Dayle Goertzen’s love of vintage began as a child, collecting tossed away treasures at yard sales.

The owner and designer of Vintage Bling began creating jewelry as a hobby, and as people began to notice her work, she designed more pieces.

“I was fascinated with it, but I didn’t want to make what everybody else was making,” she said. “I looked at old necklaces I had and recreated them by first making stretchy bracelets.

“Today most people wouldn’t wear vintage jewelry in its original form. What I do is make a more contemporary design that won’t look like your grandmother’s jewelry.”

She soon expanded her collection to necklaces, earrings, rings and brooches. Through trial and error, and training herself, her business evolved and continues to do so today.

Goertzen’s home serves as her studio and is filled with the vintage treasures she has collected and the jewelry she has crafted.

Colourful brooches sit neatly on a stand and catch the eye. Well-lit shelves are covered in her sparkling designs, which exude red carpet glamour.

From flirty, drop earrings to jewelry sets with oversized rings filled with dazzling gems, there is no shortage of striking pieces.

Goertzen, a full-time education assistant, finds her jewelry at yard sales, online and through an antique dealer.

“ The thing I love about anything vintage is the stories it can tell. It reminds (the wearer) of someone they love – it’s just that warm spot that’s tickled with these reminders that we wear with pride to keep those people and their memories alive.

Dayle Goertzen

It can be a challenge to find standout pieces – some come from as far away as Australia – but they all have their own story to tell.

“A lot of my inspiration comes from the actual piece of jewelry itself,” said Goertzen. “The thing I love about anything vintage is the stories it can tell. It reminds (the wearer) of someone they love – it’s just that warm spot that’s tickled with these reminders that we wear with pride to keep those people and their memories alive.”

Goertzen’s work has received recognition from fashion magazines across Canada, and made an appearance at the 2010 Golden Globe awards.

This summer, musician Chantal Kreviazuk wore the Royal Swarovski Pearl Necklace during the Queen’s visit to Canada; later, it was auctioned off at the Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Chapter.

“I’m always looking for the humanitarian side and looking at giving back to the community,” she said.

Making a piece of jewelry can take Goertzen anywhere from a few days to several months. She is working on jewelry for her spring/summer 2011 collection, but will be adding pieces specifically for this Christmas season.

“I’m constantly working on pieces and putting them out – it’s my happy place and brings me so much joy ... and to have someone love the piece is so rewarding.”

Goertzen’s jewelry is available online, or you can make an appointment to shop in her studio. Visit www.vintagebling.ca.