Jean Jean Vintage | Vintage and antique jewelry

JEAN JEAN OPENING WEEKEND JUNE 8-10th

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 20:16:00 +0000

Jean Jean Vintage opens its doors in REO Town on Friday, June 8th, 10-6 PM. Please stop by and introduce yourself, try something on, tell me a story about your favorite piece of jewelry . . . I can't wait to host you. THANK YOU!

Jean Jean Vintage

1136 S. Washington Ave.

Lansing, MI 48910

Jean Jean Vintage Brick and Mortar Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 16:25:00 +0000

If you have been following along with @jeanjeanvintage on Instagram, you know that I have been busy since the start of the year renovating and getting settled in my new shop space in historic REO Town, Lansing. I fell in love with a little Art Deco building in that neighborhood last year: it was a match made in jewelry heaven and I hope that we will live happily ever after. The big news is that I will be open for appointments starting in May! Please email (jeanjeanvintage@gmail.com) or call so that we can find a time for you to stop by. I would love to host you. I will have regular Friday/Saturday retail hours starting after Memorial Day Weekend!

You can read a bit about what makes Jean Jean tick, and how I picked REO Town for my headquarters, in this Lansing City Pulse Article.

Door painting by the amazing Kelly Golden - that is 23K gold, people!

Finally, thank you for all of the emails, notes, convos, messages, and emojis of encouragement these past several weeks. They sustain me!

M∙O∙V∙I∙N∙G 💍 S∙A L∙E

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:13:00 +0000

MOVING SALE!

Friends! I will be moving Jean Jean HQ at the end of the month to a beautiful storefront in REO Town, Lansing, and I need to clean shop! Big sales on EV-ER-Y-THING for one week. Cachet Collection, ES FUI skullies, engagement rings, Czech jewelry . . . Just enter one of these coupon codes at check out, depending on your order total. These are linked to take you to the shop, too!

10% off $100 or more: MOVING10

20% off $250 or more: MOVING20

30% off $500 or more: MOVING30

Wait what? You are opening a storefront? Yes! You can read all about it right here in the Lansing City Pulse.

Real talk about being a "mom boss" with Pinhole Press

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 17:27:00 +0000

Hey hey! Pinhole Press (@pinholepress) asked me to write a little (unpaid!) piece about being a mom + entrepreneur and it's live today. It's a short read, with a few shout outs and some real-talk. There are a few shout outs - @marlaaaron @jewelsbygrace @margaretcross @graydaystudio @metiersf - and some real talk. THANK YOU to all of you who are sticking around to support my work through the child-rearing years. You know who you are. And thank you to Pinhole Press for finding me. I've been ordering from them since Severen was born, and now I use a few of their products for my business, too. Love 'em.

TRUNK SHOW THIS SATURDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 17:49:00 +0000

ANN ARBOR TRUNK SHOW ✨Dear Golden is hosting Jean Jean for a day-long trunk show this Saturday, June 24th. I will set up with the full Cachet and ES FUI collections, piles of vintage and antique accessories (including lots you have never seen before), and most of my gemstone rings. ✨If you are local and are considering an engagement ring in the shop, this is a GREAT opportunity to see your favorites in person. If you plan to stop by to try on diamonds, kindly contact me in advance so that I can be sure to bring your top picks and their appraisals for your review 💍 Also, if you have antique jewelry that you want to know more about, bring it in and we can look at it together when there is down time 🔍 Psst. There MAY be rosé after 5 PM (wink wink).

JUNE WEEKEND SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:58:00 +0000

WEEKEND SALE! Take 15% off the entire shop through Monday. Your checkout code is:

JUNESALE15 🏷

Jean Jean will donate 15% of sales this weekend to the National Resource Defense Council, an organization of environmental crusaders who use advocacy, litigation, and research to fight for the good of us all.

Click here to visit the freshly-stocked shop.

Mother's Day Is Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Wed, 03 May 2017 15:28:00 +0000

Mother's Day is coming up soon, my friends. I know, because I look forward alllll year to getting crèpes and coffee in bed! If you are looking for a little something to gift this year, we have the Cachet Collection is ready-to-ship in over a dozen designs. Personally, I think that Cachet no. 4 would be a perfect choice for the courageous, unflappable, even-keeled Mama in your life. The image of a cliff weathering a tempestuous storm is an apt symbol for the role of motherhood, non?!

Jean Jean CACHET COLLECTION: Victoriana for the modern woman

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:49:00 +0000

The Cachet Collection is a captivating range of double-sided, Victorian wax seal replicas, cast in fine metal from rare sets of 19th century (ca. 1840s) French and Italian matrices. Made start to finish in Michigan.

"Cachet" is French for a "seal affixed to a letter or document," which was the purpose of the original seals. Victorian men and women would keep a seal (or set of seals) at their desk, right next to their ink and pen, paper, candle, and wax. The seals were functional tools but also tiny works of art.

Look closer! The seals are intricately detailed with images and mottos about friendship, love, suffering, luck, and choice. Some of them are incredibly sentimental and moving, others are more lighthearted and witty. The messages of these seals are just as relevant and meaningful now as they were 150 years ago - perhaps even more so.

For the Victorians, choosing which seal to use on the outside of their letter was a very personal and important choice, inspired by the contents of the letter and the recipient. News of a death in the family required a somber seal, a word to a lover something tender or playful, something to an acquaintance or business partner perhaps just the day of the week. The choice is equally personal today: which charm is right for you? As a busy mom and business owner, I wear Cachet No. 4 every day: I strive to be fast and efficient (like the racing greyhound) and also calm and steady (like the cliff in the storm). On a good day, I might even be both at once - just like my charm!

The Cachet Collection is supremely wearable, gift-able, and collectible. Each pendant charm comes with custom ticketing complete with macro photographs of the seal and a meaningful translation. Chains available as well as classy Jean Jean gift bags. Diamond-studded versions are rolling out right now and rings are coming super-soon. Come see me!

SHOP the Jean Jean Cachet Collection

Of late . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 16:39:00 +0000

So much going on at Jean Jean . . . custom Memento Mori jewelry, a line of double-sided French and Italian "etui" style pendants on the way, lots of happy couples engaged with Jean Jean diamonds . . . For breaking news and first looks at photographs, please check out my Instagram.

HOLIDAY SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 15:04:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! Please enjoy 20% off Jean Jean Vintage 11/27-11/30. Some restrictions apply.

✭ Back in the saddle sale ✭

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 19:35:00 +0000

15% off the shop through Sunday!

Critter jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:26:00 +0000

There was a little challenge on Instagram last month to share your "critter" jewelery. Here is mine! Some of these are from my personal collection but most of them are in the shop. It's a little heavy on the snakes, I know, but there is also a swan, a pig, and bunny in there!

If you don't already follow Jean Jean on Instagram, come on OVER!

Scarab rings

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 17:30:00 +0000

I happened upon a bunch of loose, mid-century "scarabs" - carved semi-precious stones and bright glass cabochons, just waiting for a project. I decided to try a super simple ring design and I am very pleased with the results. Look for a selection of these custom rings in the shop later this Spring!

5th Anniversary Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:10:00 +0000

Happy 5th Birthday to Jean Jean Vintage! I listed my first items in the shop five years ago today. I kept my tiny inventory in an old tool box (above), which doubled as the backdrop for my photos. I walked to the post office with my orders in a little purse. There was no Facebook page, no Twitter account, no Instagram, no electronic labels, no fancy camera . . . just Etsy and my little blog. Some of my very first customers from 2010 are still regular visitors to the shop now, five years later, which is a great joy and honor to me.

I almost closed the business in 2012 (inches away!) but I am glad I didn't because it has turned into something bigger and better in the last year or so. I am very pleased to offer fine jewelry now, especially engagement pieces and custom rings, and I have great things in the works for this year. Things will slow down a bit later this spring with the arrival of our second child (!) but the show will go on, I promise. Thank you for coming along on the ride. Here's to five more years.

Please enjoy 20% off the shop for the next few days (March 12-14)

and THANK YOU for your enthusiasm and support!

Art Deco diamond cocktail ring

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:18:00 +0000

I was so excited to find this one. It is a 14K white gold filigree Art Deco ring set with three Old European Cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in octagonal bezels in a North-South (vertical) stack. Gorgeous die-casting with twenty-two piercings around the setting, including a star-like frame of triangles around the central diamond. Hand sawed and engraved details to accent, with two orange blossoms engraved at either end and feathering on the shoulders. A sparkling engagement ring or a pretty cocktail ring!

Happy Long Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 18:44:00 +0000

I hope everyone is enjoying a long weekend. Things have been busy around Jean Jean Headquarters lately. Here was a quiet moment from the afternoon yesterday, which was sunny and freezing around these parts!

