Welcome =)

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to start this blog. I've been considering it for a long time and finally figured, why not?! I want to use this as a creative and share-able outlet (not just for myself, but also for any readers!) to talk about vintage. Well, not just ANY vintage...my particular passion is vintage costume jewelry.

I started getting into it about 6 years ago because my mom had purchased a local antique mall. Several of the vendors there had jewelry and I fell in love with it. The designs were so unique and it was so sparkly and out of this world I had to have some! I started my collection slowly, and then it began to really take off about 4 years ago when I began to work regularly. Ever since then, it's been consistently getting larger and larger. I love doing research about all of the eras of jewelry from Victorian to 1960s. I always get excited discovering a new designer and reading all about their workmanship and their vision. Of course, seeing it in books and online is another experience than seeing it in person and being able to hold it ;)

I don't claim to be an expert, but I have done a lot of research because this is a big passion for me. I am usually online looking at websites with information or jewelry for sale 2-3 times per day. My collection isn't perfect - I try not to limit my buying to only pieces that are mint, so you will see items that show their age. I really adore pieces that have a little wear because it makes them more unique and it makes me wonder what they've been through and who wore them (with what, and where!). I try to incorporate jewelry into my outfits, but I'm also a university student so sometimes it just isn't doable. However, I go all out when I work or go on dates/shopping with my boyfriend and that is one thing that I would like to talk about here on the blog - ways to wear vintage jewelry and outfits that I like to pair pieces with. 

I would love to here all about anyone's collection who is interested in sharing! I don't know a lot of people who love jewelry and collect like I do so I'm always ecstatic when I find someone else who does. Especially anyone who loves some of the same designers that I do such as Miriam Haskell, Delizza and Elster (known for their Juliana line of course), Original by Robert, Eugene, Eisenberg, Weiss, etc. etc. the list goes on and on! There were so many fabulous design houses and so many pieces to collect. Things that really tend to catch my eye are usually one of three things: Outrageously sparkly, unique, or intricately designed and ornate (which is where my true love for all things Haskell comes in!).

So anywho, before I make this TOO wordy of a post, I would like to focus in on displaying vintage jewelry. Currently, I like to keep mine in a cabinet with glass doors and shelves (that way I can see it but it can also be locked). I like to go to any of my local fabric/craft stores and buy the black velvet stands for displaying (they also have white and burlap now though!) because it lifts them up and lets them pop. I also had a light put inside that helps to make them glow! For me, I think it's fun to incorporate a few things from some of my other collections into my cabinet where it will fit - things like half dolls and heads, bottles, perfumes, books, and really anything that just gives it some character and depth. When I go shopping at vintage/antique stores I also try to look for small china or glass pieces that can be used to put rings or brooches in. To me, adding little pops of the unexpected makes it more personal and enjoyable to look at while also giving you a place to display your other pretties. 

Enough said! Might as well show you what I am talking about...

Even though I don't have the best camera, I like to organize and set up the case and then take random pictures of the items inside. I always say it's like playtime for me.

Now that I've shown you all my overall collection, from here on out I would like to use each post to focus on either one piece (and maybe even an outfit I wore it with), or a specific designer or style. Is there anything you can think of you would like to see on the blog?

In the meantime, I would love to hear about your collections and ways that you like to display! Jewelry or not, I love decorating and collecting and would love to hear all about it in a comment!

Till next time!

Xo