Etsy Shop for AgeBeforeBeauty

Evergreen

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:27:46 -0500

$210.00
The texture and patina on this unusual antique medal is extraordinary. It is very highly detailed. The stag raises over 1/4 inch from the front. His antlers are 3 dimensional and the cross is raised from the background. The pine boughs and stag are a gorgeously tarnished silver. The cross is gold washed. The beautiful olive green fringe echoes the forest feel of the medallion. I believe it is from World War I. A brilliant Etsyian told me that this is French, and is St. Hubert---patron saint of hunters. It is 1 3/4 inches wide and 2 inches tall.

Bronze glass beads, verdigris rhinestone rings and worn, antique pine comb beads. Beautiful gemstones, vintage gray pillow beads, huge rhinestone rings and spectacular antique carved bone beads. Tarnished silver beads, vintage rhinestone ball beads, beautiful old corrugated metal beads, gemstones, rhinestone squares and vintage brass filigree beads. All sterling silver wire wrapped.

An oxidized sterling silver hook at the end. From the extension links hangs a very beautiful Victorian prong-set cross. 15 1/2 to 18 1/2 inches long.

Please note: I am uncertain if the antique carved beads are bone or ivory. I'm certain they are pre-ban in age, but I do not want to risk sending them out of this country. If you are an international buyer, and would like me to replace the beads so that you can purchase the necklace, please convo me.

First Communion

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:53:07 -0500

$245.00
The focal piece of this necklace is a breathtaking antique pocket mirror with the image of a beautiful little girl on the day of her first communion. Notice the little rosary in her hand. She is under celluloid and has the perfect old, foxing, patina.

Vintage rhinestone rings and old brass beads. Lots and lots of fabulous vintage and antique religious bits and bobs. A beautiful little blue Jesus, encased in crackly glass. An old gray seed bead from a rosary. A very worn (love these) wooden rosary bead. A sterling rose link and tarnished religious medals. A vintage sterling and celluloid rosary bead. Lots of rhinestone rings and findings.

A very special, intact, rosary swags underneath. It features irridescent glass beads and woven chain links. Old rosary connectors with two more strands of rosaries at the back. From the end of the extension link hangs a beautiful antique sterling and blue enamel religious medallion topped with a carved rose bead.

The picture mirror is 3 inches tall. The necklace is 19 to 23 inches from the inside dimension. The old rosary swags down beneath.

I hope you will use the zoom feature on the photos to see all the detail and texture of the various rosary pieces. Thanks!

A Woman's Prerogative...

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:39:40 -0500

$148.00
...is to change her mind.

So, if you are a woman who likes to keep her options open, this might just be the neck bauble pour vous!

The gold filled Victorian piece is an old watch brooch. It has a very pretty, very secure clip on the underside. To it is now attached a lovely old cuff button. It is glass, with a gold frame. Inside is a reverse carved and painted little bird. The gold that surrounds him just glows and is absolutely spectacular. From it hangs an old Haskell pearl, rhinestone ring, and vintage rhinestone head pin.

Unhook the little bird, spin him around, and on the reverse is a beautiful tintype of a woman. Not only can you flip this pendant around and wear it different ways, but you could slide any of your pendants on the bottom---- oh the possibilities!!!!!!!

Large, vintage rhinestone rings, brass filigree beads, gemstones and rhinestones, really beautiful antique watch chain.

At the end is an old watch fob closure and bone rings. An antique rhinestone button hangs from the end. It is 17 to 19 inches long.

Dusk

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:29:19 -0500

$80.00
A beautiful, beautiful antique paste button...
The only thing more amazing than this dainty and delicate utilitarian trinket surviving intact after all these years is that two did!

These are divine.
The patina is unsurpassed and the sparkle and gleam of the old paste stones is like little dancing stars. The stones are prong-set. Topped with vintage rhinestone rings and old brass filigree beads. Sterling silver wire wrapped to gorgeous gemstones that highlight the slight verdigris of the brass. Just lovely.

The old buttons are about 3/4 inches in diameter. I have left their shanks intact (they are thin and bent and practically unnoticeable). The earrings are 2 5/8 inches long. The ear wires are oxidized sterling silver.

A Woman of Mystery

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:45:46 -0500

$105.00
He asked her her name.
With a flirtatious wave of her elegant hand she giggled, "Guess...", and disappeared into the crowd.
The initials "ABS" had glinted from her bracelet in the candlelight and, thus, he began his lifelong quest...

Hah! such a romantic old brooch I couldn't resist. Here we have one gorgeous, gorgeous bracelet. It is a lovely antique monogram brooch. All fru-fru and flowery, peppered with marcasites (I think it's missing a tiny one in the 'B'). It is attached to a vintage, gold filled, mesh watch chain. It does not open and close entirely. The beautiful filigree clasp unclasps and slides to lengthen or shorten the bracelet. Because it doesn't open entirely, it is very hard to measure. I believe that it can be somewhere close to 9 1/2 inches at its largest, and shortened to about 7 inches.

