Top 3 places to find unique jewelry

Unique pieces of jewelry may not be available in the local shopping mall. Searching for vintage fashion jewelry and handmade pieces can take several shopping trips.Here are three great places to find unique jewelry pieces.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores often have a reputation for being dirty, unorganized, and full of treasures. Valuable antique jewelry, vintage jewelry, and trendy jewelry can be found through frequent donations of local persons in the area. Thrift stores supported by hospitals and churches often have the best jewelry collections available for purchase.

Flea Markets and Festivals

Local amateur artists sell their unique jewelry lines in flea markets or community festivals. Always ask for a discount for purchasing more than one item, or if the piece of jewelry sounds overpriced. Flea markets are usually open on weekends only. Visit merchants towards to end of the selling week. This could be a few hours before closing time. Make your best offer, when the chances of additional buyers for the day are slim.

Look for tables of booths that have inexpensive fashion jewelry. These may be the same styles found in the shopping malls and fashion jewelry boutiques. Ask for specific fashion jewelry colors or styles while browsing. Many times there are multiple booths owned by the same vendor. Small talk may open the door to finding a great discounted fashion jewelry line.

Art Galleries

Small local art galleries may have paintings, prints, handmade pottery, stone wear, and jewelry. Jewelry lines found within local galleries are often limited to a few pieces. Each artist in the gallery may have a business card attached or given away with each item purchased. Visit the artists website or request a catalog through the information listed on the business card. If there is only an email or address listed write and request to be notified of product line updates. Do an Internet search to find local jewelry artists.

Shop a few times each year to find unique jewelry pieces. Experiment with different styles, hardware, and sizes. Try large bold earrings, long necklaces, natural stone bracelets, and vintage watches. Get on the mailing list of all shops that offer highly desirable jewelry lines.

Online vintage marketplaces and craft based websites will have items for sale from all vintage eras. Odd jewelry made out of promotional metal buttons, logo clothing, or industrial materials can be found online. Wear the unique jewelry pieces found for special occasions, daily wear, or to complement a professional wardrobe.