From lecture halls to the Artisan Market

Clara and Kyle’s story began at the University of Birmingham in 2014, where they first crossed paths at Joe’s Bar during a Battle Re-enactment Society (BatSoc) social. Clara, then a first-year Ancient and Medieval History student, recalled, ‘Kyle was talking about siege weapons, and I was taking notes!’. Their mutual passion for history evolved into a business - Glitzy Vintage Jewellery – where they sell one-off pieces made from antique, vintage, and retro costume jewellery from the 1700s to the 1980s. Ten years on, they’re delighted to be back.

When the market was announced, we squealed in excitement and applied within five minutes!’ Clara said. ‘Every time Old Joe chimes, we just look at each other and smile’.

A match made in Birmingham

Clara studied here between 2014 and 2017, while Kyle began his university journey in 2006, initially studying law before switching to mathematics. The couple began dating in 2014 and proved they were a couple that didn’t do things by halves. After Clara’s graduation, they embarked on a whirlwind journey that saw them tackling three major life events simultaneously - starting new jobs, moving house, and planning their wedding. They married in 2018, adopted their beloved greyhound, Penny, in 2019, and officially launched Glitzy Vintage Jewellery in 2020.

‘I’ve always loved Birmingham, the people here, and the campus, so it’s wonderful to be back,’ said Kyle.

Turning passion into profession

Clara’s love for history shaped her early career. After graduation, she worked at Tamworth Castle, where she donned period costumes to inspire schoolchildren and delved into archival research, contributing to the Saxon Gallery and studies on the Staffordshire Hoard. Meanwhile, Kyle pursued a career in IT, further honing his technical skills before joining Clara full-time.

The business itself has roots in Clara’s teenage years. ‘It started back in 2012 with my mum to raise money for my gap year to Uganda. By 2019, Kyle and I were helping her at markets and loving it’, Clara explained. 

A mini travelling museum

Clara and Kyle describe their business as a ‘mini travelling jewellery museum’, dedicated to preserving craftsmanship and reducing waste. Their collection includes stunning pieces such as a necklace featuring Roman glass. It was donated to them and comes with a certificate verifying its authenticity.

They source their jewellery at auctions, house clearances, flea markets, and sometimes receive donations from people who know about their work. They also take custom requests, such as a recent commission for a sheep necklace. Their jewellery has been featured in weddings, theatre productions, and TV series, including the popular time travel saga, Outlander.

Clara does the bulk of the making and restoring and Kyle takes an active role in restoring high-end pieces, including Victorian-era jewellery.

A shared love for history

Kyle’s passion for history began with BatSoc, where he trained groups to use medieval weapons for re-enactment battles and eventually became Head of Archery. Clara’s love for the past was forged in Devon, where she would go “flinting” with her grandparents and explore ancient stone hut circles.

They share a goal to visit every castle in the UK and keep a checklist in their car glove compartment.

Back where it all began

Trading at the Artisan Market on campus has been a nostalgic experience for Clara and Kyle. Reflecting on changes at the University, Clara notes the new library as the biggest difference. 'I do miss the old red-brick frontage of the library, but the extra light and greenery in University Square are such a lovely improvement'.

‘I never imagined I’d turn my lifelong passion for history into something that supports my family. It’s been incredible to share the stories of these pieces and help them find new life with their owners’.

Today, Clara and Kyle can be found at music festivals, agricultural shows, or street markets, preserving history one piece of jewellery at a time while creating a legacy of their own.

Find Glitzy Vintage Jewellery at the monthly Artisan Market on campus or visit their website to explore their collection.