The patina and texture on this piece is dazzling.

Very Complimentary

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:32:50 -0500

$60.00
I was looking through my religious charm box the other day for a charm to put on the back of a necklace. These two crosses landed in the palm of my hand together.
Such a lovely couple.
Different... yet complimentary.

Two old, antique religious crosses hang from vintage champagne colored beads, old rhinestone brass rings, and gold pearls. All are sterling silver wire-wrapped and swing from oxidized sterling silver ear wires.

The crosses are each 1 inch long. The entire earring is 2 1/4 inches long.

Please note, the patina on these is absolutely stunning and original to their age. They are not at all shiny. Because of the closeups of my photos they might appear slightly less dull and patinaed than they are in real life.

Dainty Slippers

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:08:50 -0500

$62.00
Beautiful little, thin, light, old, embossed, dainty, slippers.

So sweet and lightweight, detailed and dear. They are 1 inch long. They hang from vintage glass pearls. Topped with an old brass rhinestone ring and little ruby. Hanging from oxidized sterling silver ear wires.

2 inches long.

Miraculous

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:40:06 -0500

$40.00
These are extra wonderful because they're so lightweight and wearable. Two beautiful, old religious medals hang from vintage rhinestone rings and chunks of garnet.

Just shy of 2 inches long they swing from oxidized sterling silver ear wires.

Visions of Sugarplums

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:17:48 -0500

$148.00
While visions of sugarplums
dance in their heads...

What a confectionery delight! Such a divine, creamy, soft, ethereal necklace. The bottom is an old celluloid and rhinestone brooch. Now attached by means of a lovely little vintage rhinestone ball bead, to the most fabulous old rhinestone centerpiece. It even boasts a crown at the top!

Rhinestone squares and blush pink gemstones attach it all to beautiful, vintage, crystal rosary chain. More rhinestone rings at the back with very pretty soft pink glass beads. An oxidized sterling silver hook. A piece of an antique Victorian necklace hangs from the end. Along with a very old crystal drop from a different salvaged rhinestone neck-piece.

16 to 19 inches long.

Peppermint Earrings

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:53:11 -0500

$48.00
Yummmmmmmm...

Truly the sweetest little earrings--
Vintage and nostalgic for the holidays.
They are that unmistakable soft red of truly old sequins.

From the 1930's or 40's they are even more precious because they are handmade. I've shown the back to show the delicate stitching. Tiny little beads, reddish pink sequins and little silver stars. They now dangle from a big rhinestone ring and a ruby gemstone. Oxidized sterling silver ear wires. They are 1 1/2 inches long. The little sewn bit is about 3/4 inches in diameter.

A Harlequin Romance

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:39:09 -0500

$110.00
A lovely old harlequin clown that was once a brooch now swings from a gorgeous vintage finding. He has an authentic, dull, old patina with sparkly faceted paste stones. He's topped with the most fabulous old rhinestone ball bead---teeny tiny little stones---wonderful and precious!

Rhinestone rings and corrugated metal beads, tarnished sterling silver beads and very old brass filigree beads. Two strands of vintage chain, silver and brass. At the back is a wonderful tarnished bead with embedded rhinestones. The closure is an old watch clasp. From the extension links hangs an old brass and rhinestone button.

The harlequin is 2 inches tall and the necklace is 17 to 22 inches long.

Feeling Blue

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:48:38 -0500

$128.00
This necklace looks as stunning with jeans as it does with a little black dress.
Flirty and feminine, sassy and deco.

A hand-painted Russian medallion brooch has beautiful aqua hues dangling underneath. An old faux turquoise pendant boasts a fabulous verdigris patina. To either side swing vintage glass beads and old tarnished rhinestone rings.

To the sides are pretty double rhinestone spacers, aquamarine gemstones, and wonderful antique deco beads. Brass filigree and soft semi-precious chunks. Fancy two-toned vintage chain. An oxidized hook for closure. 17 1/2 to 20 1/2 inches long with an additional 3 3/4 inch drop for the centerpiece.

Timepiece

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:24:17 -0500

$210.00
She always had a clock around.
tick.
On her desk.
tock.
Around her wrist.
tick.
On the wall.
tock.
Pinned to her breast.
Because you wouldn't want to be late.
Then you would miss something really important.

Obviously, this phenomenal and unusual tintype was the inspiration for this necklace. A lovely woman sits next to a clock. She has hints of blush on her cheeks and a blue tinted cravat. From the vintage frame hangs a wonderful antique brass clock charm. It has a fabulous patina and glass over the face. The other dangling charm is an old book locket. It opens and closes well.

Vintage rhinestone rings are abundant. The charms at the bottom boast a little, old rhinestone ball bead, vintage ring and a crystal. Up the sides are vintage rhinestone balls and two old watches (no longer working). Metal beads, brass filigree and beautiful glass faux pearls. The chain is substantial and old. At the back is a sterling silver hook and an old bubble gum, or crackerjack charm, swings from the very end.

