Pequitobun Makes Vintage Jewelry New Again

Photo: Pequitobun

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Before you think of vintage jewels as gaudy costume pieces, meet Pequitobun. This indie line of romantic jewelry is all handmade by Harvard PhD student and entrepreneur Sherry Libedinsky.

"I started making jewelry with vintage bits and pieces that I had lying around, and vintage beads from the local bead store," says Libedinsky. "I named my line Pequitobun, after my little bunny, Pequito, who would sit at my feet as I worked."

Many of Libedinsky's pieces are one of a kind. "I love pieces that are finely detailed, with a good weight," she says. "Some vintage jewelry, like Harry Iskin, are rare and collectible, so the price range really varies a lot, depending on the quality and rarity of the piece. I usually go for how pleasing they look to me -- quirky is also always good. They made some odd things back then like ballerinas in weird poses and googly-eyed owls." Other vintage pieces she likes often come from Krementz, Wells and Coro.

"Each piece of jewelry I make starts off with me looking at the vintage piece and figuring out what sort of feel I want the finished piece to have," says Libedinsky. "I then pull out some color ideas with my gemstones, vintage beads and assorted chains. When I have decided on a color scheme, I sketch out the arrangement of the pieces, and then start experimenting with how I will wire everything together and how well they will balance when worn."

Many of Pequitobun's pieces feature birds, organic shapes, bows and gemstones. Not everything Libedinsky uses is vintage, but are stunning. Kawaii des is a necklace made from a vintage Coro pin and vintage plastic heart, matched with a gemstone and hand wired to a vintage chain. Earrings like Bubblegum are made from links of a vintage bracelet.

Not only does Libedinsky love all things vintage, but she also feels it is important to be eco-conscious in other ways. "On top of recycling vintage pieces in my designs, I buy packaging that is eco-friendly," she says. "All my jewelry boxes and shipping envelopes are made from 100% recycled paper, and I store all the bubble wrap and boxes that I receive with my own supplies orders, to reuse them in my own packaging. My catalogue is printed on 100% recycled paper, and I don't send out any paper invoices -- that is the beauty of the Internet."

Whether you're into unique jewelry or looking for something special to give this holiday season, Pequitobun has a range of inspired pieces that are beautiful and green.

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