About Us
Michelle's Vintage Jewelry began in 2003 with the goal of bringing jewelry to life through history.
Hello and thank you for visiting! I love the sparkle and patina that comes with older jewelry. We travel to sales and auctions to acquire our unique vintage inventory and we buy from collectors. I have sold the larger antique finds locally and built our website for the jewelry and smaller accessory items. I do all the photography with an older camera and several lighting setups. One room is dedicated to photography and inventory and another room is my studio. I have recently added a welder to the studio to work on upcycling. Here is a shot of my upcycling studio:
We are located in Minnesota; If you are in the area and would like to see our selection in person, please call!
Our site has been featured in several books including "The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget" by Kate Harrison. I did a presentation for the Minnesota Historical Society called "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" about jewelry collectibles from World War II including pieces that my Grandfather made for my Grandmother.
Our clients include collectors, wedding parties, theatrical productions, and the costume department of a major production movie released in 2012!
We carry antique and vintage fine and costume jewelry.
We accept credit cards by cart and by phone. You can also call ahead to visit and shop in person.
Antique jewelry is 100 years old or older. Antique jewelry covers several periods of time including:
Victorian: late 1830's through the early 1900's. Named for Queen Victoria who reigned from 1837 through 1901. The Victorian period of jewelry covers a long span of time. Beginning with a romantic period with the marriage of Victoria to Prince Albert, then covering the morning period with the death of her beloved prince in 1861. The latter part of the Victorian period reflects coming out of mourning and reflects the archeological findings in other countries including the discovery of diamonds in Africa.
Edwardian: 1901 - 1910. Named for Queen Victoria's son- King Edward VIII,
Art Nouveau: Late 1880's through 1915. Very free flowing and creative with themes of nature and women.
Here is a link to our video from 2012 with examples of antique clasps and findings:
Some wonderful reviews received by some of our customers:
"I wanted you to know the crystal bracelet I ordered from you in Dec was beautiful. It was just as you told me about it on the phone. Also I appreciated how quickly it arrived and that it was in a box. I love vintage jewelry and will order from you again knowing I can trust you. Thank you Michelle "
Sherry K.
"Michelle, I have been meaning to let you know how happy I am with my order. It is always difficult to tell from pictures on a computer, but the pins quite surpassed my expectations. They were gorgeous and in perfect shape. You have a great shop. Thanks "
Anney W.
"Hi Michelle, My sister and I ordered two barrettes from you to wear to our youngest sister's wedding next month where we are bridesmaids and maid of honor. The barrettes came in today and they are beautiful! We are so thrilled that we chose you to purchase our hair accessories. I will be a repeat customer. "
Susan M.
"Hi Michelle, Just wanted to say THANK YOU for my amazing jewelry set! It's absolutely beautiful and is very high quality, can't wait to see how it looks with my wedding dress. :) ."
Juliana L.
"Dear Michelle, I just wanted to thank you again. The necklace is gorgeous! My wedding is on Sunday and it looks really nice with the dress. I can't wait to wear it." Laura G.
"Hi Michelle, I just wanted to let you know that the earrings arrived safely and
they're just fabulous. I will be back shopping at your website in the future. Thank you for your wonderful service and super quick shipping."
Inger B.
"Dear Michelle, I have received the Victorian bar brooch. It is so very elegant and absolutely beautiful. I will treasure it and enjoy wearing it."
Elizabeth J.
"Hi, Michelle. I received my DeLill train purse today and just wanted to let you know that I love it! It's adorable. Thank you so much."
Shelly K.
"I just wanted to say thank you for the prompt shipment.
I received the package today and I must say, the picture on the website does not
do the brooch justice! My cousin will be absolutely shocked when
she opens her thank you gift from my fiance and I at our wedding rehearsal. Thanks again!"
Jennifer L.
"Dear Michelle,
I received the two beautiful barrettes today and I wanted to thank you so much for your prompt service! The packaging was beautiful and I felt so special opening them! ...I could just tell by your website that alot of thought and care went into your products and it really shows, in your prompt delivery, beautiful products, etc. I wish you continued success in the future! Thanks, again." Barrett L.
