The One That Started it All

When I was very young my mother had a jewelry drawer in her bedroom dresser. I still remember the first time I saw it. She kept it in the top drawer, which was smart because it was too high for nursery school me to break in to. She stood me on a chair next to her and opened this drawer that was like nothing I'd ever seen!

Pale and deep blue necklace, part of a set. Unmarked.  I've worn this more than any other piece in my vintage collection. An absolute STUNNER!

Beads, pendant necklaces, earrings, gold and silver glittered back at me from hidden depths. It was as if she shared with me a pirate treasure that she stowed away. How could such riches have existed this whole time in our own home without detection? How could this be? And how come I'm not wearing it all right now?!?

Clip on aurora borealis earrings. My mom had a pair just like these!

Before I continue, I should point out that every piece of jewelry that I was shown that fateful day was costume. In fact, other than her wedding ring, I can't think of any precious metals or stones ever being a part of her jewelry collection.

But I didn't care. The sparkle and glamour of these pieces offered was the same to me as if I had been shown  a box full of emeralds.

Clear rhinestone clip earrings. Unmarked.

This love of costume jewelry has stayed with me to this day and I have cultivated my own treasure box and add to it like a magpie!

Aqua-teal aurora borealis bead bracelet. Two strand. Part of a set. Unmarked.

What is it that makes costume pieces so desirable to me? I have no dislike of fine jewelry by any means, but I don't covet it in the same way. It's beautiful and rare and elegant so why don't I find myself wanting it?

Green and clear aurora bead bracelet.  Unmarked.

I don't stare longingly into Tiffany's dreaming of diamonds the same way I stare into display cases in thrift shops, hoping the iridescent spark of an aurora bead meets my eye. The most logical explanation for this would be the expense, and I suppose that is a factor, but not the first one that comes to mind. 

Two strand faceted bead necklace in pink. Part of a set. Unmarked.  

 I love the everyday elegance that is captured in these pieces and I find an understated boldness. Maybe it's a large statement piece but with a refined quality. Without attempting to fool the observer there is a richness to these fakes as elegant as their precious counterparts. They aren't trying to be the real deal. 

The beads and glass used in these pieces are beautiful in their own rights. It's a simple addition to an outfit that can't be easily duplicated; they posses their own special rarity. It's part of a formality that is no longer part of our social collective and I must admit part of me thinks that a shame. 

Blue rhinestone tension bracelet. Marked "Trinidad-USA" on the inside. This belonged to my grandmother.

Note: All the pieces shown here are estimated to date from the 1950's-1960's.