Tis The Season For All Things Magical - Vintage Carriage Jewelry Box or Jewelry Casket

With the holidays approaching, I start thinking of all things magical. The Nutcracker and fairy tales. Glitter and candlelight. All things warm and cozy. I envision a horse drawn carriage, very similar to this little box, taking beautiful people to the theater on snow covered streets. Men wearing top hats and the women wearing their finest evening attire and fabulous jewels. Oh, and they must be carrying their jewel encrusted opera glasses. OK...So I have a very vivid imagination, but this little jewelry box or jewelry casket, reminds me of those things.


This vintage 1930s jewelry box has design elements of the Art Nouveau era, yet the construction of the box leads me to believe that it not from the Art Nouveau era.


A very romantic and fairytale like piece. A very heavy metal jewelry box. So ornate!


Note the Art Nouveau design elements on the top. Very fluid design.


This magical little vintage jewelry box would make a sweet and sentimental holiday gift. To learn more about this vintage jewelry box, just stop by my shop, Wicked Darling. Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog! I hope that you have enjoyed it!

Happy Collecting!

Visit my Wicked Darling shop on Etsy.

Coming Up Roses - Vintage Art Deco Micro Beaded Clutch Purse

This vintage Art Deco beaded clutch purse is just simply beautiful! The micro beaded black background is the perfect setting for the gorgeous pink roses. This beauty dates to the 1920s. It has just been listed in my shop, Wicked Darling on Etsy.


It has a black lining. No closure. Just a simple fold over type clutch purse.


Here is view of the back of the purse. Just as lovely as the front. It has, what I consider very minimal bead loss.


I love the detail at the bottom of the bag. The use of geometric designs definitely says Art Deco.


Another view of the back. The purse measures 7 5/8" by 6". A great size to carry for a special night out on the town.


This would make a lovely gift for that special someone. Or treat yourself! To learn more about this beautiful beaded purse, just stop by my shop, Wicked Darling. Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog! I hope that you have enjoyed it!

Happy Collecting!

For more vintage goodness, visit my Wicked Darling shop on Etsy. 

So They Say It's Your Birthday - Victorian Enameled Birthday Locket

What's not to love about this antique Victorian locket! Pink roses, beautiful pansies and forget - me - nots...all wrapped in a banner that say's "Birthday Gift". Well...OK...Part of the "Gift" is missing, but it does not make this treasure any less desirable! Can you imagine the smile on the face of this locket's first recipient! This is what is referred to as a "back front" locket. The back and front are made of 9ct yellow gold. The framework or "bones" of the locket are made of another metal. Most likely brass. Just a true treasure! It dates to the 1880s. I have finally decided it is time to part with it...So I have listed it in my shop Wicked Darling.

It comes with instant ancestors too! Look...the man is wearing a pansy boutonniere! I love that the lady has a gentle little smile. Unusual for the times, as most people did not smile in photographs.

Look at this gorgeous engraving on the back! All hand engraved!!

Here is a side view and you can see the engraved details on the front as well.

This magnificent locket would make a very wonderful birthday gift for that someone special...or maybe treat yourself! It is certain to become a family heirloom. To learn more about this locket, just stop by my shop, Wicked Darling. Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog! I hope that you have enjoyed it!

Happy Collecting!

Visit my Wicked Darling shop on Etsy .

Over a Barrel - Antique Stanhope Jewelry

In my never ending quest for antique and vintage jewelry, I am always amazed by the treasures that are out there. A few years back, I discovered the wonderful world of Stanhopes. Very popular during the Victorian era. Without going into great detail...Tiny images are adhered to a polished glass rod. This enables the viewer to look at microscopic images without using a microscope. When holding one of these amazing trinkets to the light and looking through the tiny peep hole, you are able to view the tiny images!
This technique was invented in France by Rene Dragon in 1857. He combined microphotographs and the use of the Stanhope lens to produce his images. The Stanhope lens was invented by Charles, 3rd Earl Stanhope. Microphotography was invented in 1839 by John Benjamin Dancer. Dragon's technique resulted in what are known today as Stanhopes. Long story short...He was able to produce tiny photographic trinkets that were sold as souvenirs in places such as Niagara Falls. Also these tiny images were used for "naughty" or "risque" purposes. Men would wear Stanhope rings and fobs with images of nude women. For shame! Is that where we get the words "peep show" from? Just a thought.

Not really sure how I was able to get this shot...but I did! This is a close up look into a Victorian barrel Stanhope. You can see the tiny image on the end of the glass rod. When held to the light you can see four different views of Niagara Falls! It is amazing!


This is a gorgeous example of a antique Victorian binocular Stanhope charm, courtesy of Pinguim antique and vintage jewelry on Etsy.

This is a beautiful French example of a carved ivory Stanhope case, courtesy of Pinguim antique and vintage jewelry on Etsy. It would have once held a Stanhope.

In this photo you can see the glare off of the end of the glass rod.

My "duh" moment came after a while of searching for Stanhopes. Why all of the barrel shapes? Duh...Niagara Falls...people going over the falls in barrels. Oh! OK! I get it now. :) Actually, you can find Stanhopes in many forms. As you can see from Pinguim's examples, spyglasses and binoculars were popular. There are crosses that have Stanhopes with the Lord's Prayer. I even had a Bible Stanhope from my childhood! Yes, from a bubblegum machine. It also had the Lord's Prayer inside. So do a little Google search on Stanhopes. You will be amazed...and probably hooked for life...just like me! :)

Many thanks to Pinguim on Etsy. Her shop is filled with amazing antique and vintage jewelry! So be sure to visit her fabulous shop!
Happy collecting!