"Hi Michelle,
The necklace is perfect and thanks so much for getting it out to me so fast. Thanks!" Anne M.
"Hi Michelle! The bangle arrived on Tuesday and I was
very very happy! I still am happy! I hope you'll have more great bangles
on your website soon. I will definitely order from you again." Dana J.
"Thank you! I have to tell you, I love your stuff and will definitely be back to shop." Gina H.
"Michelle, I received the purse and earrings today and I couldn't be more pleased.
Thank you so much for such great service(your quick responses to my
inquiries, lovely packing of items, and fast delivery). Since my
purchase, I have enjoyed going back to your website multiple times just
to browse through all your beautiful selections. Thanks again,"
Barbara R.
"Dear Michelle, I just wanted to let you know that I received your wonderful items today. I am very happy with the pieces that I received and will look forward to shopping with you again."
Lorraine L.
"Thank you. I received the brooch on yesterday. It is beautiful, more so than I imagined. Your service is wonderful and just wanted to let you know. Thanks again," Michelle B. "Dear Michelle, I received my 3 necklaces a few weeks back & I wanted to say how beautiful they all are. These are added to the ones I purchased previously from you. I get so many compliments when I wear them. Your pictures & descriptions are wonderful & I have not been disappointed when I received my treasures. If anything they are more beautiful in person. Thank you again!" Christine C.
"Oh My Goodness! This locket is SO beautiful! Thank you thank you
thank you! My daughter-in-law is going to LOVE it!" Jackie J.
"Michelle, I wanted to send you a special thank you for the beautiful Trifari earring and pin set I purchased from you. It is perfect for my outfit for my daughter's wedding...exactly what I was looking for. The photo of it was gorgeous, but it is even more beautiful in person! I am thrilled with it. You made my first experience buying vintage jewelry online easy and pleasant. " Susan D.
" Dear Michelle, I received the Trifari necklace and earrings set today, My God! Not only are the pieces extremely beautiful, but so clean and in perfect condition for a vintage item. I couldn't believe it! Really they are awesome! Thank you again," Marlene M.
"Dear Michelle: I got the bracelet today! It is a perfect match for the rest of my set and now I have the complete parure! It is in perfect condition and arrived very quickly. I am totally thrilled and will look forward to doing business with you in the future. What a beautiful set. Mille Grazie, merci beaucoup, muchos gracias, and thank you!" Meredith K.
"Hi Michelle, Your coil wrap bracelet arrived and it's more pretty in person. Thanks so much for a speedy delivery! " Claude G.
"Hi Michelle! I just wanted to let you know that I received my red earrings in the mail yesterday, they are even more beautiful than the picture! Thank You Very Much!" Barbara P.
"Hi there. I arrived home to find it waiting for me today, which is brilliant timing,
as it's my wife's birthday tomorrow. Thank you very much, it is a lovely piece. Thanks again!" Chris H
"Dear Michelle, I have safely received the cameo brooch with pearls yesterday. It is just gorgeous and very lovely. " Chikako M.
"Michelle,
I received the barrettes yesterday and they are beautiful! Thank you so
much for sending them so quickly! I will definitely keep your card on hand
in the future! Thanks again. " Sarah S.
"Michelle, Thanks SO much for the amazing clips - they are gorgeous! Again, thanks - what wonderful service and clips." Veronica W.
"Michelle, Just wanted to Thank You for the help with finding the perfect necklace for my daughters wedding. I gave her the necklace at her Bridal Shower and she was so amazed by it's beauty. She had been looking all over the internet and never had success. Thanks to you I was a success. You and your Jewelry are truly a blessing.
We love it " Lisa and Brittany C.
"Michelle Thanks, I received my earrings today! They are beautiful " Susie R.
"Dear Michelle, I had to let you know that the lipstick holder arrived in fine shape and I LOVE IT!! Thanks again very much!!" Louise V.