24 to 28 1/2 inches long. The framed tintype is 2 inches tall by 2 3/4 inches wide.

tick. tock.

A Divine Merlot

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:07:14 -0500

$205.00
Truly, I have never seen an old buckle like this before. If you have, please tell me where so that I can go buy it. This is drop-dead-I can't even believe they made things so pretty-gorgeous.

The part where the rhinestones are has a slight, worn, gold wash to it. Beautiful pot metal "facets" hold individual merlot-colored glass pieces. They float within the frame almost like dainty shutters catching the light from all sides. It just glows, reflects, such a stunning color. Not red--- more the color of old velvet, or a deep red wine. It is 3 1/4 inches long.

Old crystals and rhinestone rings with vintage garnet beads attach to beautiful Victorian brass links. Above that, large and twinkling square-cut crystals topped with huge vintage rhinestone rings. Above them two tarnished metal beads.

Very detailed, very old pot metal and rhinestone necklace pieces and vintage rhinestone ball beads. Two swags of vintage chain ending with more old crystals. An unusual, old garnet-colored glass button, a pearl, rhinestone ring, gold chain, and a garnet bead dangle down your back.

It is 21 1/2 to 23 1/4 inches long around, not including the 3 1/4 inches of the beautiful old buckle.

Ethereal Earrings

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:07:47 -0500

$70.00
Beautiful vintage Miriam-Haskellesque findings dangle from vintage crystal and sterling silver ear posts.

The dangles have tiny seed pearls and rhinestones attached to the darkened filigree. They are topped with a rhinestone square and a tiny gold pearl.

2 inches long.

Heartfelt Heartland

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:11:14 -0500

$172.00
Talk about a fabulous patina.
Talk about nostalgia.
Talk about a cool, cool, old copper souvenir match safe.

It features a vintage celluloid covered photo of the "Monument to the Pioneers of Okoboji & Spirit Lake, Iowa". It is still in beautiful working order and could house your mementos and tiny trinkets.

Rhinestone rings and antique bronze glass beads. Copper roundels topped with vintage tiger eye stone beads. Amazing vintage brass filigree beads, huge rhinestone rings and faceted glass beads. Tarnished vintage beads with little rhinestone polka-dots, a beautiful old glass connector piece. Stunning and hard to find rhinestone ball beads with bronze rhinestones. The chain is vintage brass, mellow, soft, hefty. The closure is an oxidized sterling silver hook. A very pretty brass cage bead hangs from the end. Swagged at the front is a wonderfully old and worn child's rosary piece.

The necklace is 18 3/4 to 21 3/4 inches long. The sentimental match safe is 1 5/8 by 2 1/4.

Quiesce

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:56:20 -0500

$195.00
Shhhhhhh....
A soft hush of a necklace.

A beautiful, highly patinaed Victorian locket. Heavy and very well-made. Beautiful raised initials on the front, "CW". the inside has a glass insert. There is a bit of depth to it and I wonder if it at one time held a bit of a loved one's hair as a mourning memento? Now it boasts some gorgeous antique calligraphy. It is unmarked, but I believe it to be sterling or 925 silver.

A rhinestone square and old mother of pearl bead attach it to a stunning silver filigree cameo piece. Rhinestone rings and fancy antique rosary beads. Big chunks of garnet and lovely rhinestone connectors. More rhinestone rings and beautiful cherry amber beads all hang from antique brass chain.

A sterling silver hook at the back and a rhinestone button. 17 to 20 inches long.

Shhhhhhhhh...

Wow.

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:41:25 -0500

$105.00
You might be looking for a dainty pair of ear baubles?
Earrings that you can wear with anything, anytime, anyplace?
Lobe accents that are understated, lightweight and demure?
Well, then don't be considering these babies.
Not,
Not,
and not.
These are absolutely THE most amazing rhinestone earrings I have come across. They are vintage. They are big. They are a bold-fabulous-in-your-face-holy-cow-WOW-earrings!

Each earring consists of 11 vintage rhinestone prong set bead balls. They hang from a vintage brass and rhinestone extension bead. All swinging from oxidized sterling silver ear wires. Four of the bead balls are arranged in a 'box' shape which lets the earrings hang like a chandelier. They are 3 inches long. The ball beads are two different sizes, the smaller ones are 8mm, the larger one at the bottom is 12mm (I think).

Wow!

Splendiferous-- A Reserved Listing

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:13:23 -0500

$190.00
A RESERVED LISTING----This necklace will adorn the lovely neck of Toots----Who will be the life of the party!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!

The unfortunate thing about the evening was that no one remembered, "her".
They didn't notice the cut of her dress.
They had no memory of her shoes, nor her clutch.
They scratched their heads trying to remember the style of her hair... and it was brown?... no blonde, auburn?
But ask them about the necklace...
Just query about the bauble of the night...
and they will remember in detail!!!!
"That," they will say, "was one splendiferous necklace!"

