Spotlight: Duchess of Rock ($68)

One of the challenges in working with vintage and antique materials is that sometimes they aren't as strong and dependable as one might like. I recently bought this amazing amethyst colored brooch and last night, while working it into the necklace I had envisioned, the glass cabochon popped right out! I am in the process of re-setting the glass and once I am finished, it will be better than new. The glue that was holding it on underneath is very old and obviously had just lost it's stick. Better that it happened to me than you, right?! I felt like being brutally honest about this because I want everyone to know that accidents do happen! If ever you purchase a vintage piece (or any piece, for that matter) of mine and it happens to break or fall apart, please know that I would be happy to take it back and make the proper adjustments and/or repairs to make it good as new again. Here are the pictures I took before "the incident". The entire brooch is about 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches and is in great condition. This is something I could imagine Sharon Osbourne wearing...yes, sometimes I design jewelry for my celebrity friends who have no idea that I exist. Yet.

Materials: steel chain, antique brass hook clasp, large antique brooch with amethyst colored glass and rhinestones.

Spotlight: Key to My... Necklace ($38)

One of the best things about what I'm doing with vintage jewelry is that my friends and family love to help with my cause! My brother and cousin are way into thrift and vintage shopping and have been extremely helpful in finding me very unique and interesting pieces to work with. While on a recent shopping trip, my cousin came across an amazing collection of antique and vintage keys in an antiques shop, and sent them to me. This necklace is made with one of those keys, hung on steel chain, with cream, brown, and pink rose beads as an accent. The key is suspended on the chain without a ring, making it nearly impossible to remove- unless of course, you're ready to give it away. This will be up on Etsy today, so if you want it, don't wait!

Spotlight: Queen of Hearts ($32)

This necklace is a tribute to one of my favorite childhood books/movies, Alice in Wonderland. Each of the charms represents something from the story, with the large baroque-cut crystal in the center representing Alice. There is a rose, a rabbit, a black cat face, and a key, all hanging under a heart accented with a red glass bead. I think it is fun and whimsical, and who doesn't need a little bit of both in their lives these days?

Materials: Antique gold steel chain, glass bead, zinc heart, gold plated filigree rose, mother-of-pearl carved rabbit, German crystal, jet carved cat, zinc key, antique brass clasp.

Lost & Found: Purple Passion

So I mentioned that I love recreating vintage jewelry? Here's my latest...I'm in love with it so I thought I'd share. This is a brooch of my mother-in-laws (I believe she bought it in the 60's) that she so graciously donated to my cause. I don't want to start family drama or anything, but I am seriously keeping this. No, really. You might have to fight me for it if you think otherwise. Ok, settled? Awesome. If you love this as much as I do, I have a couple of other brooches that would work in this same design; just let me know!

And, I can't take all of the credit. Thanks to my sister for helping me work out the kinks and for modeling!