Not so long ago, I wouldn't have been seen dead wearing anything but silver. Gold just didn't do it for me. Actually I went through a phase of detesting it. Maybe it was a throwback from the "gold overload" of the 80's and 90's (especially here in Essex!!) when everyone seemed to have a gold ring on every finger, courtesy of
Elizabeth Duke and the ill fated
Gerald Ratner. Gold with black onyx, sovereign rings, keeper rings, belcher chains and chunky gold identity bracelets a la
Only Fools and Horses. My response to this gold onslaught was to position myself firmly in the silver camp and I've pretty much remained there ever since (I'd make an exception for platinum of course ;). But in the last couple of years I've definately thawed towards gold as these recent thrifty finds testify...
Top to Bottom - Conical "Teardrops" Brooch £4 - Scarabs Brooch £3 - Bangle Watch £1
I am developing a bit of a soft spot for vintage costume jewelry and to be fair, it's poles apart from the 80's "gold rush" I describe above. There are some good blogs, articles and resources online to learn more about vintage costume jewelry...but I am yet to discover any info on these 2 backstamps....
"WEST" and "9252". So if anyone out there knows about these particular backstamps, I'd love to hear from you. Heck I always like hearing from you. How about you? Are you for Gold, or for Silver? (Or indeed, neither!)
Px
I love those scarab beetles! Was wondering if the stamp on the back was something similar to the 925 stamp they put on sterling silver but can't see anything about that on wikipedia sorry. Try taking it to a jewellers or one of those 'gold for cash' places to get it tested, you don't have to sell it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the gold or silver! At first, I was all about silver but since falling in love with vintage costume jewelry, I have a lot more gold in my collection. There are too many really amazing gold pieces to pass them up.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you, Miss P. Once upon a time, I would never have worn it - a definite Eighties thing. Now, I've warmed to it. I LOVE that scarab brooch. Please tell me these are not more finds from Essex charity shops. Seriously, I am going to move to Essex!
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