These bracelets are so distinctive-looking – so interesting, to pair with any casual or daytime outfit. They’d also go well into the night, with the right ensemble.
I’ve always pounced when I spotted something like this – rare and fabulous! Though they’re often made of pot metal and plastic (or bakelite), cast rather than hand-made, they are so unusual and will last a long time if you don’t mistreat them.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties. Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop. The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.
The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely. A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.
Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
How about this little DECOration with that cocktail dress from yesterday? You wouldn’t want to get too much bling going with the rhinestones on the dress, but an addition like this one could be just perfect.
Though certainly not from the same era (about 30 – 40 years apart!), mixing time is not a bad thing. In fact, that’s one of the attractions of true vintage fashion for me, because I like to live different times, places and characters. I just love this piece, in its original box from Peacock Jewelers.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Necklaces like these are not uncommon in thrift stores and lots of copies have been made more recently, BUT these are the real deal from the Fifties, give or take a few years.
In this case, the beads are plastic or composite, glass and metal. Sometimes you will find natural stone, including crystal. Sometimes they are nicer pieces, which you can pick out because of the construction, and sometimes very cheap or mid-priced costume.
For me, the deciding factor is always quality and appearance, as well as age. So-called “statement necklaces” are very popular now in mainstream fashion and these work well that way because they’re showy and draw attention.. Although they were very de rigueur back in the day, they are distinctive and stand out now and add a very definite vintage touch. These colors can work year-round, but I’d like them best in the Fall.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This cute little shirtwaist dress was a surprise find. Love it so much! With a fabric-covered belt, Peter Pan collar and bows on the sleeves, in wonderful classic navy blue.
I have several pairs of shoes that would go well, but I’m showing these stilettos with little curlicues on the vamps – a favorite pair.
As Coco Chanel would say, no outfit is complete without pearls. I collect nice ones whenever I run across them. Most are costume, but some are real. It’s fun to find different styles & hues, and they go with everything . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties. It’s worth taking a close-up look.
Many of the chains are of silver. Most of the stones are semi-precious. The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original. The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.
The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.
So pretty any time of year . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although handcrafted jewelry is still being made by indigenous artists in the U.S. and elsewhere, nothing compares to these older pieces. Those that are truly antique by now are even more wonderful.
I have other, larger things, too, but don’t wear them as often. These pieces are a combination of family heirlooms and some that I have found. The design and heavier weight of older pieces makes them extra-special and the quality of the turquoise is superior, also.
Nothing more classic and unique, any time of the year.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Good with almost anything, a variety of jewelry items for women and men with polished semi-precious stones were really popular in the mid-century. Necklaces, bracelets, pins, sweater clips,cuff links, tie pins, rings – you name it.
Generally, these pieces were not of fine construction in gold or silver, but they lasted a long time anyway. Sometimes they came in sets, as the pendant and bracelet pictured at top. Often people would purchase them at vacation sites as souvenirs. Hobbyists sometimes made them at home, too.
I like to wear mine with many outfits, from casual to semi-dressy. It’s a real iconic mid-century touch.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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