10 Questions with Founder of My Golden Finds Lynsay O’Connor

Interview with Lynsay O’Connor founder of My Golden Finds

In the world of luxury resale, few brands feel as personal, poetic, and purpose-driven as My Golden Finds. Founded by Lynsay O’Connor, the platform is more than just a destination for antique jewellery and rare vintage watches—it’s a love letter to design, craftsmanship, and conscious collecting. With an eye for timeless elegance and a heart for sustainable living, Lynsay has carved a niche in “slow luxury” that resonates with today’s thoughtful tastemakers.

From restoring forgotten heirlooms to reimagining antique fragments into modern-day talismans, each piece on My Golden Finds tells a story—and every story starts with Lynsay. In this 10 questions with interview we sat down with her to talk about sourcing the perfect 22ct band, how she fell in love with Swiss watches, and why mixing metals is the new rule of refinement.

1. What inspired you to launch My Golden Finds?

I started My Golden Finds purely from a love for design and a personal shift towards shopping greener. Having spent years in various design and visual communication roles, I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage designs and traditional craftsmanship—it’s something about the unique story and the quality in a piece, whether it’s jewellery, furniture, or art.

So, diving into restoring forgotten jewellery just made sense – it was the perfect blend of all my passions. Secondly, timing played a big role too with My Golden Finds really taking off during Covid. The lockdown in place, meant I had time to really dive in and researching, learn, and begin restoring pieces. 

2. How do you go about curating your collection?

Great question! Honestly, choosing pieces feels instinctual at this point. I think I’ve got a pretty good sense of what will click with my customers. Or maybe it’s because they trust my taste that stick with me – A kind of chicken or egg situation.

When it comes to picking out jewellery, I generally follow my own style preference unless someone’s asked me to hunt down something specific for them. Every now and then, I like to spice things up by throwing in a piece that’s a bit bolder or has a brutalist edge—just to keep things interesting.

As for watches, I absolutely love mid-century Swiss pieces, especially from Rolex and Omega. They’re not just gorgeous and timeless (no pun intended), but they’re also a solid investment. They really never go out of style.

3. What does slow luxury mean to you personally?

When it comes to “slow luxury” in fashion, it really hits home for me. I’m all about being thoughtful with what I purchase—opting for pieces that aren’t just the flavour of the month, but ones that have a classic, timeless charm. I don’t chase after every trend and really encourage folk to do the same. 

Day-to-day, this means I lean towards natural fabrics and high-quality garments that not only look good but are also built to last. Plus, I’m really into snapping up items in secondhand marketplaces. It’s a win-win: finding something unique, and at the same time, it’s a greener choice—keeping clothes in circulation longer and cutting down on waste. 

Regarding accessories, I stick with pieces that have lasting value. I love wearing solid gold and silver jewellery so there’s no costume or plastic bits in my collection. Keeping things both classic and sustainable suits my style and values to a T!

4. What tips would you offer a first-time buyer?

When you’re picking out jewellery, especially for the first time, I’d say go for something like a high carat, solid gold piece that’s hallmarked. It doesn’t have to sport a fancy designer label; the real key is top-notch quality.

A perfect start could be something like a 22ct gold band. Honestly, you can’t really mess that choice up. I’ve got one myself and I wear it every day actually. It’s this gorgeous 100-year-old, D-shaped band and I just adore it. The high-carat gold not only looks fab but it’s always in demand, which is great if you ever decide to pass it on or sell it.

Also, if you ever stumble upon a doughnut band while browsing a market or talking to a dealer, snag it! Those pieces are like gold dust and they’re a solid choice to keep your collection anchored.

5. You’ve been featured in The Telegraph and The C-Word—what kind of response did you receive from those features?

Honestly, it’s hard to measure the exact impact, but I really hope it’s given customers more confidence when shopping with us. I often deal with very pricey purchases on our site, and it’s so important to me that everyone feels confident and comfortable with their decisions. It’s not just about growing our community—though that’s been great—it’s more about building trust and making sure our customers feel reassured when they choose to shop with us.

6. What are some of your all-time favourite finds that have passed through your hands?

I’ve had the joy of finding some truly special pieces for customers, like wedding and engagement rings, which have to be at the top of my list of favourite sentimental finds. It’s just so rewarding to be part of such significant moments in people’s lives! 

Talking about unforgettable pieces, there are so many!  I came across an antique knot ring in mint condition—it was so pristine and clearly had hardly been worn, I kind of regret selling that piece, it was a perfect fit for me. Haha.

And then there was an incredible 14ct gold Rolex watch – the very first Rolex I ever purchased actually. It even came in its original pastel blue clamshell box. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was blown away. It was simply stunning. 

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7. How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of each piece—especially with Swiss watches and antique jewellery?

I’m so lucky to work with some amazing experts who are always there to lend a hand with any authentication questions I have, especially when we’re diving into the nitty-gritty details of vintage watches. Most of the watches I source are from the mid-century and are typically straightforward to verify as authentic, which is a huge relief!

Authenticating jewellery tends to be a bit easier since hallmarking is crucial, and we go the extra mile by testing all our gold in-house. This way, we double-check everything for quality and make sure everything we offer is top-notch. It’s all about making sure we’re delivering the best to our customers!

8. Can you share more about your design process and how you breathe new life into old treasures?

That’s so kind of you to say.  I always aim to find pieces in great condition, but every now and then, something special catches my eye that might need a little TLC. When that happens, I take it back to the studio and give it the care it deserves. 

Any scrap pieces of gold or silver are transformed into new trinkets and charms. I also reuse vintage and antique stones to create unique pendants, and even those lonely single cufflinks missing their partners get a new life as earrings or chain spacers. It’s a really fulfilling process, and I love that no two items are ever the same.

9. What are the biggest trends in pre-loved jewellery right now, and which styles will never go out of fashion?

Right now, there’s a huge pull toward bold, unique finds—think chunky gold chains, both necklaces and bracelets. The two hottest styles in the spotlight are definitely Art Deco and mid-century modern designs.

I’ve also noticed a cool trend: people are mixing yellow and white metals together—and personally, I absolutely love this look!

As for the classics that never fade, a simple gold band or a diamond solitaire pendant always hits the mark. These pieces are endlessly versatile and ooze quiet, timeless elegance. Plus, stacking rings and hoop earrings remain quintessential staples that never seem to go out of style.

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10. What’s next for My Golden Finds in 2025?

It has been a bustling year so far, and I’m thrilled about what’s in store for the remainder. I’m mapping out a couple of trips to France and Spain for later in the year, aiming to bring back some exquisite continental treasures. Also, I’m in the process of snapping up a collection of vintage Hermès silk scarves – keep your eyes peeled for those! And if there’s anymore who is on the lookout for that special piece, please get in touch via email or the contact form on the MGF site.

To learn more about Lynsay O’Connor, visit My Golden Finds Website or follow along on social media @my.golden.finds for the latest updates and inspiring content.