Fast fashion has taught us to see jewellery as disposable — inexpensive, plated pieces that tarnish quickly and end up in landfill long before they could become heirlooms.
But as more people step away from throwaway fashion, there’s a quiet shift towards jewellery that lasts. Quality over quantity. Craft over convenience. And increasingly, shoppers are finding what they want in the past.
Why vintage jewellery is the sustainable choice
Buying vintage or antique jewellery means extending the life of something that already exists. There’s no new mining, no industrial production, and no carbon-heavy supply chains.
It’s a simple equation: every vintage piece bought is one less newly manufactured item demanded. And because antique pieces were designed to last, they won’t need replacing a season later.
Quality matters here.
Victorian gold chains were often solid 18ct. Art Deco engagement rings were hand-set in platinum. Even mid-century silver pieces were usually sterling rather than plated. These materials don’t just endure — they often improve with age, developing a rich patina and softness that new jewellery can’t imitate.
📖 Ellen MacArthur Foundation on the circular economy — why reusing and repurposing existing goods is one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact.
Why Gen Z are driving the shift towards vintage
Younger shoppers are rejecting fast fashion’s churn. Instead, they’re building personal collections around longevity and individuality — one standout piece at a time.
Vintage searches in the UK grew nearly 30% year-over-year, and almost half (47%) of shoppers now consider resale value before buying something new.
Gen Z are leading the charge, here. They want transparency, traceability and ethical sourcing — and vintage delivers all three.
There’s no guesswork about where it came from, no hidden supply chains, and no greenwashing involved. Each piece has already stood the test of time.
📖 Vogue's article "What Does Gen Z Want from Jewellery?" describes how Gen Z consumers are demanding jewellery that reflects individuality, values, and emotional resonance. They prefer sentimental or heirloom-style pieces, upcycling/recycling, and sustainability.
Why vintage jewellery holds its value
While fast-fashion jewellery has no resale value, well-made antique pieces often appreciate over time. Rarity, craftsmanship and precious metals all contribute to their lasting worth.
It’s why collectors view buying vintage jewellery as part of their portfolio — and why a single Victorian locket can outlast a dozen trend-led purchases. Older pieces often have intrinsic material value that supports their long-term price, even during market fluctuations.
📖 How to Invest in Jewellery in the UK from MoneyMagpie explains why antique jewellery, particularly pieces with provenance, often increase in value.
Gatsby’s perspective on slow fashion jewellery
At Gatsby, every piece we source is chosen for its craftsmanship, condition and provenance. We’re not chasing trends — we’re curating the jewellery that deserves to survive them.
Victorian lockets with hand-engraved initials, Art Deco engagement rings with old-cut diamonds, mid-century gold chains with their signature patina — each is a reminder that jewellery should be made to last a lifetime, not a season.
For us, slow fashion means more than buying less. It means choosing well, and choosing once. Because true style doesn’t expire, and neither should your jewellery.
Browse our collection of vintage and antique jewellery here!
