The Sleeping Pearls

As a young woman, I had the fun and privilege to work in my mother's small jewelry store.  It was the hometown variety where they knew all their customers and there was barely enough room for more than 3 people at a time in that store!  The owners, Bill and Jo, did 95% of the repair work - nothing was sent out.  They bought for their clientele and always taught about what they stocked.  I loved that little store.  Guess it's why I love vintage costume jewelry so much!

One group of inventory that they carried was the beautiful costume jewelry which used cultured pearls in them. 

The size of the pearl was much larger than what you find today.  This genre of pearl jewelry is a sleeper bargain in today's vintage market. 

I just listed these two pins which are non precious gold tone metals but beautiful cultured pearl accents at my Etsy shop.   Either would make a great holiday gift and will come to you gift boxed!

If you want to learn more about the production and history of pearls, I have a favorite website in  Pearls.com.  They include an resource section on the History of Pearls.  Great information to bookmark in your references.

Our region is blessed with abundant hardwood trees of all types.  The end of fall in western NY is nearing and lots of the leaves have already turned in color.  As they fall and settle down to become the feed for next year's growth, I am drawn to one of my favorite poems.

  Advice From a Tree

Stand tall and proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Embrace with joy of the changing seasons

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Seek nourishment from the good things in life

Let your limbs sway

and dance in the breezes

Remember your roots and

Enjoy the view!

                                          author unknown

When it's OOAK

A term we constantly use in the antiques business is OOAK - One of a Kind.  I love that concept!  Imagine having a little piece of history that

• no one else on earth has
• there cannot possibly be another one
• someone's personal thought and creation is resting in your hand
• you have a direct connection to another person through this unique object!

Pretty amazing thoughts!  In honor of the OOAK's in the world, here are a couple of fun examples of what I mean!

My Own OOAK necklace using all vintage components

One of my all time favorite beaded bags - powerful & unique design.

Update:  This little toy was just featured in an Etsy Treasury on a laundry day theme!  How fun!
Good Old Laundry Day with a Hint of Love

papa's home made toy wringer washer for little missy