Creating My Own Style by Combining Old and New Jewelry

I have several pieces and parts of old jewelry and I’m always on the lookout for more.  The thrift shops, second hand stores and interesting boutiques are places I tend to seek out.  I also am very fortunate to have had a mother who loved jewelry and old things.  I’ve had a wonderful time going through her jewelry and remembering the best of times with her. 
Going through the jewelry box, I found this beautifully painted porcelain cabochon of two lovers set in a brass triangle.  It had been a brooch at one time and the clasp was broken.  Of course, I used it in a necklace.  Vintage brass and pearl chain combine with pearls and crystals to make quite a charming necklace!



Another day, I attended a trunk show at Bead-It in Prescott and purchased a vintage belt buckle with rhinestones.  I used half the buckle; wire wrapped a vintage rhinestone button on the bar and made a sparkling pendant with matching earrings for the holidays! 


I found this piece of decorated square silver at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and the dealer told me it was over 100 years old and was a piece of a woman’s wedding dowry.  I combined it with prayer beads, turquoise and wire wrapping as I honored this woman’s heritage. 
 

Appreciating vintage pieces inspires me to create beautiful pieces of jewelry in my own style.
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