The Color Purple....Antique and Vintage Jewelry

Antique Victorian Purple Glass Pin Etruscan Revival C1860s

The color purple is so magnificent! You either love it or hate it. I happen to love it! Purple has long been thought of as a sign of royalty and wealth. The saying "born to the purple", refers to someone who was born into royalty. In ancient times, purple dyes were often more expensive than gold! Purple also is thought of as a mystic color. 

It is said that if you surround yourself with the color purple, you will have peace of mind. Maybe I need to make a trip to the hardware store for some paint! Purple is a combination of red and blue. Warm and cool colors. It is perfect to wear in any season! So being in a purple kind of mood today...I am showing off some of my purple antique and vintage jewelry. 

Gorgeous Purple Art Deco Era Czech Glass Earrings Vintage 1920s

Beautiful Art Deco Purple Rhinestone Ring Uncas Vintage 1920s

Vintage Purple Celluloid Button Earrings C1930

Just wanted to say that these purple celluloid earrings remind me of purple Chiclets gum! Don't they? :) I hope that you have enjoyed today's post. 

For a 10% discount on anything purple in my shop, Wicked Darling, just use the coupon code: BRN2PURPLE

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Making a Cameo Appearance...Antique and Vintage Cameos

Vintage 1940s Coro Cameo Locket Holds 4 Photos

I love cameos! Cameo jewelry has been made and worn since ancient times. You can find cameos in just about every color and style that you can think of. Cameos are produced using many different materials. Some are hand carved out of shell, lava, or stones such as agates. They can come in the form of molded glass or wood. In the mid 19th century we began to see cameos made from early forms of plastic such as vulcanite and gutta percha. These early forms of plastics paved the way for easier mass production, even if on a smaller scale. A few years later, celluloid and bakelite became very popular materials for producing cameos. Today there are untold amounts of resins, plastics and other materials used in making cameo jewelry.

Vintage 1930s Hand Carved Shell Cameo Pendant

When you think of cameos, most often the hand carved shell cameo comes to mind. Most hand carved cameos, whether they be shell or stone, generally come from Italy where the tradition of carving cameos has been passed down for centuries. You will find cameos from this region, true masterpieces, still being produced today.

Antique Victorian Hand Carved Hardstone Cameo Necklace C1870s

This is an example of a Victorian hand carved agate or hardstone cameo. The black agate would be carved in such a way that it would expose the white layer of agate beneath to form the cameo. This cameo is set in a beautiful gold filled setting that makes it as wearable today as it was 140 years ago.

Vintage 1920s Celluloid Habille Cameo

Here we have a 1920s Art Deco celluloid Habille cameo. Habille cameo is French, meaning "dressed cameo"...dressed in this case being the added rhinestone earring and necklace. In some cases it is difficult to date a cameo. The setting and materials used will help in dating a piece.The style or face of the actual cameo, will offer up some clues to it's age as well...as they sometimes depict popular fashions of the times in which they were created...hairstyles, etc.

1860s Antique Victorian Early Plastic Cameo

This cameo is unusual, in the fact that it was made to look like lava, but is actually an early form of plastic. I am honestly stumped as to what type of material it is. I have never run across this before, but I am sure that someone out there has. Just a beautiful antique piece and a lovely classic  cameo pin.

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing these cameos. These are just a few that I have listed in my shop, Wicked Darling. Come by and take a peek!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! :)

Waste Not Want Not...Repurposing Vintage

Vintage Edwardian Goofus Glass For Repurpose C1910

Why toss something when it has so much potential? As a collector of antique and vintage jewelry, I am always finding broken bits and pieces of jewelry. I used them to make new pieces of jewelry, but now my hands are not steady enough to do so. Some of these pieces have lived in as many places as I have, because I just cannot toss them. They each have their own beauty, worth and potential to become something fabulous! There are so many wonderful artist that repurpose these antique and vintage odds and ends. They become gorgeous works of art. Sometimes in the form of jewelry and sometimes into assemblages for home decor. I do not advocate destroying something that is not already damaged, but to each their own. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Two Victorian to Edwardian Micro Beaded Panels C1900

Here are two Victorian to Edwardian micro beaded panels. They would have originally been used on a purse of possibly a lampshade. Can you imagine the possibilities with these!

