Tag Archives: brooch

NO MID-CENTURY WOMAN LEFT HOME FOR AN OUTING WITHOUT A LITTLE BLING

Whether it was a trip to town for the weekly shopping, the Women’s Club meeting or a visit to a friend in the hospital, a church service or a weekend in the city, most women’s jewelry boxes would have them covered. A simple, but elegant, pair of silver earrings purchased during that trip to Mexico would be perfect with a cotton shirt-dress or cotton blouse and capris at the grocery store. That simple string of white pearls can go almost anywhere anytime, even though these are costume (just don’t wear them in the shower). The brooch in raspberry tones would go well with a nice dress or on the lapel of your coat and the iridescent blue parure is perfect with a dressy suit. Some other time we’ll have to explore the eveningwear file –

At any rate, a few pieces could be very versatile but still leave sleuths with valuable clues about when, where and by who they were worn. It’s often enough to clinch a case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LADIES WAR-TIME EARRINGS AND BROOCH JEWELRY SET FROM 1940

This set reflects very well the resourcefulness of war-time women and their suppliers in the fashion trade. The availability of metals was restricted, if not yet rationed in 1940. Why not use a hardening and preserving process to manufacture beautiful pieces from natural leaves? The brooch might even have a loop behind for hanging on a chain as a necklace, which was often done. Of course, we’ve seen similar jewelry in the commercial market for the past 3 or 4 decades but this must have been a new or rarely-used technique back in the day. Looks like copper was part of the witch’s brew used here.

Just love it when a lady (investigator, victim or witness? . . . . . .) made notes about the evidence which we sleuths can use in the future and kept the original packaging. Perfect clue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FROM THE VICTORIAN ARCHIVE – A MOURNING BROOCH AND NECKLACE

After several tries, here’s a good close-up view of this Victorian to Edwardian era mourning jewelry from the late 1800’s to very early 1900’s. Commonly worn after the deaths of close family members, this type of jewelry was usually set with onyx, obsidian, black glass or jet stones. The blank portrait area on the pendant is the aspect I find most ominous. So very glad that this morbid tradition has, for the most part been abandoned, at least in the United States.

The brief wearing of black armbands is less concerning and it is good that, in some cases, people who are recovering from a serious loss can be identified and respected. Though it could come in very handy as an element of disguise, I’m not likely ever to use it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOWEE AGAIN!!! MORE GREAT FINDS TODAY

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111112111Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune.  I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog.  Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLING – EISENBERG ICE, ETC. . .

IMG_0957     When it comes to making an impression, these pins and earrings may be the “blingiest” with their diamonds-and-platinum looks.  All costume here, but with pedigrees.  Some are signed.

Again, the pins are fairly heavy and, while not as big as the things shown over the past two days, not for wear with filmy materials unless suspended on a chain.  Some of these pins have loops soldered on the back for just that purpose.  The dangle and smaller earrings on the right can, of course, go with anything.

I’m always impressed with the creativity of true vintage designs – often with features that allow conversions or multi-purposing – always done elegantly. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY HAND-MADE STERLING SILVER BROOCHES FROM THE 1920’S

IMG_0989     These beauties are quite large and they’re works of art.  They’d be suitable (no pun intended) on a jacket a or coat like the one shown yesterday.  Although they look like costume jewelry and are set with rhinestones  or semi-precious stones, they are hand-made of sterling silver and could be classified as fine jewelry.

Back in the ’40’s – ’50’s there were “walking suits” made, which had jackets almost like small coats and substantial enough to be worn in cool or cold weather without an outerwear coat on top.  A beautiful art piece like this on a lapel would be the perfect finish.

These are some of the most gorgeous statement pieces I own . … . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS CLIPS – FOR THAT UPTOWN LOOK . . .

IMG_0988     I love these jewelry items so much!  Some might be earlier than Forties, too.  If you’re not familiar with them they have a snap clip that attaches them to the neckline of a dress, sweater, jacket or coat.

Only the ones on top are small enough to wear on a lightweight dress – the others would only work on wool or heavy knit as they are quite substantial in size and weight.  Very popular items during the wartime and post-war years and these are costume jewelry, without precious metals or stones.

To me, the look is feminine and dashing at the same time.  That so much epitomizes the 1940’s woman who really developed a lot of strength during the second World War.  We were never the same after that . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY IN SILVER AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

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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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s/1950’S/1960’s NATURAL POLISHED STONE JEWELRY

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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

THREE PIECES OF TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COSTUME JEWELRY

THREE PIECES OF TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S COSTUME JEWELRY

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM