Oh, Baby!....Antique Baby Jewelry

Antique Victorian Baby's Locket C1890

Though not a mom myself, if I had children, I would definitely start them out young on the bling! I just would not be able to stop myself! I don't know if it says so in the Bible or not, but I would be willing to bet that even Eve put some kind of jewelry or adornment on Cain and Abel when they were babies. I mean, what mom could resist? The Victorians and Edwardians loved to put jewelry on their children. Whether it be for beauty or function. Bib pins and diaper pins were often decorative as well as useful. The Victorians believed that a strand of coral worn by children, boys and girls alike, would protect them from evil spirits. Now I would call THAT functional!! :)

Teeny Tiny Antique Victorian Baby Bracelet With Seashells and Heart

Today we would be terrified for a child to wear a baby bracelet like this without adult supervison. All of those tiny little shells would go straight into a baby's mouth! Yikes! You have to admit though...it is an adorable little bracelet! Maybe the Victorians used pieces like this for photo props. Did they use photo props back then? Yes they did!

You can see how tiny this bracelet is...and I have small hands.

Another view

Three Teeny Antique Edwardian Baby Pins C1910

These little sterling and abalone shell pins were pretty and functional. They were used as baby pins or lingerie pins. Most likely baby pins. There are many doll collectors that use antique baby jewelry to adorn their dolls. The baby jewelry is often the perfect size for dolls. These precious pieces can certainly complete a look!

Tiny Antique Edwardian Pug or Bulldogs Pin C1905

This cute little Edwardian dog pin would have been the perfect piece of jewelry for that special little boy! Today it would look great on a sweater or a hat. Even as a tie pin for Dad! Perhaps start a collection of teeny antique pins and wear them in clusters or groups. Just have fun collecting them! It is true that good things come in small packages!

Stop by my shop, Wicked Darling. You never know what might strike your fancy!

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! :)

Men Like Vintage Jewelry, Too...Father's Day

Tiny Antique Victorian Violin Stickpin C1880

Father's Day is fast approaching! Sure Dad loves ties, mugs and key chains, but why not give him vintage jewelry this year! There are as many wonderful vintage pieces out there as there are wonderful dads. For the classical music lover, how about an antique Victorian violin stickpin. (shown above)

Antique Victorian Mineral Specimen Pin C1900

For the dad who is a rock hound or into nature...how about this Victorian mineral specimen pin.

Vintage 1950s to 1960s Money Clip

For the "Mad Men" dad...here is a great vintage moonglow money clip.

These are just a few examples of great vintage Father's Day gifts from my shop, Wicked Darling. No matter what dad is into...baseball, camping, music...there is something vintage out there just for him. The perfect vintage gift that is sure to make Dad happy!

For free shipping (within the U.S.) on your purchase at Wicked Darling, use coupon code: WickedDarlingDad

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Cinco de Mayo...Vintage Mexican Silver Jewelry

Vintage 1950s Silver Initial "D" Pin from Mexico

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Just a quick post today. There are so many fabulous pieces of vintage Mexican sterling silver jewelry out there! The two pieces shown here are from my shop, Wicked Darling. 

 back of the initial "D" pin

Many are so elaborate. Beautiful stones. Gorgeous enamel work...but identifying hallmarks on some of these pieces can be tough. There is a website out there that is really helpful! Even though I have shared it with you before, I thought that I would post it again.( 925-1000.com) Here is the link to the Mexican Silver hallmarks page: Mexican Silver 

Vintage 1950s Silver and Onyx Earrings from Mexico

back of the silver and onyx earring

 I hope that you will find the link to 925-1000.com useful in your research. That site has silver hallmarks from all over the world and the site is very easy to use.

Stop by my shop, Wicked Darling, for more antique and vintage jewelry.

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!

Vintage Jewelry...Perceptions

Vintage 1970s Set Necklace and Earrings "1928" Brand

The older I get, the more I realize that I AM GETTING OLDER! When I start hearing about things from the 1970s and 1980s being vintage...I kind of cringe. Not because it is not deserving of being called vintage, but because I actually remember wearing the styles when they first came out! What??!!! Seems like it was just yesterday that I was wearing a set of 1928 Brand jewelry in high school. Then it hits me...Uh..OK...that was 35 years ago. OMG...That makes me old! Noooooo! Funny, but when I think of myself, I still think of the younger me. Then I get that reality check when I look into the mirror. LOL

Vintage 1980s Cloisonne Earrings

The funny thing is, that looking back to when I was in my 20's, it seemed like WWII happened 100 years before I was born. Then it hit me. Like a light bulb moment...it was less than 20 years before I was born. It was all in my perception! The Art Deco era seemed ancient to me. It fascinated me because it was "so long ago". In reality, it was not that long ago. My grandparents lived during that era. The Great Depression. WWII. Funny how I thought of my grandparents as old. HA! Payback is hell! Now my niece and nephews think that I was around in "the olden days". The 1960s, 1970s and 1980s seem like ancient times to them!

Vintage 1970s Cloisonne Bangle Bracelet

So now I have resigned myself to accepting the fact that these items from the 70s, 80s and even early 90s are vintage. I am embracing the fact that I lived through those decades. (Only by the grace of God though...because those were some wild times...lol....ah...memories...but I digress.) So if you are looking for vintage jewelry from these eras...stop by my shop, Wicked Darling.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! :)

Morning in May...Lily of The Valley

Antique Victorian 18KT Pietra Dura Mosaic Pin Lily of the Valley

Most people know that each month has it's own stone or birthstone. Emerald being the traditional stone for the month of May. Each month also has it's own assigned flower. May's flower is the Lily of The Valley. This beautiful flower is also known as May Bells. To the Victorians, the Lily of the Valley symbolized purity, sweetness, humility and the return of happiness. 

 "Hey why did you always get to sit in Mama's lap???!!!"  

 May first, also known as May Day, is my sister Sandy's birthday. This is a photo of my Mama holding my sister Sandy...me standing next to them. Here's wishing Sandy a month filled with sweetness and happiness!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's May...Time for Emeralds

Vintage 1960s Emerald Green Rhinestone earrings

It is May and time for the emerald to shine...or at least emerald green rhinestones. Emeralds are the traditional birthstone for the month of May. According to the American Gem Society, emeralds are a symbol of rebirth, and are believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. (Can I please have a bucket of emeralds right now!) In the Victorian era, emeralds were worn and given as a sign of hope. When wearing the appropriate stone for your birth month, birthstones are thought to bring good luck.

Vintage Emerald Green Rhinestone Clamper Bracelet

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!