Neva Burba’s 1980s Travel-Inspired Jewelry
Months before launching Vintage Vibes, we knew Neva Burba’s 1980s travel-inspired, handcrafted jewelry would be our boutique’s first spotlight feature. Or rather, our co-founder and vintage jewelry expert Angela knew it instantly.
“Neva traveled all over the world looking for stones,” she said while we were having wine near my apartment in Paris.
“Oh?” I put down my glass to look at photos on Angie's phone. She knew that bringing up travel was a sure way to peak my interest. “Let me see.”
The photos were of statement necklaces. The black and white ones reminded me of Coco Chanel’s simple sophistication. Ohers - made with coral, orange, and turquoise stones of various sizes - brought to mind the elegant yet laid-back vibe of the French Mediterranean coast.
I wanted to know more.
Who was Neva Burba?
Neva Burba was a niche designer and jewelry maker based in Palos Heights, IL, outside Chicago. In the 1980s, she made one-of-a-kind pieces, including designs for the luxury department store Neiman Marcus. Her work reflected various influences, with some pieces made from finds she collected during her travels.
Besides stones that she brought back, Neva also hand-picked ‘jewelry findings’ (the small parts that hold pieces of jewelry together, e.g. bails, clasps, and rings). She made her pieces by hand, going as far as polishing and cutting the stones herself, putting lots of skill and care into each piece.
What Makes Neva Burba’s Jewelry Unique?
Each of Neva Burba's creations is one of a kind. Her style reflects the spirit of the 1980s, with an emphasis on statement jewelry and handmade pieces.
At that time, statement jewelry was carefully made with semi-precious stones and using handmade techniques, pushing back against mass production and materialism of the previous decade. Materials like leather, macrame, and natural fibers were used, with pieces customized to create bold and colorful designs.
In the late 1980s, there was a growing interest in alternative styles, such as 'power dressing.' The jewelry mirrored the scale of bouffant hairstyles and shoulder pads, reminiscent of the 1950s.
Statement Necklaces Straight From the Neva Burba Estate
How did we get the jewelry?
The collections in our shop come directly from Neva Burba’s design studio outside Chicago. A few years back, Angela and her friend bought out the entire estate, bringing her one-of-a-kind jewelry into our boutique.
Neva represented everything we like in jewelry design: uniqueness, craftsmanship, and a sense of adventure. Her pieces bring back memories of our travels.
I got my first taste of Neva’s creations at Angela’s house near Chicago. During one visit, we spread out part of the collection on the guest room bed and spent hours sorting through it, looking for pieces with a similar theme.
A Look at Our Neva Burba Collections
We're excited to kick things off with two collections featuring Neva Burba originals, which are featured in the Paris Collection and the French Riviera.
- The Paris Collection captures the essence of the French capital, my current home base, known for its classic black and white palette that stands the test of time. These pieces reflect timeless elegance, perfect for formal events or adding sophistication to any outfit.
- The Riviera Collection is full of vibrant turquoise and orange hues, ideal for those who love a pop of color. Add these pieces to summer outfits, beachwear, or whenever you want to make a bold fashion statement.
Some of the photos in our store were taken during my trip to Nice on the French Riviera, and a few of my friends modeled them for us.
Several pieces in our collection still have Neva's original tags with her handwritten descriptions. These tags are a touching reminder of her dedication for her craft.
Shop our collections to add Neva Burba’s 1980s travel-inspired jewelry to your wardrobe. Contact us with questions or for styling tips!
-Pola