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There’s a lovely scene in Anna Karenina where Anna is clothed in a navy maternity gown, draped asymmetrically and embellished with a stunning brooch on her left shoulder. If maternity clothes were this gorgeous today, we’d probably see a quick rise in the pregnancy rate. There’s no doubt that a properly placed vintage brooch is the quickest way to take even an ordinary outfit up a notch.
I have a crazy schedule today and I’m recovering from a cold, so I’m sharing a brief post, showing a few really great vintage pieces now in the Etsy shop.
Some people adore diamonds and gems, but I have always been happy with faux costume jewelry––especially when it’s the vintage variety. They are great conversation starters, especially when they’ve been handed down through a family.
Many years ago, I attended an auction with items that belonged to my husband’s great aunts. Among their things was a vast collection of vintage jewelry, part of which I purchased hoping to share with the women in the family.
Afterwards, I passed the box around from household to household, so each sister/sister-in-law could choose whatever she wanted. Each trip, the box was returned without a single withdrawal. At the time, vintage things weren’t coveted, but I was flabbergasted that no one was interested. I tucked the box away, thinking one day I might find a special purpose.
Two Christmases ago, I was thinking about what to buy my two grown nieces for Christmas. Then I remembered the family jewels! I pulled out the box and selected two of the most spectacular pieces–rhinestone necklaces. In all the years we’ve been exchanging gifts, I’ve never seen their eyes light up like the year they received the family rhinestones.
The timing might be just right for you to share “the family jewels.”
What’s your favorite piece of family jewelry?
6 comments
Maureen said:
December 10, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I have a pretty big collection of vintage stuff, including a gorgeous bakelite necklace I splurged on when visiting LA recently. But my favorite family pieces come down to: the lovely little antique gold and sapphire filigree drop earrings that my grandmother, Nani, gave me. They were given to her when she was young, and were probably made in Italy. They are a bear to put on, because you have to put the wire through the BACK of your ear, and hook a tiny little pool in the front. I always struggle when I put them on, but it’s worth it. I also have her first engagement ring, a large ruby in a pretty gold setting. They eloped and this was the ring my grandfather, Moe, gave her.
I also have a number of gold bangles that my father had gotten my mother when he traveled to the Middle East. They aren’t old, but my mom wore them often, and I like to wear them all together. She passed away just last summer, from breast cancer (and young, just 64), so wearing them makes me think of her.
cjhammon said:
December 11, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Precious things. I can see how they would be very dear to your heart, Maureen. The earrings–it’s interesting to see all the variations on fasteners that you can find in old jewelry, isn’t it? Always so good to hear from you…C.
Jill said:
December 11, 2012 at 11:20 am
I have a pin from my Grandmother that she kept on a black wool coat. I love it. All of my family thought I was crazy for insisting I wanted that pin when my Grandmother passed. It was really just something inexpensive. I still have it today. I cherish it. Someday my daughter will be the lucky beneficiary of my jewelry box and it will still be there for her. She knows about it, I can only hope she will love it as much as I do.
cjhammon said:
December 11, 2012 at 1:16 pm
What a sweet reminder of her! It’s something that we should all consider when we think about possessions like these. Jewelry is so personal and it’s a wonderful thing for you to pass down to your daughter, Jill. Thanks for commenting!
Maureen said:
December 11, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Oh! and one other thing: my ex husband’s grandmother always wore a costume Christmas pin around the holidays. When she died, we were asked if there was anything from her estate we wanted. I asked for (and received) that Christmas tree pin. For some reason, it made me think of her more than any thing else. She was a really great woman, and I was very happy to know her.
cjhammon said:
December 11, 2012 at 2:19 pm
So sweet. My mother has a fetish for holiday pins. We always shop for them around Thanksgiving when we’re together.