{"id":1226,"date":"2009-05-29T22:23:18","date_gmt":"2009-05-30T05:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/?p=1226"},"modified":"2009-05-29T22:23:18","modified_gmt":"2009-05-30T05:23:18","slug":"the-older-the-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sweetbeadstudio.com\/?p=1226","title":{"rendered":"The older the better"},"content":{"rendered":"

{If you don’t like old things, skip this post! \ud83d\ude42 }<\/p>\n

Sometimes older is<\/em> better, don’t you think?\u00a0 I’ve always thought so in many ways.\u00a0 Lately I have been preoccupied with vintage pieces to use in my jewelry.\u00a0 I guess it was just a matter of time before my two “obsessions” came together.\u00a0 I’m torn between heavy duty wire and metal work and a more delicate type of eclectic jewelry, where anything goes.<\/p>\n

I have two books that I’ve been pouring over whenever I get the chance.\u00a0 These books are filled with gorgeous design ideas and inspiration.\u00a0 If you love vintage bits and baubles too, then maybe you own these books as well.\u00a0\u00a0The book titles each capture the look that I love with just two words.\u00a0 Amy Hanna’s <\/a>book, Rejuvenated Jewels<\/span>\u00a0 is full of dreamy pieces that include souvenirs from Paris and old religious medals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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In Semiprecious Salvage<\/span>, \u00a0Stephanie Lee <\/a>takes you on an archaeological expedition…turning techniques and tutorials in to a literal adventure.\u00a0 This book really captures where I am in my little world of jewelry design:\u00a0 wire, metal and “found objects”\/vintage treasures.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"semiprecious_salvage\"<\/p>\n

Lately I’ve been researching and shopping for great old pieces to incorporate in to future jewelry.\u00a0 I’m talking about old rhinestone necklaces and brooches, vintage chain, special religious pieces, lockets…you\u00a0 name it.\u00a0 This is the same fervor I’ve had for searching out blue and white transferware over the years (but we’re taking a break with that).\u00a0 I’m waiting for a few books to arrive from Amazon about identifying and appreciating costume jewelry.\u00a0 I might as well educate myself…this is actually new for me.\u00a0 Afterall, I didn’t know what what pot metal was or when “c” clasps were used! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Who can resist the sparkle of vintage rhinestones?\u00a0 I sure can’t!\u00a0 I’ve been reading up on their history, believe it or not.\u00a0\u00a0 When you think of rhinestones, do you think of those old cat pins with a single rhinestone eye (1930’s)?\u00a0 Or how about those brooches with that irridescent, rainbow effect (1950’s)?\u00a0 I’ll share with you some of the interesting bits of trivia I’ve read about rhinestones, the classic staple of costume jewelry:<\/p>\n