Don't forget to visit my shop Wicked Darling. I am having my annual Christmas in July Sale. All of my items have been reduced by 15%. If you follow me here, and use the coupon code WDBLOGFREESHIPPING during checkout, you will get free shipping on your purchases in my shop. Thanks for stopping by!

To Ride on a Sea Serpent - Antique Victorian Brooch

I absolutely adore this antique Victorian brooch! A cherub riding on the back of a sea serpent gondola. Amazing details! The top portion is gutta percha...possibly vulcanite, sitting on a pressed horn or tortoise shell foundation. I will not test this piece, as I feel it stands on it's own merit. Most likely a mourning piece. This Victorian beauty dates to the 1870s. This is just one of the many antique treasures that you will find at Wicked Darling. You can see the intricate detail. The flowers and the face of the sea serpent. The back view of the brooch. Just a simple C clasp. A side view of the brooch. When held to the light, the base looks to me like tortoise shell...but again I will not test it, for fear of damaging the piece. Such a beautiful and unusual antique brooch! Be sure to stop by my shop, Wicked Darling, for more antique and vintage jewelry. I have pieces from many eras. From the Georgian era through to the 1970s...in a price range to fit any budget. During the month of July, all of my jewelry has been reduced by 15%. It is my annual Christmas in July Sale. For free shipping, follow me here and be sure to use the coupon code WDBLOGFREESHIPPING at checkout. So stop by and shop now for Christmas...or just treat yourself. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy collecting!

Christmas in July Sale at Wicked Darling.

Vintage Brooches - Christmas in July Sale

Vintage 1930s Enamel Brooch With Flowers

It's back! I am having my annual Christmas in July Sale. All items in my shop have been reduced by 15%. I have over 100 pieces of antique and vintage jewelry in my shop. From the Georgian era through to the 1970s. Prices to fit every budget! Shop now for Christmas or treat yourself. Save money in the process! Be sure to follow me here and use the coupon code WDBLOGFREESHIPPING at checkout for your free shipping! Here is just a small sampling of some of the antique and vintage brooches that you will find at Wicked Darling.
Very Small Victorian Elongated Heart Pin C1900

Gorgeous Vintage 1950s Flowers And Butterfly Crystals Brooch

Small Antique Victorian Glass Pin - Reverse Carved and Painted C1890

Large Vintage 1930s Pin - Dark Pink Stone And Marcasites

Teeny Edwardian Pekingese Enamel Dog Pin Sterling Silver F.A. Hermann Co. C1910

These is just a small sampling of the vintage treasures that you will find at Wicked Darling. For free shipping, be sure to use the coupon code WDBLOGFREESHIPPING at checkout. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Collecting! 

Christmas in July Sale at Wicked Darling.

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The Exquisite - Georgian Brooch

I am so in love with this Georgian brooch! It is large and ornate. Pink...the center stone is a pink foiled back paste stone. You can see the beaded edge of the setting around the stone. Just one clue that says the Georgian era to me. The fact that the paste stone is foiled is another. The ornate engraved setting. Also in the photos below, you will see the domed or bubbled back of the piece. All indicators of the Georgian era. I believe this beauty dates to around 1800 to the 1820s.

Look at the engraving! Just amazing!

You can see how the edges are done in a repousse design.

The hardware on the back is not original to the piece. Roll over safety type clasps were not introduced until around 1910. The piece can be worn as a pendant or a brooch. When you wear the piece as a brooch, the bale folds down out of sight. As I understand from the previous owner, the engraving is also not original to the piece.

Notice the bubbled or domed back.

Just a lovely, lovely piece of wearable history.

I hope that you will visit my shop and find a treasure! I am having my annual Christmas in July Sale. All items in my shop have been reduced by 15%. I have over 100 pieces of antique and vintage jewelry in my shop. From the Georgian era through to the 1970s. Prices to fit every budget! Shop now for Christmas or treat yourself. Save money in the process! Be sure to follow me here and use the coupon code WDBLOGFREESHIPPING at checkout for your free shipping! Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Collecting!

Christmas in July SALE at Wicked Darling.

Meet the Ladies of Wicked Darling - Christmas in July Sale

Christmas In July SALE Late Georgian Early Victorian Pin - Regency - Lithograph - Fichu - Lace Pin C1840

They may be marked down, but they are still beautiful and respectable ladies. These are just a few of the fabulous pieces that can be found when you visit Wicked Darling. There are over 100 pieces to choose from. All of the items in my shop have been reduced by 15% for my annual Christmas in July Sale. I have antique and vintage jewelry in every price range and to fit in with any budget. Plus...if you follow my blog, you can use the coupon code WDBLOGFREESHIPPING and receive free shipping on your purchases.

Christmas In July SALE Antique Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch - Pendant - Seed Pearls C1870

Christmas In July SALE Antique Victorian Portrait Pin - Hand Painted On Porcelain - Civil War Era - C1860

Christmas In July SALE Antique Victorian Porcelain Pin - Queen Louise of Prussia C1890

Christmas In July SALE Victorian Porcelain Portrait Brooch - Lady With Bird - C1880

Thank you for stopping by and meeting the ladies. I hope that you will visit my shop and find a treasure! Shop now for Christmas or treat yourself. Save money in the process! Be sure to use the coupon code at checkout for your free shipping! Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Collecting!

Christmas in July SALE at Wicked Darling.