Artbeads Design Partners {what’s old is new again}

“What’s Old is New Again”

The theme for the latest Artbeads blogging challenge is right up my alley.

Blog partners were asked to incorporate vintage or antique components with modern elements, those that could be found in the many categories of beads and findings that Artbeads carries.  Finding inspiration from the past?  As you know that’s something that has been calling my name more often than not.  A way to combine my two favorite interests!   I knew exactly which piece I wanted to select from one of  my many vintage satin jewelry boxes.  With a special brooch in mind, I decided to browse through Artbead’s base metal category first.  With the rising cost of precious metals, working with base metals has become more common than ever.  I am careful to chose components  that are generally heavier in weight and/or have some special detailing.

I like to search for unique chains, and Artbeads has a variety of choices.  I chose a brass-plated twisted double link cable chain (can you say that 3 times fast?) with a nice, antiqued finish.  This chain has a substantial weight, great for the scale of my larger-sized focal.  The two-strand necklace also incorporates Artbead’s brass-plated split ring cable chain.

I also chose beads from the Swarovski crystal category.  I opted for chunkier crystal in 8 and 10mm.  Pairing Swarovski’s clear faceted crystals (no. 5000) with vintage components like rhinestones, for example, is a classic combination.

The clear crystals worked well with both the brooch-turned-focal as well as the old chandelier crystal.

“Regina of the Gilded Age” features an “early century” glass cameo brooch, surrounded by a chain link frame.  The pin measures 2 3/4″ in diameter.

This necklace is worn long (at around 28″), and makes a beautiful statement piece.

As always, I appreciate you stopping by.  Have a great remainder of the week!

-Cindy

Disclaimer:  The components featured have been provided free of charge by Artbeads. The opinions are that of the author’s, and no payment has been accepted to endorse these items.