A Trifari reunion

Call me a jewelry detective. Call me a matchmaker. I found them two months and 100s of miles apart and now here they are, soon to be happily reunited in the shop - a 1950s Trifari simulated pearl bracelet and necklace with rhinestone tulip clasps. The happy pair is celebrating their reunion by snuggling together in a compartment of my jewelry box. Whoever buys one, please buy the other. Let's keep these two together!

Twig letters

I bought a twig letter for my Jean Jean office the other day from Canadian artist Roisin Cadieux at The Copper Ewe. I didn't know what my "J" was going to look like when I ordered it, but I couldn't be more pleased. It has pine needles and a tiny pine cone, as well as bent twigs and grasses. There is a darling, decorative wire piece for hanging it, too. I think everyone should have a twig letter - they are oh so lovely and not expensive at all.

A dash of flash

I recently acquired a copy of the JC Penney's Fall/Winter catalog, which is now one of my most prized possessions. I don't think there is a speck of silver jewelry in the entire catalog and there actually isn't that much jewelry at all. Who needs a necklace when you're wearing a woven polyester and cotton blouse with a lace ascot? I did, however, enjoy the extensive selection of charms, as well as the "juniors" choices. I've hearted my favorites. Here's to hoping I find a vial of gold shavings in oil, or some of those amazing molded plastic sunglasses, sometime very soon. I think they would be great in the shop :)

Le shop

I'm very excited about the shop right now, especially these new pieces!

Les vacances à la Midwest

2000 miles in the car, 26 bug bites, 10 days, 6 states, 4 antique malls, 2 campsites, 1 family reunion and 1 freshwater lake = summer vacation in the upper midwest! Here is what I was up to while I was away.

Going, going . . .

Summer is almost gone. I know it is. Which makes days like this all the sweeter. I was off to the post office here, goodies in tote, wearing some new (old) jewelry.

top| Threads 4 Thought, via Heavenly Metal
shorts| from an emergency pair of jean I bought @ Tati in France when I lost my luggage!
bag| vintage knitting bag ca. 1930s
shoes/sunnies| hand-me-downs from my best buddy
earrings| etched rose-gold panels on sterling screw backs ca. 1930s
rings| Persian turquoise and seed pearl rings, both missing stones - oh well! ca. 1900s
necklace| pearl, rhinestone and base metal festoon necklace ca. 1900s

Free roller coaster ride

Edwardian Gold and Diamond Bird Earrings c. 1900

Memento Mori - Stuart Crystal Skull Ring c. 1791Unique Antique Essex Crystal Pendant Locket c. 1893

Antique Diamond Bracelet Brooch c. 1880

Persian Turquoise Ring c. 1700

If you ever want to feel like you are on a roller coaster, without leaving the comfort of your own home, all you have to do is look at this website - Georgian Jewelry. Your insides will be all topsy turvy with excitement in no time. This stuff is the real deal - diamonds, 18K gold, platinum, etc. I like several things on the site, but not necessarily the shiniest, fanciest pieces. I tend to like the jewelry that looks - well - most wearable. I don't think I'd feel too comfy leaving the house wearing a lot of karats and precious metals. But then again, maybe all I need is a little practice!