You know me, a rhinestone bit has to have something extraordinary about it to really win me over. Wink and flirt and make it utterly impossible for me to resist. I succumbed to this little... er... huge lovely. This old brooch is 3 3/4 inches long and about 2 3/4 inches wide. Tiny, sparkly, dazzly, prong-set stones. Oh--- still not fab enough you say? Okay, how about that the rhinestones all along the edge--- a good inch in length--- are fringed!!!! They wiggle and shimmy--- oh that's got to be enough!!!!
Old brass filigree beads, big, vintage rhinestone rings and glorious antique cherry amber beads. Lovely rhinestone connectors, rhinestone squares, old mother of pearl beads and beautiful red chandelier crystals. Then an unusual 3 tiered rhinestone bead and funky vintage aluminum chain.
The closure is an oxidized sterling silver hook. A beautiful antique crystal pendant hangs from the end. This splendiferous necklace is 16 to 19 inches long.

A Sacred Heart

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:15:05 -0500

$205.00
These colors make my heart sing.
The slightly modern, deco shapes and hues contrasted with old, worn, vintage. Yummmmm.
A beautiful antique sacred heart. Pale, hushed peachy pink, a black background. The heart is silk, with a tarnished cross. It is under convex glass and is 2 inches wide and 2 1/2 inches tall(not counting the bale).

Lovely faceted black glass beads from a Victorian mourning necklace rhinestones and gemstone roundels. Beautiful antique jet sew-on beads from an antique textile. These turn and create a really interesting silhouette. To die for gemstone chunks... hints of purple and mauve. Then gorgeous old rosary beads and oxidized sterling silver chain. An oxidized sterling silver hook at the back. A really pretty vintage sacred heart religious charm hangs from the end.

This special necklace is 19 to 22 inches long.

A Vintage Red

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:57:53 -0500

$62.00
The quintessential holiday earrings.

Created with unusual, antique, red glass chandelier crystals. From the bottom of them dangle tiny rhinestone buttons nestled atop a vintage rhinestone headpin. Topped with rhinestones and old crystals. They hang from oxidized sterling silver ear wires. 2 inches long.

Sven and Olga

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:21:46 -0500

$34.00
Sven and Olga make the most adorable little couple, don't they?

I just love these hand-painted old wooden ornaments. These two were part of a pin. Now they make really fun and festive happy earrings. The earrings are 2 1/2 inches in total length. The wooden characters are three-dimensional and 1 3/8 inches high.

Sven and Olga swing from their original chain, and are topped with a rhinestone ring and old soft, blue, crackle glass bead. Oxidized sterling silver ear clasps.

Pretty Sentimental

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:25:04 -0400

$178.00
What an amazingly gorgeous Victorian window locket. Highly engraved and detailed with gold glass stones and, what I believe to be, little white opals. It works beautifully, when the lever is pushed... 'pop' 'pop' the shutters open. I have put a bit of original calligraphy from the 1880's inside.

Swags of antique mother of pearl rosary drape to either side. A lovely vintage ball bead attaches the locket to an antique Victorian filigree and glass centerpiece. Old gold foil beads and gemstone chunks. Hand carved mother of pearl beads and vintage watch chain.

An oxidized sterling silver hook at the back and an old mother of pearl ring. It is 20 inches long. The locket is 2 inches high.

Mother of Pearl

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:13:10 -0400

$65.00
Wonderful, soft, matte, mother of pearl cuff links are re-purposed as earrings.

They hang from their original brass chains to rhinestone squares. Beautiful, tarnished, and verdigris-ed----vintage rose beads.

An oxidized sterling silver ear clasp. They are about 1 1/2 inches long.

Always A Kind Word

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:13:10 -0400

$160.00
She was content,
had a pleasant smile,
warm heart,
and always had a kind word.

This lovely old illustration is so sweet and happy. She is 3/4 inches in diameter and is celluloid. She is prong set to one half of an antique buckle. Beautiful swirls of chippy light blue paint--- a wonderful patina! The buckle is about 2 1/4 inches wide. It attaches to rhinestone rings and water-blue Iolite chunks.

The two sides are different. one has an Apatite gemstone chunk, glass faux pearl, vintage beige glass ring, and a huge antique crystal. A strand of old wooden rosary beads swagged by vintage silver chain. An old square crystal, rhinestone ring and rosary piece. An old rhinestone button swings from extension chain.

On the other side is a huge old, matte, hand-carved mother of pearl bead topped with a beautiful, big, crystal and vintage rhinestone ball bead. Spectacular vintage blush colored Vaseline glass bead, big ol' rhinestone ring and huge crystal. Vintage chain with a lovely original patina. It closes with an oxidized sterling silver 's' hook.

It is 19 1/2 to 24 inches long.

Rosemilk Earrings

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:53:29 -0400

$80.00
Ahhhhhh, these are so special.
They are very old, probably turn of the century, and probably European. They are milk glass roses. Two-sided, highly detailed. You can tell from the pics that they have turned a creamy color and are flea-bitten. They are not dainty---3/4 inches in diameter.

To the top of the chain I've added an old tarnished rhinestone ring and soft gray gemstone. Two teeny tiny little rhinestone beads swing freely at the top.

