As always, it never fails – even when I’m not looking (when am I never “not” sleuthing?); one for the Gents and one for the Divas. Recently, but in two different places on two different days. It’s hard to say that one of these was more surprising and fun, but I’ll start with the second found, because it has the most “seniority”.

Classic costume rhinestones, in a “formal event” necklace. I’ve found a number of these, so why did I decide to collect this one? It’s got to do with the details: hardly a high-end piece, this bit of paste jewelry was made for the common market. It’s very sparkly (the photo doesn’t do it justice) but has a minor flaw or two in the construction. It’s all cool because this necklace appears to be from the 1940’s or 1930’s and would have been a special element of some woman’s jewel box. I can probably correct the flaw with small tools.

The tie is the man’s equivalent. Made in a great attempt to reproduce a 1950’s version, this 100% silk tie is probably from the early 1980’s. Like so many wonderful kitschy wardrobe items, it was likely acquired during a vacation. Watson’s Desert Inn is/was on Canary Island, and now may have disappeared. The tie, however, is very well-made and has great design harking back to the 1950’s Las Vegas era. Take a zoom in to examine the illustration. As with many items purchased at travel destinations, it looks as though it was never used. Perfect!

As I always say, you just never know. So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM