Business Details
23 Years
experience
Vintage Costume Jewellery Oxford
Caroline Henney has been serving discerning customers for over two decades, offering an unparalleled selection of vintage and antique jewellery. Founded on a lifelong passion for costume jewellery and accessories, our business combines deep expertise with a commitment to quality and authenticity. Our founder, Caroline Henney, brings extensive experience from her 20-year tenure in Oxford's antiques centres, where she has cultivated relationships with collectors, TV production teams, and vintage fashion enthusiasts. We specialise in sourcing rare pieces spanning the Victorian era through to the 1980s, including Art Deco brooches, Bakelite bangles, and Scandinavian silver jewellery. Our memberships in specialist societies, including the Plastics Historical Society and The Bead Society of Great Britain, reflect our dedication to preserving the heritage of vintage accessories.With stock available both online and in physical units across Oxford and Cumbria, we provide expert guidance to collectors and casual buyers alike. Our reputation for exceptional customer service is evidenced by numerous testimonials praising our careful packaging, prompt delivery, and knowledgeable assistance. From Hollywood collaborations to local community engagement, we combine professionalism with a personal touch that sets us apart in the vintage jewellery market. Our commitment to transparency and quality ensures every customer receives pieces that meet exacting standards while maintaining their historical integrity.
Services
Vintage Costume Jewellery
Antique Hair Combs
Art Deco Brooches
Bakelite Accessories
Victorian Jet Jewellery
Scandinavian Silver Designs
1950s Fashion Accessories
Wedding Vintage Jewellery
Collectible Powder Compacts
Beaded Accessories
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience curating vintage costume jewellery from Oxford's antiques centres
- Our founder Caroline Henney is a specialist in plastics and vintage vanity items
- We provide expert authentication and historical context for every piece
- Our collection includes TV and film-used items from productions like Poirot
- We offer comprehensive after-sales support with careful packaging and delivery
What people say
Beautifully packaged
Prompt delivery
Excellent condition
Historical context provided
Perfect gifts
Services
Vintage Costume Jewellery Sales
Our vintage costume jewellery collection spans from Victorian jet pieces to 1980s fashion accessories. Each item undergoes careful authentication and cleaning to maintain its historical integrity while ensuring wearable quality. Customers benefit from detailed historical context and expert guidance when selecting pieces. Our inventory includes rare finds from TV productions and private collections, offering unique opportunities for both casual wearers and serious collectors.
Antique Hair Combs
We specialise in antique hair combs and slides from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Our collection includes celluloid, Bakelite, and tortoiseshell pieces in various styles from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. Each item is carefully examined for authenticity and structural integrity before being offered for sale. Customers receive detailed information about each piece's origin and historical significance.
Art Deco Brooches
Our Art Deco brooch selection features diamante, paste, and silver pieces from the 1920s-1940s. Each brooch is authenticated and graded for condition, with special attention to original clasps and settings. We provide historical context about design influences and manufacturing techniques. Many pieces have been featured in television productions and private collections.
Bakelite Accessories
As members of the Plastics Historical Society, we offer an expert-curated selection of Bakelite and early plastic accessories. Our inventory includes bangles, brooches, and vanity items with detailed information about their manufacturing origins. We provide care instructions specific to these materials and help customers identify authentic pieces.
Victorian Jet Jewellery
Our Victorian jet collection includes authentic Whitby jet pieces and vulcanite alternatives. Each item is verified for period authenticity and accompanied by historical context about mourning jewellery traditions. We offer expert advice on proper care and display of these delicate items, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
People
Caroline Henney
Owner and Founder
With over 20 years' experience in Oxford's antiques trade, Caroline Henney brings deep expertise in vintage costume jewellery and accessories. A specialist in plastics and vintage vanity items, she has supplied pieces to major TV productions and lectures on jewellery history. Her memberships in specialist societies reflect her commitment to preserving vintage jewellery heritage.
Questions
What periods of vintage jewellery do you specialise in?
We offer pieces from Victorian era through to 1980s, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and mid-century modern designs.
Do you provide authentication for antique pieces?
Yes, we provide detailed historical context and authentication for all our vintage and antique jewellery items.
Can I visit your physical store locations?
Our stock is available at Antiques on High in Oxford and sister shops in Sidmouth and Bowness on Windermere.
How do you ensure safe delivery of fragile items?
We use reinforced packaging with multiple protective layers to ensure all vintage pieces arrive in perfect condition.
Do you offer combined shipping for multiple purchases?
Yes, we offer combined shipping options which will be calculated automatically at checkout.
Can you help identify unknown vintage jewellery pieces?
While we specialise in specific periods, we can often provide basic identification and historical context for vintage items.
