Vintage Jewelry Fit for Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour

Source: Variety

As I write this, Beyoncé et al have finished their set in Tennessee and are headed to Kentucky. Still no visuals, except a montage of footage from the European leg posted to her and Ben Hagarty's [@benrealvsworld] Instagram pages, the award winning filmmaker behind the Homecoming visuals. Follow him! With that being said, it seems concert-goers and BeyHive members in attendance ARE the visuals. Many enthusiasts end up featured in local news and magazine publications or on Queen Bey's website for their attention to detail on their outfits, dare I say--costumes. I too, plan to come correct on August 5 for her Washington, DC dates (alt: August 6).

My first time seeing Beyoncé was during the Mrs. Carter Tour with my roommate from undergrad. However, my first time should have been in middle school when she was with Destiny's Child. My uncle is a producer and he had backstage passes for my sister and I. We were already scheduled to see family, driving on I-64 past the Hampton Coliseum when the call came through. I'm kicking myself to this day (as if I had any control over that decision). Since then: I attended OTR I/II; Watched Homecoming in my living room; and, I missed the Formation tour due to starting my private practice. I had a budget. Still do. My fellow entrepreneurs get it. Each tour I attend, I pick a music catalogue-themed outfit . . .OTR I = "Crazy In Love." Yes, I wore heels. Yes, I walked over eight blocks to the stadium. No, my feet didn't hurt...nine years later, I now embrace my limitations and will be in sneakers.

In selecting my concert outfits I tend to focus more on the details rather than the clothing itself. Why? They set you apart. If clothing retailers make multiple patterns, sizes, and ship out pallet tons of the same article of clothing, there is a high chance you will don something another concert-goer has on. Especially, if you ordered it from Amazon, SHEIN, or ASOS. No shade. The beauty though is no one is you and we are all unique in the bodies we live. This is where the details work their magic. Lipstick, hair, handbags, shoes, and what this blog post will focus on--jewelry. Procuring items in the thrift stores makes it less likely you will look like anyone else. I began thrift shopping on my own at the age of sixteen; was introduced to this world in elementary school accompanying my mom or great-grandmother. The thrill of the hunt and sustainability of our world fuel my current-day jaunts. The jewelry cases are a gem. Pun intended. Below are the pieces I am contemplating for August 5. Note: I buy jewelry to beef up my collection, not to wear once and toss. I will also feature other places you can look for jewelry for all life occasions, not just concerts.

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff

The bone cuff was designed by Elsa Peretti in the 1970s. Read here for its extensive history. The 1970s marked the inception of Studio54 as well. While I am an 80's baby, I have googled enough pictures of this club (and watched the documentary) to know anyone who was/is anyone was there and dressed to the nines. Tiffany & Co. in partnership with Beyoncé, are showcasing this simplistic and effortless design to the masses during the Bone Cuff's fifty year celebration. The Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff is now offered in sterling silver, white gold and yellow gold ($1,475 - $22,500). <------ Whew! I own Tiffany & Co. pieces (gifts), but I currently do not have an asset to cover these prices. So, in doing some research on artisan silver in 2021, I stumbled across a listing for a 'sculptural vintage cuff' made by Mexican artisans (marked 925 TaxCo). The bone cuff, because of the wrist bone indentation, has a lefthand and righthand iteration as well as shorter and longer lengths (Elsa Peretti version). I purchased a lefthand cuff. Excuse the tarnish present in the picture. Nothing a swift polish can't fix. Price: $299; Polish Cloth available upon request or with purchase of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Source: RCFA; June 25, 2023

Vintage Austrian Crystal

The concert will be outside. It will be hot. I will sweat. I don't want my neck to turn green wearing cheaply-made jewelry. My current jewelry collection includes all precious metal types, however nothing I own independently screams "Renaissance!" I began looking for necklaces to stack, or layer, in May. It wasn't until last weekend I found what I was looking for. I purchased three vintage Austrian crystal necklaces (indecisive). Each necklace has crystals around the full length of the necklace, but displays crystals differently at the décolletage. Austrian crystal is glass mechanically cut to resemble the refraction of precious stones. Vintage jewelry tends to run smaller in length or circumference. Be sure to try on to gauge if it's a good fit. Price: $3.99 - $12.99

Milor

I stumbled upon this marking on a white gold herringbone chain I purchased in a Florida thrift store Christmas 2022. Milor is an Italian family operating out of Milan, Italy since the late 1970s. They produce sterling silver, white gold, and gold jewelry. Milor jewelry can be found in TJMaxx retailers. Price: $149 with daily color discount

Custom Jewelry

Something I notice people miss when adding to their jewelry collections is searching for custom jewelry or consulting a jeweler. I believe Jackie Aina recently vlogged about this on IG or YouTube. Custom jewelry does not equal 'too expensive.' For example, loose gemstones can be purchased and then set per your preference for a fraction of the cost compared to offerings in major jewelry store retailers. I own a few custom designs and guess where I had them fulfilled?! Etsy. I've had loose stones set, simply by asking the shop owner if this can be done. I tend to order jewelry from their south Asian shop listings, specifically India. Shipping time is horrendous should U.S. Customs hold the package, but patience is a virtue. For example, I completed my earring order in March. They were not in my hand until May. Promised first week of April. Nevertheless, I have what I wanted for a fraction of the cost. Custom diamond and moonstone statement earrings. Price $277, originally $925

Source: Etsy

Dylan Lex

Another designer I stalk but am awaiting an asset creation to cover this purchase is Dylan Lex. I love the heft and layering versatility of her pieces. Introduced via Lemonade's visuals, I peruse the website at least once a quarter to window shop. Older J.Crew, Chico's and Ann Taylor designs can be a placeholder in a necklace stack, but yea, they don't hold a candle to the boldness of Dylan Lex designs. I did find a Chico's necklace in the thrift store which I will be adding to my necklace stack for the concert. I'll continue to keep Dylan Lex on my wish list. Chico's necklace Price $9.99.

Source: Fashinado

Start early (or use this blog as a guide if you're a last minute shopper), have fun, and don't give up on your outfit dream. I'll be channeling Studio54 (jewelry) x Why Don't You Love Me (hair + makeup) x Alien Superstar (outfit). I hope this blog inspires you to elevate your jewelry collections without breaking the bank. Please comment below and share with others. Hope to see you at the concert!