I collect these in high-quality and stylish examples. Yes, you’ll have to wind it briefly once or twice a day and learn how to do that correctly, but no big deal. It’s well worth it and any minor repair for the fashion effect.
Silver and gold are out there, as well as base metal pieces. I look for delicate design and pretty straps.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ll be showing highlights of my vintage jewelry collection, along with the shoes and dresses. Here are three pieces which were very characteristic of the Sixties decade.
Enameled pins were very popular – especially in flower shapes. Also, large pendants that hung to the chest were a big thing.
The pin is not marked, nor is the middle pendant but I think that the chain which came with it said it was by Trifari. The gold-color pendant with chain is by Sarah Coventry. Modernistic shapes were really popular.
Any one of these really sparks up an outfit and gives it a mod, mid-sixties flair.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRADITIONAL IRISH DESIGN ON BRASS
What a pretty little thing! It fits me perfectly, too, which can be a rarity these days. . . . . . must have belonged to a child, or a tiny Irish colleen. Sorry for the glare, but glad that all the original shine is still there.
Enameled jewelry was very popular in the Fifties and is lots of fun to wear. Though I have earrings and one or two necklaces, this is my first enameled bracelet excepting for a few bangles!
Though I planned to show my finds in order of discovery, scheduling hasn’t allowed me to photograph all of them yet, so this is actually one of the final items I found. There’ll be more from Ireland later . . . . .
It is especially nice since it’s also a souvenir of Ireland and my trip. Turned up on a little side trip to the seaside, out of the blue . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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1950’S ROSE-COLORED COSTUME BROOCH WITH SCULPTED SETTING
This unusual pin is heavy with large rhinestones and twisted wire sculptural elements in between the “gems”. Such a gorgeous color!
About 1 1/2″ in diameter, it’s perfect for the lapel of a coat, suit or dress of heavy material. Back in the day, a woman would rarely go out in dressier attire without a brooch and usually owned a collection.
Although I have scads of costume pieces, I’ll never pass up a beautiful example like this one. And, of course, found in a flash for minimal cash . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ(?) LAVALIER AND FILIGREE RHINESTONE BRACELET
These are the two items which I found in England, during our first week. The necklace is from the 1950’s or before, and the bracelet 1960’s. Use a detail examination of the metalwork – it’s gorgeous. Yes, they show some wear, but that’s often a plus and no problem on a bargain like this.
It’s possible that the stone in the necklace is a real topaz – I’ll need to have that checked. The bracelet is unquestionably totally faux, but very pretty and has a safety chain. That’s a feature I LOVE on bracelets and is almost impossible to find on any modern piece. Such a sensible and elegant-looking addition . . . . .
Although these pieces are not a set, I will wear them together and was so happy to find a pair that coordinate so nicely. The elegant jewelry finds continue tomorrow, in a new country . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area. This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.
I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream. A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before. HUGE collection of costume jewelry!
Most places stock little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered. Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain. For a seasoned investigator, however . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Favorite jewelry pieces that are very Fifties, in copper & brass, pot metal and engraved silver. The large copper bracelet, which I cleaned up and photographed again, is commemorative of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1952 or ’53.
The pot metal bracelet and the sculpted one are not fine, but are great accents. The wide bangle bracelet has stretch built into it’s construction, but not with elastic or anything like we see today. It is all done with hinges and is completely mechanical. So cool!
Finer jewelry – bracelets and watches – always had little guard chains to prevent loss in case the catch opened. These silver ones are very delicate and pretty, with engraved designs. I just love finding items like these!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Faceted jet beads, seed pearls and rhinestones. Dress up that little day-dress or LBD with true vintage accessories.
Two-strand short necklace has a lovely clasp. Earrings are clip-on. I always keep my eyes open for true vintage jewelry. The new stuff just doesn’t compare. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it! My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.
Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord. Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture. I’ll wear these for years!
It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those because – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Staying in the early 20th Century for a brief while, here are two costume bead necklaces from the 1920’s. Longer length, which was popular then, twirling and bouncing down the front of ladies’ Spring frocks.
Although these are certainly not a dime-a-dozen all over the place, fortunately for us they have survived the years better than their clothing counterparts from that day.
Wonderful finds!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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