Tag Archives: costume jewelry

Another MUST for a True Vintage Wardrobe – Authentic Costume Jewelry

No matter what else you’re wearing, or even if your jewelry is the only vintage piece in your outfit, it will stand out strongly. That’s especially true of these colorful and unique examples. Though cheap copy-cats are being made now, I still recommend the originals.

Fine true vintage jewelry in gold and silver is always special and wonderful but can be pricey. Costume jewelry is easier to find and softer on the budget. Collect a variety of styles and items – you’ll have something different for every day and just the perfect thing for every outfit.

Of course, it needs care but is exceptionally durable in general. Simple protection from scratches, rough handling and strong UV light for prolonged periods will do the trick. Compact and easy to store, though if you’re a sleuth with an extensive archive the files can become pretty heavy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More accessories tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME BRACELET FOR BETTY BOOP AND ONE FOR BETTE DAVIS

Latest jewelry finds! Love it – the one at the top was a dime-store purchase or maybe even from a mail-order kit to make at home. (These kinds of craft kits were heavily marketed to homemakers in the mid-century but that’s another story – maybe coming up) Anyway, it was something to put on on your way to the soda fountain or the races but absolutely just for some rockabilly fun.

You can see that the adhesive was unevenly applied and has yellowed over the years. The “stones” are plastic and the bracelet itself is probably made of pot metal. However, it’s exactly the thing that a modern teenage gal might have worn in 1955. It won’t go in the vault but too cute to pass up. And, don’t knock the 5 & 10! Women LOVED the dime-stores back in the Fifties when there was some stability again after the war and lots of goods became available. You could get almost anything there – like our Dollar Stores today.

At the bottom, here’s a different animal. No, not quite “Bette Davis” – it’s completely faux – but sophisticated and pretty, as well as being nicely made. Any time a bracelet or necklace has a safety chain it indicates a certain level of quality in the piece. Definitely worthy of her date for the Prom, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY MID-CENTURY AND ANTIQUE COSTUME JEWELRY

Since I’ve veered into the area of accessories a bit, I decided to open the jewelry archived evidence file. It’s a big one, as jewelry pieces are often found at investigation sites. That’s especially true when it comes to mid-century pieces, which were so popular during the 1950’s and 1960’s and considered an essential part of the wardrobe of any well-dressed woman of the time. However, items always appear from years before and after, since women have always loved jewelry and will never stop.

Here’s an assortment of bling that might have been seen on any given day in 1960. All are costume and most are unbranded. These everyday types of clues are not as likely to be the element which makes or breaks a case but agents know better than to leave any stone unturned, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Few 1930’s -1940s – early 1950’s Wardrobe Staples

A Few 1940s Wardrobe Staples

Here are a few items that I ran across by surprise – from the 1940s (or so).  All perfect finishes for a wartime or post-war costume.  Mary-jane all leather shoes (always a classic), Capezio soft leather dance or casual flats and a couple of simple woven bags from the Depression era or time of wartime rationing – a drawstring and one with a metal zip in the top.  It’s fun to find things in such good condition (and at very good prices). You just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE JEWELRY ACCESSORIES FOR SUMMER DRESSES

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Classic white beads in a graduated strand are always perfect – they don’t have to be pearls!  Just look for beads with tiny spacers or knots in between – much more elegant and better quality. Also perfect are shell necklaces and bracelets.  These are always available, but the ones pictured are original vintage and have vintage findings.

Lots of cute costume jewelry is being made now; I just prefer the special extras that are present on the older things. They also have a different look.. . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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HERE’S ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE NECKLINE ACCESSORY THAT’LL WOW ‘EM!

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Naturally, I collect true vintage pearl necklaces, real or faux, but in this case my attention is on the rhinestone clasp.  The finish on the beads is worn in places, so they aren’t keepers, but the closure can easily be used on another necklace.  That will add a perfect Fifties finish to any costume jewelry neck-wear.  Worth having!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS & COSTUME JEWELRY

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Classic shirtwaist styled day-dress from the 1960’s or ’70’s, made very special with a choice of jewelry sets from the 1950’s. Necklaces with matching bracelets or earrings (sometimes both) used to be super-popular and really dressed up even the most plain frock.

I love these examples, with enamel, rhinestones and Lucite. Just nice everyday stuff, but so eye-catching and colorful. My favorite would be something that coordinates with my outfit.  This time, I’d probably choose the white enameled metal flower.  I’ve got lots more to show, so stay tuned . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID – CENTURY ART METAL COSTUME JEWELRY, AND A CUTE 1950’S DRESS

Custom-tailored in the 1950’s of heavy cotton, with ric-rac trim and a back metal zipper. Works perfectly right now with a cute white blouse or even a turtleneck top underneath.

Very cute with distinctive costume jewelry from the 1940’s and 1950’s – copper,brass or nickel enameled in bright colors or sculpted in interesting shapes.  These are some of the most fun to wear and are rare finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE RED ENSEMBLES FROM THE 1940’S AND 1960’S

IMG_0977 IMG_0986 IMG_0987Now that Stella is part of my modeling crew, I can show more of my gorgeous dresses on more than just a hanger.  Madge (bless her heart, she’s beautiful) just can’t get into many of them.  These temperatures recently have kept 3-seasons garments in the spotlight!

Lots to tell about these.  The sheath on the left is pure mid-sixties mod.  The waistline is open, held together with a row of plastic circles that show your midriff.  In order to make it a little more versatile, I sewed a silk scarf into the waistline.  Easy to remove, but it takes the dress from pure casual to dressy, if necessary. It’s lined and very nicely made.

The printed shirtwaist is 1940’s in rayon – so fabulous to the touch and drapes like a dream!  One of my absolute favorite dresses.

The shoes are my choice, today, of what I’d put with them.  Johansen pumps from the 1960’s are great with the sheath and some ’80’s does ’40’s slingback peep-toes by NINA are perfect with the shirtwaist.  Both leather, of course.

And, for the final touch, anything from this 1940’s – 1950’s assortment of neckaces, bracelets, earrings and pins would be a great addition.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND IN AUSTRALIA – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY RHINESTONE BRACELET

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhat a great find!  I didn’t have a bracelet exactly like this already, so I was really pleased.  Pretty white rhinestones in wonderful shape – and it even has a security chain (one of the fantastic features of quality costume jewelry that has been mostly lost in modern times).  This one is probably 1950’s.

The workmanship and materials are high quality, too.  Just in time for the holidays . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM