Bling! My Vintage Rhinestone Brooch Collection

I shared my vintage brooch collection on this blog a few years ago- but it's grown since then! I think I need to officially declare it complete but I will probably add a few more over the years.  I decided that the way I was storing them was not working.  Not only did I not get to enjoy looking at them, it was creating a situation where damage could occur.

The completed display case- still need to hang it on the wall!

I actually lost 2 rhinestones out of one of the more valuable pieces in my collection- a D&E Tara brooch with matching earrings (called a demi-parure set).  The stones became lost and now the only way I'll be able to fix the brooch is to ruin the set and use some stones from the earrings to replace the missing ones in the brooch.

Missing an impossible to replace blue and white rhinestone.  I still have the original jewelry card this set was sold on in the 1960's!  Ugh! At least now stones are less likely to be lost and, even if they are, they'll land inside the case when I can find them again.

In any case, my cute Dad agreed to help me, again, so off to the shop I went to put together a lighted shadow box case.  The design is pretty simple.

Dad attaches the door to the basic frame.

The frame is just open then I attached a french memo board style fabric backing to it.  The fabric is a diamond quilted velvet.  The ribbons are grosgrain because the little ridges in them help grip the clip backs of the earrings.  The ribbons are attached to the background fabric with copper colored brads.  The diamond pattern of the fabric made it really easy to create an accurate grid.

Creating the grid system for the memo board.  This was just attached with staples to the back of the open frame.

 I arranged them all in 'rainbow order'- the beloved hierarchy of Jr. high girls everywhere!  Above are the 'hot' colors.

 Transitioning to the cooler greens, blues, purples and pinks with black at the bottom.

Close up of one of my favorites- it's big and obnoxious with lots of art glass.

 I wrote more about why and what I collect in this post BLING THING a few years back.  That hasn't really changed.  I still like art glass, molded glass, and multi-hued specialty stones- like the ravoli stones that make up the D&E Julianna piece below.

I know making brooch bridal bouquets and crafts are big deal right now, and they're gorgeous, but it makes me cringe a bit.  If you're going to craft with vintage rhinestone jewels, it pays to know the value of the pieces before beginning. I've seen several brooches worth more than $100 stuck to $5 craft projects!  ACK!

A small piece but one that is featured in books about vintage rhinestones.  D&E Juliana style jewelry is my favorite but, unlike some pieces, these are usually unsigned- you have to ID them by the way they are constructed.

The generation of women who graciously wore these interesting pieces is now moving on to the next great adventure, sadly.  However, that means it's a great time to collect vintage jewels!  And yes- I even wear the pieces, they're still in style (or at least not far out enough for people to laugh). I get most of mine via E-bay but I've bought some locally.  I try to find out a little about the original owner whenever I can. I don't really collect for value, though I'm always excited to find a piece that I know is worth some $$$.  I just collect to remember my Grandma and the other women of the generation who have helped shape mine.

On special occasions, I'll let my own girls try on the pieces and pick their favorites. Someday, I hope to have Grandkids who will think it a great privilege to play with MY jewels and who will continue to pass these small pieces of history down through the generations. Unlike the jewelry made today, these pieces (when properly cared for) were built to last.

I suppose taking better care of my not-so-little collection is a way of honoring my Word of the Year (Stewardship).  A small thing, to be sure, but a means of taking better care of all I've been blessed with.  I will  get the case mounted on the wall (out of direct sunlight and with UV glass) and then I'll enjoy my bling daily- whether I'm wearing it or not!