Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Sarah of @highcaratsnob – she is someone who I first discovered over on TikTok and then followed on Instagram. I love every single piece in Sarah’s collection so I was super excited when she agreed to share here with us. Let’s get into it:
“I’ve always had a passion for beautiful things, and jewelry has always been an integral part of that. About six years ago, I delved deeper into antique and vintage pieces, and my journey as a serious collector began. Like many others, I found my way into this wonderful jewelry community through my collecting, and over time, I’ve refined and curated my collection with care and dedication.”
“This probably won’t come as a surprise if you’re familiar with my collection—my favorite antique motif is the snake. The ouroboros, an ancient symbol of strength, rebirth, fertility, and the eternal cycle of life, holds deep significance for me. I have a particular fondness for mid-to-late Victorian depictions of the snake, where the faces can range from endearingly playful to unserious and derpy, often crowned with diamonds and other gemstones. This motif makes up the core of my antique sub-collection, which is composed of beautifully hallmarked, old 15k to 22k pieces that always give me a sense of courage and strength when I wear them.”
“Jewelry has always been my favorite part of dressing up. There’s something incredibly intimate about wearing pieces that could be up to 200 years old. Even on my worst days, I can look down and find a piece that brings me hope, peace, and lifts my spirits.
Jewelry is like a library book—one day it’s yours, the next it moves on to its next chapter with someone else. These stories are something I never take for granted. To me, jewelry is more than just an accessory; it’s a cultural artifact, a piece of history. It’s brought so many new stories into my life, and the friendships I’ve formed within the jewelry community—both online and offline—are just as precious to me as the pieces themselves.”
“I’ve always loved a good weekend flea market, and over the years, I’ve discovered some incredible lifetime pieces while hunting for treasures, both locally and abroad. In more recent years, social media has become another key place to find unique pieces. When I first started collecting, it was all about in-person finds, but now I have access to a wide network of reputable sellers online, making it easier than ever to invest in quality pieces.”
“I was facing a big, daunting surgery and, in need of some dopamine, decided to hit up the flea market. It ended up being a bust, but I stumbled upon a little pawn shop that I couldn’t resist checking out. The place smelled perfectly stale and was packed with treasures of every kind. Like a crow drawn to shiny things, I immediately made a beeline for a mirrored case and spotted what I thought was a gold Good Luck charm. The shopkeeper told me they didn’t have much solid gold left after several robberies, but this piece had a story. During the first robbery, the thieves had left it behind, thinking it was just worthless metal. The second robbery? They accidentally dropped it at the door.
I told her how nervous I was about the surgery in the coming days, and she smiled, saying her faith had been paid in full—that this Good Luck talisman would carry me through. Guess what? It did. I’ll always appreciate her faith in me, and in the power of luck.”
Most Recent Find
I’ve recently added a truly delightful 22K antique signet ring to my collection, featuring the crest of a cat. There’s so much to love about this little guy. It boasts crisp hallmarks, a high-carat antique design, and fits perfectly at a 4.5. But the best part? His gesture. The cat stands upright with its whiskers fully extended and its belly proudly jutting out—a little character that brings me so much joy.
Most Sentimental Piece
The most sentimental piece in my collection is a bejeweled snake ring my mom gave me from her own collection. I wore that ring to every interview, every presentation, and for every important moment. It brings me comfort, joy, and a sense of grounding whenever I wear it. My mom is my best friend, my greatest inspiration, and the fact that this piece comes from her makes it all the more meaningful.
Wear Every Day
I’m never without one of my beloved pieces from Aurifexation. I almost always wear at least one of her iconic pendants, if not the full parure—necklace, earrings, and rings. I adore her work and feel truly adorned by her creations. Another queen I’m never without is Polly Wales. I was a fan for years before I finally made the leap, and I haven’t looked back since. Her work has left such a captivating mark on me—it feels almost insatiable. Wearing her jewelry is like having wearable art on my fingers, made from the softest, most luxurious metal. Both of these artists bring me inexplicable happiness, and I’m beyond grateful to have their pieces in my life.
You can follow Sarah here —> @highcaratsnob
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