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Vintage patina brass filigrees are a wonderful complement to vintage glass jewels (hey, they’re good with shiny new ones, too). Brass can be so timeless! The examples I show here are a few items in my shop right now. They’re actually new brass – but the die (or pattern) from which each is made, comes from mid 20th century – or earlier.
I love the intricacy and detailing of these pieces. They are all made in the USA – from manufacturers that have dominated the brass jewelry trade for decades. They are, let’s put it this way, the Rolls Royce of brass filigrees.
Okay, I’m biased. I’ve found some wonderful manufacturers. They truly are quality though. Imagine any of these pieces, with handwired teardrops or pearls. Or used as the connector in a fab bracelet. Or, well, you can imagine.
I’ll be showing off a few pieces in the weeks to come. But these? are a fabulous start to the Year of Fabulous Vintage (style) Jewelry 🙂
I am in love. I was wandering through Etsy, looking at vintage goodies, so I could start the new year finding some wonderful vintage. And I have done that.
Now, first, that’s a great dress. It could go from day to night, work to party, and it’s a flattering color and style. Also warm, which right now? Major plus. And are you ready for this? $52.00. For a dress that will take you anywhere.
But there is More. Yes, this is a fabulously great dress and I would be proud to own it. But the even better-ness? Is the SHOP. I found this treasure at Dina Louise on Etsy. Now seriously, you need to listen to me.
This woman has the Eye. She knows quality. She knows how to find it and stage it. And she tells you about the flaws! When I read her About page I understood why. She’s got creds. Including a writeup on Vogue’s Best Dressed List for vintage boutique back in her brick-and-mortar days.
She’s got a great shop. You need to visit and bookmark it, and then return many times to find treasures. You will love me for telling you this.
I hope your New Year’s is starting out well! We had a lovely time last night (stayed home with friends instead of fighting drunken traffic) – and I’m tucked in away from the cold.
Am feeling a bit of my Irish today – I think this pretty emerald green pendant just put me in that sort of mood. Plus I’m part Irish. Well, maybe 10% – how do we figure accurate ancestry? My father’s grandfather was from the old country. He may have been encouraged to leave rapidly or something, we had a bunch of unsavory characters scattered in there 😉
But the pendant? is just a beauty!
I’m keeping one for myself, on a simple golden chain, a little longer than usual (about 26″). Talk about a gorgeous St. Paddy’s necklace! oh, I don’t know if it’s appropriate. I do know it’s flattering and looks great!
I was playing with colors again – spring colors, this time. The snow outside my door might have had something to do with that – it’s not even Christmas yet and I’m thinking about spring. But hey, the colors are pretty!
The pic just shows a few examples of how to make pretty earrings (or pendants) – easy to do and they really are lovely. Complex, intricate designs are great of course – but when you want to make something now – and have it ready tonight? This is the way to go!
So – spring colors. And Merry Christmas thoughts, too 🙂
These leaf spray connectors are a good example of the fun things you can add to your jewelry to make it just a little more interesting!
I show them here with glass teardrop jewels that are about 3/4″ high – so you can get an idea of the real size. They’re small but not tiny – they could be used as earring dangles (as suggested here) or as necklace or bracelet connectors.
They’re super affordable, too – and fun – and easy to use (attach with jump rings and you’re good to go). I like easy, cute, and fun – and I think you do too 😉
I played with some more combinations of my “work bench bead soup” – where I grab items off my work bench and combine them, just to see how the colors look together. I thought these looked pretty good!
These aren’t always colors that are used together – peach, aqua and green, or daffodil (jonquil) yellow and deep purple amethyst. But the colors work, don’t you think?
And sometimes color is what it’s all about 😉
I don’t even need to say anything. LOOK at these shoes.
This is why we buy vintage. You’re not going to go into the Mall and find these shoes. Or the adorable boutique uptown. These are unique, gorgeous, and (very likely) one of a kind. They are even affordable!
I found them at Dronning Vintage on Etsy and I have to tell you, there are some stunning finds in this shop. Fabulous. The owner, Catie, has a magical eye. She knows how to display her items – and give you all the visual information you need for an informed purchase. This is a valuable gift!
I have bookmarked this shop. You will too. WIN.
And now for something a little different – I’ve been playing with patinas lately, and I’m pretty happy with this verdigris (blue-green patina).
These are bronze over steel, not brass – which means they’re thinner and lighter in weight than brass would be (but still sturdy). And these are big – about 45mm in diameter, or 1-3/4″. Even at that size, they’re lightweight enough to be comfy earrings. Use them as is – or add complementary jewels – I’m going to try a few designs and revisit these later this week.
And you know the color – this gorgeous teal blue-green – is like the most flattering shade ever. Year round – flattering – comfy – these are a win!
I kid you not. This is the most wonderful Christmas ornament EVER.
You do see what I mean. This little guy (or girl) is adorable, interesting, unusual, and fun. Are these not qualities you want your Christmas to have? And besides, talk about a conversation piece.
You noticed his/her sleigh hitch with bells, right?
(S)he is available from Curious Burrow on Etsy, and if you think this sloth is fascinating you will probably also want to check out the uni-hippo jewelry holder, or the Lobster Love necklace. Seriously.
These delightful creatures are all made to order, and it may be too late for this year’s Christmas (or not, it can’t hurt to ask!) You may need to make your own Sloth holiday to start the new year 🙂
I love this rich, deep smoky topaz – this oval pendant feels very luxe – and the earring jewels are adorable. No,k they’re not an exact match – but beautifully coordinated? Oh yes.
These jewels are a great example of – when you’ve got something classy and fabulous, you don’t need fussy, you don’t need a lot of *stuff*. They work on their own. Add a jump ring and chain to that pendant, and your necklace is ready – and gorgeous. Add earwires and your coordinating earrings are ready to wear.
When you’re in a hurry (and we all know what that’s like) something you can use *now* – and it looks great – and it’s affordable – That’s a win 🙂
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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