For jewelry designer Gretchen Meyers, vintage jewelry is just plain cool. It's a fresh perspective, a playground, a way to keep family close and travels remembered. Each piece in her 20+ years and counting collection is there for a reason – and you bet she remembers the stories.

Here's a peek at a few of her favorites, on rotating display in her Peg's Hardware studio ... and blanketing her velvet clutch when it's time to make a statement.

Photography by Katie Addo for Cool Story, Buffalo

A proud East Aurora resident, Gretchen spotted this fluid form at the Roycroft Campus Summer Art & Antique Show – a favorite summer experience for the hunt.

*ok we know these aren't brooches, but how could we not share these fierce statement earrings?!

want to snag one of Gretchen's vintage finds? check out her etsy 🤞 and explore what they inspire her to create with Peg's Hardware.