Almost 3 inches long and hanging from oxidized sterling silver ear wires.

Isabella's Tea Party

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:19:31 -0400

$142.00
A very special little antique doll. She looks like a frozen Charlotte, but isn't all frozen. Her little arms move. She is a dainty 2 1/8 inches tall.

Rhinestone rings and vintage glass faux pearls. Sweet,sweet,sweet tiny cups and saucers. Faceted gemstones, rhinestone squares and tiny carved bone flower beads. Two bits of beautiful antique rosary chain. One white glass with tiny carvings of little Mary's, the other is crystal.

An oxidized sterling silver hook at the end as well as sterling extension links. A little cracker jack charm hangs from the end.

This lovely necklace is 18 1/2 to 21 inches long.

Who....Who....

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:39:43 -0400

$125.00
This darling antique owl is extremely sparkly. Old paste prong-set stones just shimmer like moonlight. He is 1 1/2 inches high.

Topped with a rhinestone round and an old glass bronze-coated bead. The majestic owl hangs from a Victorian engraved bar pin.

Some rhinestone beads and stunning old, gold foil glass beads. A few links from an antique rosary chain with fancy bead caps. Old, dull rhinestone ball beads. Vintage chain with an oxidized sterling silver hook.

A sweet little crackerjack teacup swings from the end of the extension links. This easy-to-wear-every-day-wear necklace is 18 to 22 inches long.

The Entomologist--- A Reserved Listing

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:01:46 -0400

$265.00
This is a reserved listing for OPALINE1214. Thank you so much!!!!!

She was passionate about insects.
Fascinated by the architectural structure of a praying mantis' anatomy.
Captivated by the iridescent shimmer of a beetle's back.
Mesmerized by the lacy detail of a dragonfly wing.
So she became an entomologist.
And she totally loved this necklace.

This cicada piece is...
sigh... amazing.

To me it absolutely showcases the insect within as a work of art. It is huge---2 1/2 inches tall, 2 inches wide, 3/4 inches thick. It is very vintage with a "Made in Korea" sticker on the back. It is heavy and well made--- a fantastic retro find. The red utterly glows and the cicada sparkles from within like rhinestones.

Topping the fabulous bug is an equally fabulous, very old, heavy, huge, rhinestone ball bead. it is 5/8 inches in diameter. It hangs from a lovely old watch piece, rather deco, with the initial "L" on it. Next is an array of amazing vintage metal beads, gemstone chunks and terrific old chain.

This show-stopper is 28 inches long with an additional 5 inches for the watch piece, rhinestone ball, and cicada bit.

Tantalizing Teal

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:59:45 -0400

$68.00
These are the loveliest most unusual color. The vintage rhinestone balls are about 10mm in diameter and prong set. The chain is tiny, dainty, and (sigh)look at the teeny little stones set in the delicate brass chain!

They hang from beautiful gemstones which echo the greenish blue hue of the old rhinestones.

2 5/8 inches long these are so sparkly. They hang from oxidized sterling silver earwires. The patina on them is genuine and utterly divine!

Decadence

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:27:29 -0400

$280.00
An utter celebration of frippery and decadence---
About as far from a subtle and understated piece as you can get.
This amazing necklace truly embodies the spirit of the woman featured as the centerpiece...
A toast to Marie!

The centerpiece is a very old, brass Marie Antoinette button. It has beautiful, amazing detail and patina. She's a hair over 1 1/2 inches in diameter, which is unusually large for a portrait button.

Underneath her hangs a vintage rhinestone ball bead and a very special bauble that I've been hoarding for a long time for the perfect piece. It is missing two baguettes and a little rhinestone, but they face the back. The pearls are all wired on. If it's not Miriam Haskell, it's of that era and by an equally skilled artist.

The drop-dead gorgeous old clips, fancy and intricate, they even have a sprinkling of verdigris here and there.

All vintage---glass pearls, a swag of antique chandelier crystals, brass filigree, two amazing old rhinestone findings. From the back of the extension links hangs a wonderful old (very Marie) shoe charm. The hook is oxidized sterling silver. This spectacular necklace is 17 to 21 inches long.

Cheers!

A Fancy Ride

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:25:45 -0400

$60.00
Wonderful, whimsical, regal, earrings.

Vintage carriage charms hang from old brass filigree beads, vintage rhinestone rings and wonderful old rhinestone ball beads. All from oxidized sterling silver ear wires.

The carriages are 1 1/2 inches wide by 1 inch high. The earrings are 2 1/2 inches in length. These are two-sided and lightweight as the old charms are plastic that is washed with a metallic coating.

Puppy Love

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:14:58 -0400

$115.00
Oh so cute little puppy dog necklace.
He's an unusual little fella. I believe he is celluloid over plaster? He is two-sided and his feet are pleasantly chippy. He's about two inches long and 1 1/4 inches tall.

A Haskell-esque bead and an old crystal bit hang from underneath him. A wonderful vintage rhinestone ball bead is above. This all dangles from an old dog tag which states, "Daughin County PA, 1963".

