Let Down Your Heirlooms
It’s no secret that we love jewellery capable of lasting a lifetime, so it’s not really a surprise that we find this year’s heirloom trend very exciting indeed. An heirloom is an object that gets passed down through generations, usually beautiful or valuable - but always original, and always meaningful. Heirlooms are often symbolic of our unique accomplishments, family and identity - but what we love most about this trend is the challenge it poses to disposable fashion. What’s more sustainable than a ring that lasts a lifetime? A ring that lasts three!
A selection of designers from the Seekd shop for good event at The Goldsmiths’ centre which had a focus on reinventing heirlooms.
The joy of heirlooms - whether it’s a ring, a watch, or a necklace - is their habit of collecting emotions and memories. That’s why there are few pieces more valuable than those passed down to us by the people we love. In a recent article for Vogue, a collection of designers opened up about the emotional weight behind their favourite pieces. Rejina Pyo described her memories of a pearl necklace passed from mother-in-law to mother to daughter: “I remember watching her put it on to go to friends’ weddings when I was a child, and telling her how beautiful it was.” Gabriela Hearst explored the superstition that we often attach to heirlooms: “I think this chain with its charms represents what a mother is: protection and love. I always wear it, unless my husband is travelling, in which case, I give it to him for protection.”
Despite the differences in the stories, there was a common message. The memories - of mothers, fathers, grandparents and favourite aunts - can transform even the most humble pieces into a precious amulet, imbued with family magic. This trend invites us to connect with our roots and celebrate the things that make us unique - without being unkind to the planet.
Swapna Mehta is a jeweller inspired by her heritage and driven by sustainability. “Luxury is not about owning an expensive branded piece,” she says. “It’s about having something that is as unique as your fingerprint.” She travels to remote villages and towns across India, hunting for rare treasures and ornaments, “sometimes broken, sometimes with a piece missing, mostly abandoned.” Recently, she combined five pendants from different parts of India to create a single necklace that hums with heritage - using ancient techniques passed down by artisans. So, in a way, her process of creation is an heirloom too, using traditional hand-crafting skills to breathe new life into old pieces.
It’s true that sometimes the most interesting heirlooms need a little work before they can truly sparkle. Tabitha Simmons tells the story of her grandmother’s charm bracelet: “It actually began life as a watch chain belonging to my great-grandfather. Somewhere along the line it was divided in half and made into two bracelets - one for my grandmother, and one for her sister.” One of the most sustainable aspects of the heirloom trend is that tinkering with pieces - pulling them apart and putting them back together - can extend their life indefinitely. From turning that engagement ring into a pendant, to splitting a pair of earrings into charms for two bracelets - it’s all about being thoughtful with the pieces that are special to us. The only limit is the skill of your designer.
Designers like Melanie Kamsler, who takes the emotions we attach to our heirlooms so seriously that she offers energy clearing for antique engagement rings and wedding bands, in order to guarantee a fresh start, regardless of the jewellery’s past. “We believe in the notion that crystals and gemstones can hold and disperse energy,” she explains. “We like to offer energy clearing with an intention of high-vibrational energy and love.” It’s not for everyone, but it’s nice to have the option - and it’s something you can do yourself - so if you hate your ex, but you love their taste in birthday jewelry, it might be time to invest in some sage.
Even if you don’t have a family treasure chest to plunder, you can still join the party thanks to designers leaning into vintage aesthetics and anyone selling pre-loved statement pieces. If you’re keen to stay runway-ready, keep an eye out for pearls, seen on SS20 runways in every form from layered necklaces to headpieces by Khaite. Big hoops are back, too (did they ever really leave?) - with Proenza and Oscar de la Renta sending oversized power hoops down the runway. Speaking of earrings, they’re going solo this season. Oscar de la Renta, Tibi and Prabal Gurung are featuring single statement earrings - so it’s an excellent time for jewellery boxes with missing pieces.
We’re passionate about sustainability, and heirloom jewellery is probably one of the most sustainable trends we’ve seen in a while - it’s all about sharing, reusing and upcycling pieces. We’re putting a middle finger up to disposable fashion, and learning to respect our elders. After all, the more ‘old’ stones we have in circulation, the less we need to dig up[a] - and less demand on natural resources means a happier planet.
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Seekd are here to help you invest in fairly produced, quality items that you’ll love for a lifetime. Take a look through our collections to learn more about the Seekd ethos.