Valentine's Giveaway ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:42:00 +0000

I am hosting a giveaway with Ruby over at mycakies just in time for Valentine's Day! To enter, just leave a comment on her Instagram post telling who you would like to send this sweet package to (your sister? your best friend? your amazing co-worker?) and why. The package includes a vintage 12K GF and sterling silver heart locket, a chocolate treat, and a Valentine's Day card. Giveaway ends 8 PM PST on Wednesday. I will ship the package to you, or directly to your friend, first thing Thursday morning via Priority Mail to get it there in time for Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day!

Lately in the shop

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:15:00 +0000

Happy New Year! The shop is off to a great start, with lots of new inventory and some special projects in the works. I will celebrate my 5th Jean Jean Vintage-versary next month so stay tuned for a special birthday sale!

Lately in the shop

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 14:10:00 +0000

A few photos from around the shop lately. If you fancy a bit of holiday shopping this weekend, you will find a super-top-secret coupon code over on My Cakies Blog. Ruby did a sweet write up of Jean Jean Vintage and has a great discount to offer readers. Bon weekend!

❆ HOLIDAY SALE ❆

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 04:05:00 +0000

Jean Jean Vintage is 15% off for the holiday weekend, Black Friday through December 1st! Happy Holiday weekend - I can't wait to send you something special.

Shop: Necklaces ▴ Lockets and pendants ▴ Rings ▴ Bracelets ▴ Earrings ▴ Brooches and pins

Necklaces coming soon . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 21:27:00 +0000

These (and more!) necklaces are coming to the shop very soon. Holiday prep is almost done here at Jean Jean Vintage! There will be lots of new listings in the next few weeks and a big sale (shh!) for Black Friday and the weekend to follow. What is on your Jean Jean wishlist?

New rings

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 20:20:00 +0000

Five très jolies rings just hit the shop. The moss agate is my favorite, the intaglio is the rarest, the tourmaline and amethyst is the sparkliest, the cigar band is the most wearable, and the pale amethyst and seed pearl is the prettiest. All winners.

Custom Victorian glass signet seal rings

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:32:00 +0000

I recently acquired several Victorian glass intaglio seals, loose and begging to be set as rings. I've chosen to set them simply in 10K yellow gold. The prongs grip the seal at the beveled side, allowing the intaglio face to remain unhindered (i.e. if you want to actually stamp with your ring, you can!) The seals are deep, giving the rings an impressive profile. Orders placed by the middle of November can be ready in time for Christmas - what a perfect gift! $680 + shipping. Layaway optional.

The signets read, left to right, top to bottom:

Elle est legere (It is lightweight), with an image of a chain

Paix a mon ami (Peace to my friend), with a dove and laurel branch

~~Je me change qu'en mourant (I will remain steadfast until death), with a leaf SOLD~~

Le globe est ma patrie (the planet is my nation/country), with a globe

~~Qui me neglige, me perd (He who neglects me, loses me), with a bird escaping a cage SOLD~~

May the (wings) of friendship never lose (a feather), with wings and a feather

Repondez s'il vous plait (Reply, if you please)

A's well that ends well . . . , with a thistle

Usque ad cineres (Until ashes), with clasped hands

~~We part to meet again, with a pair of scissors SOLD~~

If you are interested in ordering a custom ring, please contact me.

Victorian Stag Locket

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:07:00 +0000

I just listed an incredible locket this afternoon - a ca. 1880s Victorian stag locket with enamel details. The stag was a symbol of harmony and honor ("will fight if needed" kind of thing) to the Victorians and Queen Victoria herself had several items of jewelry with either stag teeth or stag motifs. Her husband, Prince Albert, enjoyed hunting the animal. The blue enamel on the locket forms the horizon behind the stag, which stand majestically on a rocky slope. The details on the animal are wonderful and the locket is in excellent condition. I don't believe it was ever worn, actually.

In this article, you can read about some of the teeth (human and animal!) jewelry that Queen Victoria possessed and see a fascinating stag tooth necklace gifted to her by Prince Albert.

HONEYBEE Czech necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Jean Vintage) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:07:00 +0000

This necklace, which is most certainly Czech in origin, makes me very excited. It is so rare to find front-clasp necklace like this. In fact, I was only able to find three other examples around the web this week (two of which come from this shop, which I would argue has the best selection of collectible Czech jewelry on Etsy). What makes this necklace even more interesting is the color choice - bold, nearly neon yellow and black. I've truly never seen anything like it. I hope it goes to a great home.