In the last century, I suppose the 80's proved to be the most flamboyant of periods for jewelry. Remember Liz Taylor's huge necklaces and earings? Flash, flamboyant, huge. The bigger the piece, the more you stood out.

The 90's was more about hair than jewelry. And now, the new millenium is all about clean and fresh looks. No jewelry. No make up. No fun!

The fact is designer vintage jewelry can add color and flair to an outfit. If you haven't shopped for vintage jewelry, you're missing the joy of finding beautiful creative pieces that tell a real history behind them. As you look at an old, Victorian brooch, you'll find yourself wondering who wore it before and what did they wear it with. You'll feel like you're wearing a little piece of history. You can find stunning vintage jewels at estate sales, antique shops, and flea markets across the country. Here are some ideas on how to wear vintage jewelry:

How to wear designer vintage jewelry: Be creative with how you wear it.

The beauty of vintage jewelry is that a piece can be multipurpose. Those vintage clip-on earrings that look a bit dated on your ears can be clipped on your shoes to create stylish shoe ornaments. Old vintage brooches can be turned into pendants by attaching the pin to a brooch converter. (available online and in some craft and bead stores). Try wrapping a long vintage necklace around your wrist several times before hooking it to create a dramatic bracelet. By experimenting you'll find lots of unique ways to show off your vintage jewelry finds.

How to wear designer jewelry: Avoid vintage jewelry overkill

Many vintage jewelry pieces are large, bold, and eye catching, particularly the brooches with colored stones. For this reason, show some restraint and don't pile on three of four pieces at once as it can be overwhelming. Choose one striking piece to serve as a focal point of your outfit. A stunning brooch attached to a suit jacket may be all you need to carry your look.

How to wear designer jewelry: Save rhinestones for the evening

You'll find many vintage jewelry pieces with clusters of rhinestones which can be stunning for evening wear. Rhinestones tend to be a bit glitzy and dramatic for day wear so should be reserved for evening and special events in most cases. They can be perfect to highlight a black evening dress of black satin double breasted satin suit and glamorous high heels.

How to wear designer jewelry: Use vintage pins to express your personality

As you explore the world of vintage jewelry, you'll find a variety of adorable figurative pins in the form of cats, dogs, florals, musical instruments, owls with rhinestone eyes, and so much more.