2016 June « Vintage Glass Jewels

Vintage white summer dress

I was looking around for a pink sundress. But then I saw this totally adorable white summer A-line, and my brain just went, Okay. Yes.

This is a dress you add some shoes (high heel sandals maybe, or flipflops, or if you have to wear Real shoes, some pink Mary Janes). Earrings of course (I’m biased) – bright pink or green? A stack of bangles too, because I love them. And go. You’re dressed. You could wear this anywhere, work, play, church, shopping, meet the girls, meet the boys. And you’ll look fabulous.

I found this sweet frock at Rogue Girl Vintage on Etsy. I have to tell you, they’ve got some serious chops. Great items, clear and helpful pics, and they give the relevant info that you absolutely need when you’re shopping online.

Summer dresses. It doesn’t get any easier than that. Go peek, you’ll thank me 🙂

Crystal AB glass beads and jewels

When you hear someone referring to an “AB” finish on their beads, they’re talking about an “aurora borealis” coating. It’s a treatment that gives glints of many colors over what would otherwise be clear glass. I think it might have originated with Swarovski but by now, most reputable manufacturers have their own version.

Add just a bit of glam to your day – don’t spend a lot of money – you know the deal. Try it – I think you’ll like it 😉

Jonquil yellow glass jewels

And just a quick peek at some of the jonquil yellow glass cabochon jewels I’ve got in stock right now. Jonquil is such a lovely crystal!

There are a few I haven’t got listed yet, too – so if you’re looking for a particular size or shape, and don’t see it? Please do ask!

Red and green glass jewels

I’ve been playing with color combos again – you know I like to do that. And these just struck me as really fun.

Of course we think of Christmas when we put red and green together, but that’s way more limited than it needs to be. Imagine these jewels, used together to make a pendant or pair of earrings, worn with a white sundress with a red and green cherry design (I saw one recently and now I can’t find it – when I locate the pic I’ll post it!)

Or a bright red and white tank top and a bright emerald green short skirt. Flipflop sandals, a bangle bracelet, and these fun earrings. With a summer tan.

Very fun!

P.S. And okay, yes, they’d be great at Christmas 🙂

Amethyst and Jonquil – Purple and Yellow Glass Jewels

Now don’t get me wrong – I love fine gemstones. Amethyst and jonquil (or citrine) can be truly beautiful. But, you know, if they have good clarity and faceting (the way we love them) they’re also really expensive.

But we can find a lovely alternative, easy peasy 🙂

amethyst and jonquil... purple and yellow glass jewels

Good clarity? That’s what glass does! Good faceting? Just look: These glass gems (pointed back cabochons) have wonderful faceting. And history (some of these are 60 years old – of course, some are about 6 months old, too.)

Once I got over my snobbishness and realized how beautiful cabochons and glass jewels could be, I never looked back. These are gorgeous. And affordable. That’s a win.

Vintage Boho Summer Dress

You know I love vintage clothing – it’s ecologically smart, which is great – but honestly, it’s mostly that I’m selfish. I love finding things that are unique, usually well made, and just little bit more fun than the stuff you usually find in Macy’s or Kohl’s.

For example, this fun and fabulous summer dress:

vintage boho summer dress from Venelle on Etsy

You see what I mean? Look at the detailing at the neck and armhole. And that clever diagonal print! The dress looks cool and comfy (and cotton, which is great). It’s got its own style – you don’t have to DO a lot, if you know what I mean. You could dress it up – a fitted jacket, nipped in at the waist, or just a pretty cardigan). A great pair of heels. It could go to work, to your inlaws, or to dinner.

But most of all? I’d love it casual. Toss this baby on, add a big pair of hoop earrings, maybe a stack of bangles, bare sandals, and go all day. And look good.

I found this sweet dress at Venelle on Etsy. Sophie, the owner/curator, has some fab finds and a great eye. Even with international shipping (I’m in the U.S., Venelle’s in the UK) her items are really affordable. Go shopping, figure a couple or three weeks for shipping, and have fun!

Did I mention how much I love vintage? Yes!

Glass jewels color comparison

Just a little comparison I did this morning. I placed montana sapphire (navy blue) round rivoli jewels near some teardrops, one of them opaque black, one vivid aqua blue. It’s just interesting how the eye perceives these.

navy blue glass round jewels and glass teardrops

The combo on the left, with the opaque black teardrops, feels a little more Goth. The combo on the right, a little more fun and frivolous. That’s before we think about it. After we take time to reflect, we simply see the colors that match the definitions of “navy”, “black”, “aqua” (or turquoise).

But at first? Goth. Somber. And frivolous.

The brain is an interesting organ, yknow?

Glass cabochon jewels

You know I’m a convert to glass cabochons and jewels. I had to learn that good jewelry didn’t have to be made with “precious” gemstones or cost a fortune. This pic below is just another example of how glass jewels can be lovely 🙂

These were jewels that were on my worktable from a couple different projects – and you know how I do sometimes – I just fiddle with different combos. These are all strong colors – golden topaz navettes, peridot green round rivoli jewels, and deep aqua glass octagons. Any of them could be used alone, as is, for earrings or necklace jewels.

And when you put them together? Stunning. Fun. Fab. Easy to make, easy to wear, easy on the wallet. You see what I mean? This is a win 😉

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Vintage white summer dress

Crystal AB glass beads and jewels

Jonquil yellow glass jewels

Red and green glass jewels

Amethyst and Jonquil – Purple and Yellow Glass Jewels

Vintage Boho Summer Dress

Glass jewels color comparison

Glass cabochon jewels

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