On the Dark Side

 

Happy Autumn, mes amis!  With October just around the corner, this week I wanted to feature some slightly darker, more macabre themes in the way of antique mourning jewelry.

 

I've been playing with Victorian photo brooches and cameo lockets, as well vintage black rosaries and deeper stone colours.  I love the sapphire-coloured rhinestones below.

 

This antique pendant is made of gutta percha, often used for mourning jewelry in the late 1800s / early 1900s.

 

Here, an old cameo locket is filled with an original photograph and lock of braided hair!

 

This old swivel brooch features images of well-coiffed women on both sides - possibly sisters.

 

These cameo earrings get dressed up with Art Deco rhinestone drops.

 

Another century-old photo brooch takes center stage in this whimsical bracelet.

 

And for something a little more delicate, these sterling silver orchid earrings are perfect for that transition from summer into fall.

 

Thank you for stopping by and indulging my 'dark side'!  I will be back soon with some pre-Christmas holiday designs!  :)

The Paris Flea Market

This weekend I was invited to show my jewelry at The Paris Flea Market, a monthly event hosted by Come C Interiors in San Mateo.

This landmark downtown antiques store boasts a patio garden in front, and massive displays of architectural salvage, cottage furniture, vintage art, and collectibles in every nook and corner.

On Friday night, shoppe owner Valerie prepared wine and snacks for visitors, while her husband Paisley played live jazz.

Val and all her guest vendors have a keen eye for display.

Vignettes sparkle everywhere you turn!

Here is my table...

I was lucky enough to share it with local fashion celebrity Moe, of Boho gloves. I have several pairs of these cashmere beauties and nothing makes me feel more chic!

Moe's sister Sue's beautiful photography work and accessories were also among the offerings.

And, of course, there was just a sprinkling of Halloween gore!

Special thanks to all my friends and family who came out to support me, and to Valerie and Moe for inviting me to join in on the festivities. Have a wonderful week, everybody! :)

Warming Up

With just one more week to go at my 'day job', and the weather cooling off, I've been warming up in the studio, both literally and figuratively.

Preparing for what I hope will become a more prolific career, I went to the flea market this weekend and stocked up on new (old!) goodies, then got busy incorporating warm jewel tones like garnet, pink tourmaline, citrine and amber into my designs.

Gold and bronze are a favourite for me this time of year.

And I am just in love with these elegant chocolate chalcedony briolettes I ordered from India! I think they complement fall's warmer fashion colours - and these Victorian cameos - perfectly!

How amazing is this antique Virgin Mary pendant? At a large 4-1/2 inches, I'm not sure what its original purpose was, but it's got the most wonderful patina! It reminds me of a wrought iron garden gate like you see in Paris.

I will leave you with these photos I snapped at the flea market yesterday. This dealer really went all out with the vintage Halloween displays! Until next time, have a beautiful week! :)