Finding that old-style pendant at VV the other day made me think of the older-style brooches I have that I never really wear as they aren't quite my style. But just because they sit in a drawer doesn't make them any less special.
I remember picking up this cameo brooch when I was about 19 - can't recall exactly where but I used to do a lot of church sales with my fam around this time (thanks to my Dad), so I have a feeling a church was the source. It's not an expensive cameo that I can tell. I have seen more intricate and ornate ones, with finer detailing, that are more collectible - plus the cameo part looks plastic and the really valuable ones are made of shell and sometimes even coral, if memory serves. Still, I'm sentimental about this gal - reminds me of my youth, tee hee.
Vintage can sometimes be a nebulous term, with no hard and fast dates (I consider the 1980s vintage but not the 1990s, but perhaps it depends on your vantage point in time!). Still, I would hazard a guess this shell stick pin is antique, meaning over 100 years old.
My Mom gave it to me for my 19th Birthday. I love it, but in truth I am not certain how to wear it (back in the day it would have been worn in the yoke of a high collared dress, I suspect), and it is a wee old-fashioned. And the back clasp is so crude I am scared it will fall off and be lost forever if I wear it. But of course, I love it and will never let it go.
This must surely qualify as antique too. It was another gift I received when a teen, from an aunt. It was apparently from a collection she had amassed in LA. I have worn it only a couple of times - many, many moons ago - but have a renewed appreciation for it. The style is a wee bit old fashioned, true (I can just picture some prim Victorian lady in it). But I love the black lacy effect and the polished glass piece - purple to boot! - how could I not dig that?
I'm a little out of my element in describing these last two pieces as I'm not familiar with the styles and conventions of eras before the 1940s, maybe 1930s. Regardless, maybe I'll see if I can integrate them into my wardrobe. Even if I don't they make me happy sitting in my little drawer for special things.
The last one is a bit old-fashioned in style, but I bet it could be modernized pretty easily with some kind of glam goth look. It's really pretty!
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Wonderful jewelry. I especially like the last one with the pretty purple stone. I have several pieces from my childhood and would love to put them in a shadow box one of these days.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
Lovely collection. Question: Have you ever considered turning a brooch or earring into a ring? I have a beautiful earring (minus its partner) and it's value is off the chart when I finally determined the designer. It would make a beautiful chunky ring, but I just don't know how to go about doing it, and the cost??? Love your input.
ReplyDeleteThe Bohemienne, I am really going to try to make this pin work with something! Glam Goth, mmm, maybe. Didn't say there's a ring to go with it that I have started wearing - so much easier with rings!
ReplyDeleteBetsy - hey, good idea!! If I'm not wearing them, it would be nice to have them on display ....
Kris. Mmm. Well I know of one jeweller in Toronto that actually takes old pieces and re-works them. It would be a niche market, to be sure, but I bet there are jewellers out there who do that. Are you concerned about losing the value of the original piece if you modify it? Now I'm kinda dying to find out about this piece of yours -- maybe you'll do a post on it (if you haven't already?)??
Hi I just found your blog and thought Id make a suggestion with your gorgeous purple brooch.Why not wear in your hair? I do that with many of my old peices and they look real nice.You could also wear it as a scarf pin in winter or hang it from a necklace.
ReplyDeleteHi Nelly, thanks for finding me! That's a cute idea - how do you keep the brooch in your hair? Do you attach it to a barrette? I can't believe I've never thought of wearing it as a pendant! I am going to try that; thanks for the inventive suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI like the pieces you have pictured. They are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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