Our Jewellery Story...
A small business with big ideas created by Fiona Linten.
We are a small business with big ideas created by Fiona Linten.
I created SecondHand Bling because I am a antique and vintage jewellery enthusiast. I am sentimental about the secrets our jewels holds, and the fascinating stories behind each piece.
This unique collection has been hand selected using an artistic eye and my professional skill set to bring you the very best antique, vintage and costume pieces.
Fabulous jewellery shouldn’t cost us the earth!
I am committed to finding fantastic treasures that will suit any budget. Our collection is constantly changing, so follow our socials so you don’t miss out on latest releases.
I created SecondHand Bling to provide a platform that saves un-loved jewellery from a sad and unsustainable end in landfill, and breathes new life into overlooked gems (pun intended). Unsold and broken stock is donated to schools, to be up-cycled by students. So nothing goes to waste.
Each piece is carefully cleaned, studied and researched. So you can buy a piece of history with confidence and celebrate the joy wearing more jewellery can bring.
Fiona Linten - BA (Hons), FGA Distinction, PG Cert
Gemmologist, Jewellery Specialist, Consultant,
Designer/Maker and Historian.
Christies Gemmology Award winner 2023 for the best overall candidate of the year in the gemmology diploma examinations.
After graduating in 2000 with a Decorative Arts degree I went on to work in London in interior design. After a few years missing the hands on creativity I set off and embarked on a travelling adventure. Totally inspired with sketchbooks filled, I started making jewellery in Australia and selling it to fund my trip. I even donated most of my clothes so I could carry my Dremel and other tools around with me in my backpack!
Ever since I have been making and selling my own work. Alongside my jewellery design, I worked in an art gallery, with antiques, gained experience in running two other businesses and have 20 years of experience in the trade. To expand my design Knowledge I went on to obtain a postgraduate certificate in design, product development and research methodologies. Not to mention raising my 3 wonderful and crazy children. It's been a busy couple of decades.
During the challenging COVID era and during homeschooling in lockdown, my children and I decided I should learn something new. I have always loved rocks and as a child had aspirations of geology. This has now been passed down to my children, all of whom love the subject and get involved as much as possible. I joined the Society of Jewellery Historians and did an online course called gemstones for designers and I was hooked!
Building on this I Enrolled with the oldest and most prestigious gemmological body. The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem A). I completed the foundation course and then went on to complete the full gemmology diploma, gaining not only a distinction but the top award.
Continued personal development is very important to me. I absolutely love to learn and try to read everything I can. I join every free zoom or online lecture I can find in related subjects (one of the best things to come out of lockdown). I am also a student member of the Jewellery Valuers Association and I am looking forward to studying more in the near future.
