Vintage Sweater Guard and Auction Houses

Last weeks goodies are things I'm not sure I'll ever wear, but could never give away: a sweater chain and these ginormous earrings.

The gold sweater guard has mother of pearl finishings and is unmarked.  The earrings are unmarked as well.  Ok, now that I look at them on the screeen...really look at them, I think maybe I could rock those earrings with jeans and a t-shirt on one of my "I'm trying, but really trying to pretend not to" days.
Anyway on to the second half of my post.  Recently I've noticed a ton of new folks in the auction houses I hang out. Shows like Auction Kings, Pawn Stars and the like are getting people shopping in new places. AWESOME! Not everyone who shows up is a bidder, but still it's good to see folks getting out there.  On the other hand, some of those who are bidding are placing insane amounts of money on everyday stuff, while the real goodies fly beneath the radar.  Dude!  If it's your fancy, go for it.  I know what it's like to see something you want, even though you know you'll never use it (erm...see the paragraph above), but I can't see dropping $2120 on an old book, just because it is old without having done any prior research.

That particular book sold was not rare, pretty easily found in antique book circles for around $500-$650, but I guess he got wrapped up in the thrill of the chase.  On the other hand, he felt like a king for having won it and I guess that's pretty awesome too.

Vintage Mexican Silver Bracelet

Here is the (handmade?) Mexican bracelet that I can't stop wearing this week:

I ended up having to remove a link so it wouldn't be too lose on my wrist, but it rocks.

 

Rocks hard.

Lady Jane Grey agrees.

Old Wooden Boxes and Filigree Earrings

Something about these handmade things just makes them jump into my hands.  Here's a primitive found at a church sale for $5. I took no time cleaning it up and putting some of my non silver necklaces and pendants inside.

And the curse of the blue earrings continues!  These blue filigree earrings were nearly perfect for me. Nearly.

The only thing throwing me off is the screwback. A little surgery was needed. I removed the bulb to place it with a hook post.  This mostly preserves it's vintage look, while giving me that lobe comfort I need. 

Hello Spring!!!!

Ah, it's finally nice out - hitting 80 degrees here and I'm so happy to see winter go!  I'm one of those who gets glum and plump during the cold months so the change is definitely needed. Here are some funsies I found during the last week.

The earrings with coins from Guatemala have to be my favorite, with the filigree coming in a close second.  I'm having a hard time dating the third set - the ones with the dangly bits (that sounds naughty, no?).  There aren't any markings and the working on the back is such that I know it is machine made.  Hmmm...I think I've found my latest discovery quest.

'Til next time!

Fun Finds of the Week

Her are some pretty awesome things I found during the week.  First up are some costume earrings, with a coin of Queen Elizabeth dated 1974.

Next, a super cute teacup charm from the 1940s. Adorable and soon to be added to my personal charm bracelet.

Finally, some 10k earrings I found in a grab bag. I'm not a fan of yellow gold, but the luck to find them with my initial made them worth the keep!

Art Deco Paris Landmarks Bracelet

Sometimes the way to find something you love, it is tell someone what you're looking for. It works! You'll get books, shoes and the occasional boyfriend that way. This week, it was this bracelet. Backstory: When I was teenager, I went to Paris with my mother and hadn't yet learned to appreciate the Parisian second hand and antique shops. Years later, I'd wanted the perfect antique bracelet from Paris and still hadn't found the right one. But just the week, I did. My mother brought this home and I nearly bowled her over as I crushed into her in thanks. Rock on mom.

This is an Art Deco style Paris tourist bracelet of wide design with articulated, rectangular shaped sections. The back of the dropped charm reads “Filigrane Depose” and has a makers mark, that I cannot decipher. Landmarks include the: Arc D'Triomphe, Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Invalides and the city seal.

New Love

I found this amazing ring to add to my personal collection at a pawn store last week. Ever since the release of the TV shows Pawn Stars (History Channel) and Hardcore Pawn (A&E), my fascination with these places has only grown. Where I used to only visit one a year, I now hit a few of the larger ones once a month.

Most places around here tend to be heavy on the yellow gold...a color that just doesn't suit me. Rarely will I find a silver toned metal of any grade. So when I saw this sterling piece, I had to pick it up.

The inside reads “925 CC.” And while it does test silver, everything about this screams 'repo'...something new, meant to look old. Still, I haven't been able to take it off! I only wear one ring at a time, and this has been the piece of the week!

Anyone know anything about this? I'm on the hunt to find another for my mother.