Half of a Victorian Cut Steel Buckle C1870

This half of a antique Victorian cut steel buckle would make an amazing focal point for a statement necklace! You would never see another one like it! 

Vintage 1940s to 1950s "Billy Boy" Advertising Charm

Not every item for repurpose has to be damaged. Try adding random vintage charms to a charm bracelet or necklace for supper fun piece of jewelry! An instant conversation piece!

Antique Victorian B.P.O.E. Elks Fraternal Order Tie Clip C1900

Think outside of the box. Think of new uses for items. This antique Victorian tie clip would be great to use at work...on your desk. Yep. You could clip small notes together with it! Start a collection of these small clips. The possibilities are endless when you let your imagination run wild!

Stop by my Wicked Darling shop. I have these pieces listed as well as others for repurpose. You just never know what you may find there!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Things To Come....

Antique Art Nouveau Peridot and Pearl Pin

Finding pieces to offer in my shop is always exciting! I just wanted to show you a few of the antique and vintage treasures that I will be adding to my shop, Wicked Darling, very soon. I am doing the last bit of testing and research on them before I list them. Hope that you will enjoy the sneak peek!

Vintage Art Deco Camphor Glass Pendant With Diamond

Antique Arts and Crafts Movement Pin

Small Antique Victorian Hoop Earrings

I have a large selection of antique and vintage jewelry listed at Wicked Darling. Would love for you to stop by and take a look! For free shipping (within the U.S.) on your purchase use coupon code: WickedDarlingFS

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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!

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.

Georgian On My Mind - Late Georgian - Early Victorian Bracelet

This is such a gorgeous antique bracelet! For the most part, the research that I have done on this piece suggests that it is Georgian. However, I have also seen this style come up while doing research on Victorian jewelry. It is my opinion that this bracelet dates to the 1830s...possibly 184os. Opinions do change and with more research, I may come to a slightly different conclusion. This antique bracelet is made of silver and is very unique! I will explain more details below.

The bracelet is very wide. There are 16 strands of silver linked chain. There is a safety chain, but I am quite sure that it was added at a much later date. What is so unique about this bracelet, is the fact that there is a clasp on each side. In other words...The chains can be totally removed from the centerpiece. It makes me wonder if this bracelet could have been transformed into a choker by attaching a longer section of chains. I think the loop that you see, was originally used for converting the centerpiece into a pendant. It now holds the spring ring for the safety chain. Of course this is merely speculation on my part. (Speculation...I think I have been watching too much Court TV!)

There are x's engraved on one side of the clasp. Both sides of the clasps work alike.

The centerpiece is beautiful. A small ruby or garnet is surrounded by tiny seed pearls. All encased by black enamel.

Note how ornate the silver work is. Scrolls, flowers and flourishes.

The chain is dainty yet substantial. Each link appears to be handmade.

You can get an idea of how this chain flows when worn. Beautiful!

I hope to find out more about this bracelet. When I do, I will come back and make a post about it. This is just another antique piece that I wanted to share with you. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Collecting!

To see more antique and vintage jewelry, please visit my shop!

Wicked Darling

Embellishment - Victorian Locket

Isn't this locket a beauty! So ornate. Totally embellished to the hilt! It would have been just as pretty with only the hand painted enameled center...but wait! Let's add some green gold leaves. OK...are we done yet? No...I think it needs some applied pink gold flowers and some raised nodules or points on the sides. OK! Now we are done? Nope! Let's add some seed pearls set in buttercup settings. OK. Now we are done? Well at least for the front.

This piece is typical of the 1860s to 1870s. Large and ornate, yet very feminine and soft in nature.

Now for the back of the piece. It once had a pin stem and a bale for wearing as a pendant and a brooch. But why stop there! It is also a locket. This hidden locket compartment would hold a photo or memento of someone special. Allowing the wearer to hide her secret affections. No one would be any the wiser of this lady's feelings towards that someone special. With the onset of photography and the technology of making photos widely available to the common folk, lockets became hugely popular and they remain so even to this day.

Here you can see the side view of this locket. You gently pull up on the rim at the top, and the glass cover will lift off. This piece still has the original tinted paper insert and glass.

Just a beautiful locket in need of some minor repairs. Then it can once again hold that secret someone close to the heart.

Happy Collecting!
To see more antique and vintage jewelry, stop by my shop.
Wicked Darling