I love all things old made new again! Don’t we all deserve a second chance? Over the last few weeks, I have received two gifts that have won not only a place in my wardrobe but also a place in my heart. They have such a fun story behind them, and on any given day they can be the perfect finishing touch for accessorizing my outfit.
I have been noticing and admiring many artists and jewelry designers who are following this creative trend in crafting statement pieces from antique jewelry and heirloom treasures. With valuable finds discovered everywhere from estate sales to flea markets to thrift stores, it’s amazing the reclaimed art that is crafted from items that probably sat unnoticed for many years. I’m sure there are mothers and grandmothers who wish they only knew then what they know now and would have kept the many keepsakes they may have given away.
My first piece is this gorgeous old pocket watch that hangs from a multitude of marbled pearl beads strung with a simple bronze wire (pictured above). One of my editors wore something similar that I had admired, and she surprised me with my own. This past Christmas she made all of her sisters and friends necklaces and bracelets from reclaimed pieces. It’s just her latest fetish in crafting and creating with her hands. She told me she found the chains for me a month or so before she found the watch; she was looking for that ever-perfect piece to complete the look. She added a dainty cross as the finishing touch, stating the trend is to layer and mix unexpected and charming pieces.
Another gift came this week from Frances Casey who has a full line of unique jewelry designed around Victorian-era buttons. The name of her cottage industry is Button Jewels. Over the last 14 years she has traveled all over Europe to gather these treasured buttons. You can see more of her artwork at buttonjewels.com.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of you might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Do you have any favorite designers I should know about? Share them in the comments!
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