Honestly, I'm not totally surprised that gaudy '80s jewellery is back in. Look at the biggest S/S 19 trends and you'll see that Chanel is fully embracing the decade by sending its iconic chain jewellery back down the runway, along with shoulder pads and bold logos. But that's not the only reason there's been an increase in demand.
I also spoke to Susan Caplan, the UK's market leader for vintage jewellery, about the trend. "Thanks in part to the growing profile of vintage jewellery and conscious purchasing habits, I've noticed demand for these has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years, but we're also in the midst of a particular spike right now," she says.
The combination of wanting to invest in items that last, opting for vintage over new, as well as tapping into a current trend is a winner. If like me, you're thinking about purchasing some classic Chanel earrings, there's one piece of advice Susan told me: Check the weight.
"Of course, a manufacturer's stamp is another indicator," advises Susan. "But not all authentic Chanel pieces carry a stamp, so actually, the first thing I look at is the weight [ed. note—it should feel heavy in your hand], together with craftsmanship."