"I wanted to let you know the earrings arrived safely and they are absolutely beautiful! I love the spring colors. I look forward to doing business again with you." Jeannie M.
" Hi Michelle, I just wanted to thank you! I received the bracelet and I love it! It is exactly what I had been scouring the web for!" Kate D.
"Hello, I just wanted to let you know that my order arrived yesterday. Wow, that was fast! And, both purses are absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait to use them both. Thank you so much for your prompt service, and for offering such beautiful items." Maura S.
"Michelle, You are an awesome seller! Thanks for shipping it so quick. It's just
beautiful as I expected! It was really a pleasure. " Yvonne M.
"Dear Michelle, Received the gloves -- way ahead of expected date! Am absolutely thrilled!! They fit perfectly, and your representation of condition was more than accurate -- as were your photos. Thank you so very much!!" Barbara B.
"Michelle, Both necklaces came today & they are beautiful. I know I will get alot of compliments on them. Thank you!" Christine C.
"Michelle, Happy New Year! I have received the Kramer set and am thrilled with the purchase. Thank you for your good customer service and great product. " Lindsay B.
"Hello Michelle, I received my red Florenza Brooch today. It is as pretty as the picture you have. I love it. Thanks so much, Pat G."
"Michelle, My mother just ordered a pair of kid leather gloves for me to wear at my wedding. They are beautiful. Your packaging was wonderful as well. " Jennifer C.
"Hi, Michelle, Ohhhhhh the pin just arrived and it is awesome! I just loveeeee it and it is so much prettier holding it in my hand. I am so thrilled. Thank you for a great transaction and I hope to order again from you. Have a wonderful weekend." MJ
"Got my package today. Wow!! I love it. Thanks soo much." Viv S.
"Hi Michelle, Just wanted to let you know the necklace arrived safe and sound. It is magnifico! Bellissimo!" Regards , Zein M.
"Dear Michelle, I received the pin today. It is so pretty and in wonderful condition. Thank you so much. I will definitely buy from you again." Regina E.
"Hi, Michelle! The bracelets arrived today. All in top condition. They are absolutely wonderful!" Mareike C.
"Good morning, Michelle! I just received the Wreath Christmas Pin that I ordered yesterday... yet another beautiful piece! Yours will be the first site I'll go to when I'm looking for a piece of vintage jewelry. Quality jewelry and the best of customer service! Thank you!" Susan W.
"Michelle, I received the barrettes in the mail, yesterday. As usual, they're awesome! You always have the prettiest things. Thanks!" Erica J.
"Michelle, I just received the brooches. I am very surprised at the cleanliness and excellent condition. I have never purchased costume jewelry before and am pleasantly surprised. Best Regards," Rose W.
"Michelle, Thank you again for your prompt response to my recent purchase. I wanted to let you know the package was received on Monday. I have already had compliments on it from friends that know those are items I collect. Thank you again." Loren V.
"Good Morning, Michelle! I wanted to let you know that I received my pins today and I absolutely love them ... they're beautiful! I'm so pleased ... thank you!" Susan W.
"I just wanted to let you know, the package arrived today. Thank you so much, for such prompt service- the Silver Poodle Brooch is just so Adorable- Just what I needed- Wonderful web-site- Keep up the good work- Hope to do business again soon." Rose M.
"Hi Michelle, The navy purse is here and it is totally adorable! Thank you so very much! Also, I never take careful packing for granted and your packing was exceptional. THANKS!" Sue L.
"I loved the barrette and it was perfect so I just had to come back and buy something else! Thank you!!" Shelley S.
"I got em and love em. Thanks!! I really do love your site. Your stuff is beautiful, beautifully photographed, and fairly priced. I'm so glad I found it" Joanne xx
Our jewelry was featured in "Country Living Magazine" May 2008
We are featured in Home Business Magazine October 2006 Issue
And some of our vintage jewelry was featured in a Retro Jewelry article in the June 2004 issue of "Wire Artist Jeweller"
We won the Gold World Wide Web Award August 2006