Tag Archives: necklace

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

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

JUST DUG THIS UP – A PRETTY NECKLACE OF POLISHED AMBER

Amber, in itself, is a very mysterious substance. Eons old and full of many clues encased in it’s golden depths. Earth historians love it, for many reasons, and the lore regarding its spiritual and medicinal powers will delight any anthropologist or sociologist. However, that’s not significant for our purposes.

Amber jewelry is not commonly found in investigations, though it has appeared in the general marketplace much more often since the fall of the Soviet Union. A lot of amber comes from countries which were previously isolated inside the U.S.S.R. The best example may be Lithuania, which produces Baltic amber (the best type) and can now sell it freely. When I do come across a vintage clue made of amber, it tells me that the owner was likely a traveler and/or shopped in exclusive stores. In the case of this particular piece, though the suspect was probably a traveler, it is much more recently made which is demonstrated by the lobster clasp. Fortunately, my files do contain older specimens in the vault. This one, though, does have the beautiful and sought-after intense color that makes this “stone” powerful and valuable.

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

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