The ’80s Are Back with a Bang Thanks to This Jewelry Brand

Vintage Royalty’s jewelry pieces are quite literally – a conversation starter. “My customers tell me that people stop them on the street to ask what they’re wearing,” shared founder and designer Meena Osei-Kuffour in a recent interview with the Etsy blog. Known for their funky statement earrings, pieces include metal-shaped flowers, plastic chain links, and lots of tassels.

According to Osei-Kuffour, she launched her brand with one goal in mind: to create pieces of wearable art that are inspired by the past and made for the future. 12 years later, the goal is still the same.

“When I design earrings, I give each piece a personality,” says Osei-Kuffour. According to the designer, adding a story to a piece of jewelry stems from her background as a stylist. “For example, growing up, my sisters and I were obsessed with The Baby-Sitter’s Club. In one episode of the original show, Claudia is making polymer clay earrings. I created these pink iridescent earrings in homage to her character.”

Indeed, the brand’s pieces might just spark a feeling of nostalgia in you, with designs evoking that wonderful vintage, bigger-than-life spirit. Amongst her sources of inspiration Osei-Kuffour counts her childhood experience as a girl scout – a time when she could dream, explore, and create without limitations. She believes it was the scouts who taught her about friendship, running a business, reaching attainable goals, and using her imagination.

Another source of inspiration is—naturally—vintage aesthetic, with emphasis on bold, ’80s jewelry. “I’m still really in tune with that era. I think it’s great when people tell me, ‘This looks like something I had 20 years ago!’ or say it reminds them of something they saw their mother or grandmother wear. But I make it a point to have something for everyone. I want everyone who visits my shop to be able to find something they love.”

Most of Vintage Royalty’s products are made of acrylic material, with detailing of other mediums. Those other mediums include paper, vintage findings, African and Italian beads, and brass. All earring posts are stainless steel, but 14k gold posts and earring hooks can be included upon request. Clip-on earrings can also be made upon request.

You can purchase a piece here or here.