If you think this brooch is just about the gaudiest thing you've ever seen, don't worry. I pretty much think that too, not that I don't fully intend to wear it one day! But the large (2-1/2-inch tall) size and extra bling factor didn't keep me from wanting it. On Saturday, I was at an antique mall in Marietta and had just turned around from examining a row of cookbooks (including "In the Kitchen with Rosie") when I saw this pin and decided to add it to my brooch collection. Even the glitzy ones are like wonderful little pieces of art to me!
Do you like rhinestones? I do. I even save old rhinestones from orphaned earrings and tattered old brooches, just in case I need them to repair a piece of jewelry. Last year I began reading up on vintage jewelry and learned some fun things. First, did you know rhinestones get their name from the Rhine River in Europe, from which the natural "Rhine stones" were first collected? And if you've got some rhinestone jewelry with that iridescent "aurora borealis" finish, you know it was made in 1955 or later, because that's the first time that "aurora borealis" jewelry appeared.
I have a few old teapot jewelry findings in my stash, and I must say I am highly inspired to combine them with some old rhinestone pieces thanks to Amy Hanna's new book "Rejuvenated Jewels." She beautifully combines old jewelry findings (and some new ones) to make some incredible pieces which are, at heart, simply recycled jewelry. I love that. So diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but rhinestones aren't too shabby either!
Cute post title, Angela, but now I'll have that song stuck in my head for the next few hours. I'd wear that rhinestone tea pin too. Thanks for all the interesting info on rhinestones.
ReplyDeleteHi! I would certainly wear that pin too. I love it! And I like the book you mentioned too - (it is for sale in my shop) :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes! Lynn
Wow - that is a statement piece and I like it! I think it would look great on a fall blazer. I'd wear it!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of recycled jewelry, too.
Oh, I am so going to borrow that: "A statement piece." Love it!
ReplyDeleteAngela - I'm so far behind, I have to taste more than one tea at a time! :-0
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, I love that gaudy pin! I would wear it ofte, unless my granddaughter got her hands on it! Just beautiful...love all the pretty jewelry.
ReplyDeleteMary
I have a similar pin that I wear on a jean jacket. I am not a rhinestone girl, but I liked it for the contrast and it is eye catching.
ReplyDeleteRecycling jewelry is an excellent idea! I agree with Steph - that rhinestone tea pin would look good on a fall blazer, or a velvet winter jacket as well.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that brooch is garish at all. I like it a lot because it's tea-themed. I know it wouldn't go with any outfit or be appropriate for every occasion. But there are times when I can see it being just right. --Spirituality of Tea
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