Wire Sculpted "Vintage" Jewelry

I received some “pennies from heaven” a while back. A very good friend’s mom passed away at age 103.

Among her things was an extensive collection of vintage rhinestone jewelry dating from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Barbara kept the best pieces and put a bunch up on eBay. The remainder however had stones missing or broken clasps and Barbara gave them to me, thinking I could use them in my crafting.

One day, it dawned on me that I could use the rhinestones to make wire-wrapped pendants.

Now I’m receiving custom orders from friends of Barbara and of her mom who specifically want jewelry made with these rhinestones for their sentimental as well as historical value.

I’m an “Antique Road Show” junkie and I know that the provenance (story behind an antique) can add considerable value. So the product card I designed has two purposes: to honor Barbara’s mom; and to add value to the jewelry I make using her rhinestones.

It reads, “These vintage rhinestones (circa 1930) were previously owned by Helen Lucille Clippinger (1898 - 2005).”

One of the fun things about wire sculpting is that every piece is unique. You can’t easily make an exact duplicate. The wire has a mind of its own; and each twist and turn creates a new balance. You need to keep examining the piece as you go to decide what is needed and where to go next.

My “pennies from heaven” have turned into dollars from heaven and have taken my crafting in yet another direction. How exciting!

Visit the Jewelry Index Page for more articles.

  |Top | Jewelry | Crafts | Home |