t close tightly, try inserting a piece of double-sided foam tape to fill the gap and hold the earring shut.
If the earrings are particularly dear to the owner, it would be best to try these techniques when at home rather than wearing the look to work or a party and risk losing the earrings. Because of their configuration, screw-back earrings are little more challenging to adapt, be willing to experiment.
What to Do with Vintage Jewelry
- Change the Earring Backs to Pierced – Although this may be the most obvious option, it involves an individual to posses the tools and skills to do this or it requires hiring someone to carry out the task. Either option may mean that the earrings are going to stay stuck in a box.
- Clip Earrings to Shoes – Depending on the sizing and style of the shoe, the earrings can be attached near the front of the shoe, the side, or the back by the heel. Try this before heading out for the evening. If the earring back is pressing into the top of the foot or wearing a blister by the heel, it doesn’t matter how great the look.
- Use Vintage Earrings as Hair Ornaments – Style hair as desired and then attach the earrings into the hairstyle. Anchor them in place with a bobby pin. Several different vintage earrings could be worn together for a sparkling look.
- Add Some Bling to Lingerie – Clip a single earring between bra cups. Attach a pair to the bra straps – either in front near the cups or in back by the band. Attach a single earring to the waistband a pretty pair of panties. Use a couple of earrings to clip the two sides of a delicate robe shut (or partly shut).
- Decorate a Shirt Collar – Attach a matching pair of earrings to the collar of a blouse. Because of the extra weight at the top of the shirt, keep the shirt buttoned high or the fabric may flop from side-to-side.
- Bedazzle a Neckline – On a collarless shirt, clip a pair of earrings close together to give the look of a single decorative brooch.
- Clip onto a Simple Cocktail Dress – Add some interest to a plain dress by attaching vintage earrings along the neckline or even to the back of the dress, particularly if it is scooped or in a deep ‘v.’
- Add Sparkle to Necklaces and Bracelets – Clip matching or complementary vintage earrings to a chunky chain or beaded (pearl) necklace. Use double-sided foam tape that will hold the earrings in place without damaging any of the jewelry.
- Adorn a Purse or Evening Bag – Clip an earring or a few onto the strap, as a zipper pull, or anywhere else it will stay in place.
- Wear the Clip-on Earrings – Try wearing them as they were meant to be worn…as earrings.
Adding a vintage clip-on earring to a shirt, purse, shoe, undergarment, etc. give the piece a new use and a new look. Some vintage pieces will really stand out on their own, so make certain not to clutter up one’s look and allow the earrings to shine.
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