4.23.2010

Definitely not junk jewelry

Last summer,  a friend passed on a big bag
full of older items she wanted my help with.


Included in it was a little nondescript cardboard jewelry box.
There were bits of broken black plastic in it,
so I thought they were damaged pieces of junk.


Everything sat in a plastic bin under my work table
until I got to it just this week. Upon closer inspection,
and with a some research, this jewelry is anything but junk.


These two plain, faceted pieces are "mourning brooches,"
popular after Queen Victorian lost her beloved Prince Albert
in 1861 and subsequently wore all-black attire for decades.


The next two, much more ornate brooches would be newer --
Art Deco period but before 1940 based on their C-clasp closures.
Beautifully detailed jet black pieces with rhinestones.



I hope to learn more about all of the brooches
after I talk to a jeweler about them. Stay tuned....
If you have anything to share, please do!

2 comments:

Heather said...

those pieces are AMAZING!!! I can't wait to hear what else you find out about them!

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Beautiful pieces! Can't wait to hear more!