Unique Hair Combs- Where It Began
My name is Claire, and I am the owner of an online ‘eco friendly’ bridal accessory and vintage jewellery business called Unique Hair Combs, based in the beautiful city of York. I design sustainable bridal hair combs from upcycled vintage and antique brooches. I also offer a service to couples which can incorporate a treasured piece of jewellery such as a brooch, a charm or a pendant, which may belong to, or have belonged to someone special in their life, who may or may not be there to share their special day.
I began the business in 2016 while I was working full time as a manager at an antiques centre. I have been surrounded by many stunning pieces of jewellery over the years. Victorian and Edwardian sentimental jewellery is one of my favourite subjects, as many of these pieces convey sentiments of love though their hidden language and symbols. A classic example is the swallow which represents enduring love and loyalty. In the Victorian era this was a popular allegory in the wake of extended travel and separation, with their sentimental association of the swallow mating for life and returning safely to their nest. Symbols like this are perfect for a wedding.
A natural development of my business has been a move further towards sustainability and how I can help ‘do my bit’ for the environment and reduce somebody else’s carbon footprint at the same time. Many couples are becoming more conscious of the environmental cost and the carbon footprint associated with their big day. I believe an antique brooch has already stood the test of time and will not create any more waste, but is also beautiful, unique, and well made. I appreciate the work and integrity which has already gone into each piece of antique jewellery. I am careful not to damage the piece I am working with, if a brooch still has its pin, then I will wire the pin onto the comb, so that the wearer can keep it as a comb or remove it to wear it as a brooch again.