Very old brass chain with swags of vintage chain to either side. Rhinestone rings and mother of pearl beads. An oxidized sterling silver hook at the back and a little vintage celluloid crackerjack pup at the tail.. 18 1/2 to 22 inches long.

Gilded

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:01:43 -0400

$60.00
What wonderful old buttons.
They are swirly brown with flecks of gold-light-as-a-feather celluloid. Then topped with such a gorgeous, fabulous, knock-your-socks-off, brass top---slay me!!!!!! Very ornate, lightweight and lovely.

A rhinestone square is capped with a beautiful smokey colored faceted gemstone, a rhinestone ring, and a lovely little gold colored pearl. All hang from oxidized sterling silver ear wires. They are 1 3/4 inches long.

Lovebird Earrings

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:06:48 -0400

$80.00
These are antique sterling silver lovebirds which used to be old screw back earrings. They have a soft, natural patina and quite a bit of detail in their engraved feathers. Now they flutter from blush pink rhinestone rondelles and tiny mottled turquoise beads.

Three links of wonderful, old, faceted, crystal chain. They soar from oxidized sterling silver earwires---3 inches long.

The Eclectic Dog

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:06:48 -0400

$165.00
A beautiful, vintage, German Shepherd dog fob attaches to an array of vintage bits and bobs, as well as chunky gemstones. The dog piece is two inches long and is flat on the other side.

Sterling wire wrapped to form an eclectic chain are:
rhinestone rings, stone beads, old brass beads from a vintage art deco necklace, antique square cut crystals, huge vintage rhinestone rings, gemstones, rhinestone ball beads, root beer glass, bronze glass bead, fabulous mother of pearl button, Haskell pearl, bone ring.

The closure is an oxidized sterling silver one. From the end of the extension links swings an old celluloid crackerjack dog charm. This pretty necklace is 17 to 21 inches long.

What an eclectic dog! Woof!

A Woman's Work

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:06:48 -0400

$148.00
Her hands...
tend the garden,
feed the livestock,
wash, cook, clean, love...
her hands.

A tintype of a woman's hands is framed by a beautiful, albeit slightly battered and tarnished, sterling silver brooch.
Filigree beads and rhinestone rings are topped with old, white, glass flowers which were from an antique rosary. Above them are beautiful tarnished silver beads and vintage worn glass beads.
From one side hangs a phenomenal old iron. This is more detailed than some that I have that were crackerjack prizes. So I'm not sure, maybe a doll house iron? The other side has a beautiful little puffy heart charm.
Two strands of vintage chain, old crystals and an oxidized sterling silver 's' hook. From the very end hangs a slightly corroded rhinestone button.
About 17 1/2 to 20 inches long. The framed hand is 2 1/2 inches wide.

Glide

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:40:36 -0400

$102.00
The perfect summertime necklace.
Lightweight and breezy.
A go-with-anything-anytime palette and patina.

In the center, a lovely old paste bird. Flanked by gorgeous 'Haskellesque' pearls, rhinestone rings(some blush pink), gemstones and both crystal and glass rosary chain. A stunning antique square cut crystal and a gorgeous old pink glass cameo.

The closure is an oxidized sterling siver 'c' clasp. From the sterling silver extension links hangs the most gorgeous old, darkened rhinestone button. The necklace is 16 1/2 to just under 19 inches long.

I took a picture of it with another necklace in my shop to show how fabulous these dainty pieces look layered with longer necklaces. Please note that this listing is for the 'Glide' necklace only.

Hallowed

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:58:48 -0400

$215.00
I found this piece of glass at the bottom of a sewing kit in an antique shop. Clinging desperately to the glass were intricately cut strips of paper. Some tinted red and pink. So delicate, and yet there it was, old and unprotected. I attached the gorgeous old religious card. I find the intricate hues and textures of this piece absolutely stunning. At the top are necklace are Victorian necklace findings.

Big rhinestone rings and tarnished silver beads. One side boasts an old mesh buckle, the other an elaborately engraved sterling silver sweetheart bracelet. A big vintage rhinestone ring with a stunning antique engraved watch chain. Lovely pink kissed rosary beads swag through the middle. The closure is an old bone ring. An amazing old religious Mary charm hangs from the end of the watch chain.

The glass collage is 4 1/8 x 3 inches wide. The necklace is a long one at about 28 inches long.

Bubble Earrings

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:36:06 -0400

$68.00
Ohhhhhhhh, these are the most magical color. Then add the most fabulous, natural, vintage patina, and you have one dilly of an ear bauble!

The "bubbles" are very old, hollow, dimpled and worn from age plastic balls from a vintage brooch. Two rhinestone rings, vintage crystal and bronze glass beads. The blue bubble is about 5/8 inches in diameter. The whole earring 2 inches long and hang from oxidized sterling silver ear wires.

