About Us

The Story Behind AB Vintage Jewelry Co.

A Love of Jewelry, History & the Stories We Carry

Welcome to AB Vintage Jewelry Co.

I’m Arlene Byrne, proprietor and curator, and this shop grew from a lifelong love of vintage jewelry one that began with my grandmother.

She was always beautifully and impeccably dressed, never leaving the house without her jewelry and lipstick. I was captivated by the pearls, sparkle, glamour and beautiful stones she wore. Her style reflected the elegance of the 1930s and 1940s, an era that has remained especially meaningful to me. Even today, Art Deco jewelry is among my very favorite to collect.

For more than 30 years, I have built a personal collection of vintage and antique jewelry, selecting pieces for their beauty, craftsmanship, character and history. I often find myself imagining the women who wore these treasures before me and the occasions they may have marked from ordinary days made brighter to evenings that called for something especially memorable.

For many years, my collection was simply something I loved and treasured. I never really imagined that one day it would become a shop.

That began to change with the encouragement and support of my husband. After restoring one of our buildings, he suggested that perhaps it was time to bring my collection out of storage and create a place where others could see and enjoy it.

At first, I hesitated. These were pieces I had gathered and cherished over decades, and the thought of parting with them was not easy. But with my husband’s encouragement, I began to see the possibility differently. Instead of simply parting with my jewelry, I could share it.

I began imagining my collection in a beautiful storefront, where others could discover it, fall in love with it and give each piece a wonderful new home. Vintage jewelry is meant to be worn and appreciated, and I loved the idea that these treasures could continue their stories with someone new.

And so, with my husband’s support and a collection more than 30 years in the making, AB Vintage Jewelry Co. came to life.

After 40 years in the hospitality industry, creating a welcoming experience felt very natural to me. I love people, and I have always believed that the finest shopping experiences are personal. There should be time to look closely, ask questions, hear a story, discover something unexpected and perhaps find the piece you didn’t know you were looking for.

AB Vintage Jewelry Co. is an elegantly appointed shop designed to feel warm, inviting and a little magical—like stepping into a beautiful old jewel box. The collection spans vintage and antique jewelry from the late 1800s through the 1970s, with a special appreciation for Art Deco design, pearls, sparkling stones, distinctive craftsmanship and enduring style.

Some treasures are delicate enough for everyday wear. Others are striking statement pieces made for a special occasion. What they share is a sense of history—a life before they came to us and a story that is still being written.

That is one of the things I love most about vintage jewelry. A beautiful piece doesn’t end its story when it leaves one woman’s jewelry box. It simply begins another chapter.

And every now and then, you may even meet Bella, my much-loved orange cat, who occasionally makes an appearance at the shop and has become a charming little part of the AB Vintage Jewelry Co. story.

Whether you visit us in person or discover a treasure through our website, I hope you feel the same sense of wonder I have felt collecting these pieces for so many years.

Perhaps one of them is waiting to become part of your story.

Warmly,
Arlene Byrne
Proprietor & Curator
AB Vintage Jewelry Co.
“A Story to Tell”