Textured Memories

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:13:14 -0400

$92.00
Can you believe the size of this gorgeous old buckle? 5 3/4 inches wide, by 4 inches tall! Amaaaaazing paste stones. I've had it for a long, long, time. It takes a while to find the perfect, over-sized and unusual, patinaed and fabulous, old tintype for it to frame. I've placed an antique, French, rhinestone and glass bead over the round pin that she had pictured at her neck. I thought she deserved a little extra sparkle.

This is what I call 'wall jewelry'. Hang it amongst other wall art, in a little crook between doors, tuck it into a wreath, or over a knob on a door...

Vintage rosary chain and rhinestones make a lovely chain for hanging.

p.s. I'm sure you know that the bird brooches in my pictures are not included...

Falling In Love

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:05:54 -0400

$152.00
I had a glorious old valentine.
An amazing antique brass cupid sewn onto old, red silk.
A gorgeous swag "To my Valentine" laid across the bottom of the ancient postcard.

I slid the swag behind the cupid. Framed it in an old daguerreotype frame. 2 1/2 inches tall x 2 1/4 inches wide. It has the look of an antique reliquary. A kind of 'love relic'.

Rhinestone rings and beautiful puffy, bronze, glass beads. Crystals, vintage rhinestone rings and wonderfully patinaed old corrugated beads. Rhinestone squares and vintage rhinestone ball beads. All attach to vintage engraved chain. A sterling silver hook with glass pearls and rhinestones. A truly gorgeous, very old, mother of pearl heart hangs at the end. 19 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches long.

Falling in love...

Good Doggies

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:18:17 -0400

$55.00
Oh goodness.
These are the cutest, sweetest little fellas. Happy little chihuahuas maybe? They remind me of childrens' toys and room decor from the 30's and 40's. They are hand-made, light weight, wooden, painted on both sides, 3 dimensional (stand on their own) quirky little guys.

They're sterling silver wire-wrapped to vintage rhinestone rings and old black glass mourning beads. Topped with a fabulous rhinestone connector. They hang from oxidized sterling silver ear-wires and are just under 2 inches long.

Little Dancers

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:16:32 -0400

$65.00
Even if you're not a prima ballerina you have got to love these earrings. The soft, vintage patina of these old chandelier ballerina earrings is phenomenal. They twirl gracefully from naturally oxidized old rhinestone rings, and creamy, antique mother of pearl beads.

These dance delicately with a light 'tinkle, tinkle' from oxidized sterling silver ear wires. Lightweight and feminine, they are about 3 inches long.

A Bountiful Harvest

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:22:10 -0400

$135.00
What a gorgeous old bird of paradise silhouette. Such a wonderful contrast against the gold background.

It hangs from a vintage rhinestone ring and glowy antiuqe gold foil bead. A stunning Victorian paste and jet buckle. Double rhinestone rings and old glass mourning beads. Long, antique, foil beads and more rhinestones and jet.

The chain is heavy vintage brass with its original cool industrial clasp. A black glass Victorian button hangs from the end of the extension links.

17 to 20 inches long with an additional 4 inch drop for the centerpiece.

Butterfly Effect

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:00:03 -0400

$192.00
One little flutter of a butterfly wing can cause a change...

Truly gorgeous, glowy, antique, butterfly wing pendant. Blue Morpho butterfly wings shimmer and shine in the background. The contrast of the very detailed, bright white, sulfide painting is captivating. The frame is marked, "sterling silver 19" on the reverse.

It hangs from an old rhinestone ball bead and attaches to very unusual, very old, gold chain. Big old rhinestone rings and tarnished silver beads. Beautiful vintage watch chain. It's a substantial feeling chain and alternates silver and gold links. The gold links are beautifully engraved. The original vintage watch chain closure locks on to oxidized sterling silver extension chain. From the end swings a beautiful vintage rhinestone heart.

The necklace is 18 1/2 to 20 1/2 inches long. The pendant is an additional 2 1/2 inch drop. The beautiful butterfly piece is 1 1/4" wide by 1 5/8" tall.

A Cameo Appearance

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:12:49 -0400

$148.00
It was to be a brief,
cameo appearance.
The camera zoomed in for her closeup. But that necklace---that divine ABB bauble! The director, cast, crew, fans, et all, couldn't help it. What began as a mere cameo turned into a leading role.
She was a star, and her neckware was smashing.
It couldn't be helped.

A really beautiful antique cameo is so stunning when surrounded by tarnished old gold. Topped with a wonderful double rhinestone spacer and lovely heathered gemstone.

It hangs from a crusty old bow with a few yellowing rhinestones. Swagging behind are gorgeous vintage glass rosary beads.

Above the bow are more rhinestones and shiny gems. Haskell-esque pearls and big old rhinestone rings topped with another vintage glass pearl. Stunning, stunning, stunning very antique glass rosary chain with little brass spacers. At the end are more lovely gemstones and an oxidized sterling silver hook. A beautiful bauble made of very vintage parts swings from the end of the extension links. This pretty necklace is ready for its cameo appearance and is 18 to 22 inches long. The bow is 2 inches wide, the cameo piece is 1 1/2 inches tall.

Purse Strings

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:53:38 -0400

$148.00
What a precious treasure.
If you are looking for pristine, then you must look elsewhere.
But if you are one who appreciates a history, battle-scars and an honest, well-worn patina, you might just adore this little antique coin purse as much as I do. I think of these little purses to be worn as sentimental lockets. Tuck in a little picture or love token.

Some obvious bead loss, one of the closures is gone. It's about 2 1/2 inches square. Beautiful metal beads and huge vintage rhinestone rings. These are topped with stunning, hand-made antique green deco beads. Then amazing rhinestone and pot metal deco links.

At the end is another vintage art deco spacer bead and an oxidized sterling silver closure. From the end of the extension links hangs a very tarnished, old, sterling silver 'gold' bag charm. It is 19 to 23 inches long with an additional 4 inches for the drop of the coin purse.

The Golden Girl

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:54:07 -0400

$156.00
Glowy gold meets tarnished texture in this rich and provocative piece. A very old, very fabulous, very unusual, heavy, amazing antique cameo brooch. She is reverse carved (smooth convex glass on the top)and the back is open, allowing for a very three dimensional effect. The gold border is tarnished from age, and tiny little faux seed pearls cling to the border, buried in verdigris.

A double rhinestone ring and a gorgeous gemstone chunk. Simply stunning metal beads, heavy verdigris and tarnish in spots.

Big rhinestone rings and my cherished antique glass bronze beads. An old watch chain toggle and fancy ring at the back. The necklace is 17 inches long. The golden cameo is 2 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide.

Stardust

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:43:18 -0400

$260.00
Hers were big dreams.
Unwavering aspirations of greatness.
Passionately following her heart.
Always believing in stardust.

What a magnificent old buckle in size alone (4 x 2 1/2 inches)! Then encrust it in, oh, hundreds of rhinestones---that---to the best of my knowledge are all there. Now put two big, chunky, almost half an inch high faceted crystals at the top and bottom. Not fabulous enough? Well then let's just have the whole thing awash and aglow with a slightly dull yellow age-patina. Yes, I think that seems a worthy frame for this beautiful old tintype of a woman in her dancing attire?

Two different sides, each starts with a vintage rhinestone ring and an old sterling bead. Then there is a wonderful pearl-laden moon piece. This was part of a salvaged and very damaged set (this piece is in very good condition). It is unmarked, but is very Miriam Haskell-like or one of her contemporaries.

A strand of crystals and a strand of old watch chain. Some lovely old satin glass rosary chain, sterling silver links and a beautiful antique Victorian star with sparkly paste stones.

The other side has an old, yellowed deco rhinestone star piece, glass faux pearl, and a fabulous vintage rhinestone piece.

This magical necklace is 22 to 24 1/2 inches long.

Nevermore

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:54:53 -0400

$245.00
With a nod to Edgar, I have assembled this Raven necklace. This is an antique engraving from a piece of sheet music that I've framed with an old brass frame. It is under original glass. Very old millinery flowers from France are assembled in the foreground (under the glass as well).

Old rhinestone rings and dimpled mourning beads with black glass rosary chain swagging underneath. Wonderful chunks of gemstones, tarnished sterling beads, and old carved roses. Vintage brass chain with a black glass rhinestone button at the end. It has an oxidized sterling hook for closure and is 20 1/2 to to 24 inches long. The framed centerpiece is 3 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide.

Holy Spirit

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:37:50 -0400

$148.00
A wonderful gold-washed religious pin. From which now dangles a breathtaking array of old patinas and dusty hues. A two sided antique religious charm. It is celluloid with a gold frame. The celluloid has wonderful dappling from age. A sterling silver Holy Spirit charm, and old rhinestone ball bead, and gorgeous gemstones, all swing from vintage chain.

To the sides of the brooch are vintage copper beads, old rhinestone rings and mother of pearl beads. Two strands of rosary chain. One dark, carved wood, the other is frosted glass that really mimics mother of pearl. Each side ends with a rosary connector. A sterling silver hook and a beautiful charm with an enameled girl with a bird hangs from the end.

The necklace is 18 to 21 inches long. The religious brooch is about 1 1/2 inches wide.

A Tisket, A Tasket...

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:27:45 -0400

$42.00
A pretty pearly basket.

I absolutely love birdcage style earrings. I think they are so vintage and feminine. These are just gorgeous vintage brass basket earrings complete with a fabulous natural patina and pretty faux pearls.

They are topped with rhinestone squares and very old mother of pearl beads. They hang from oxidized sterling silver ear wires and are 2 3/8 inches long.

Unbelievable

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:47 -0400

$92.00
Unbelievably gorgeous.
An unbelievable patina,
and an unbelievable romance.

They are very old Victorian French paste earrings to which has been added a tarnished rhinestone ring and an antique carved rose bead. The creamy faux pearl at the bottom is glass. They hang from oxidized sterling silver ear wires and are just shy of three inches long.

Such an unbelievable, decadently rich palette.