“What’s Old is New Again”
The theme for the latest Artbeads blogging challenge is right up my alley.
Blog partners were asked to incorporate vintage or antique components with modern elements, those that could be found in the many categories of beads and findings that Artbeads carries. Finding inspiration from the past? As you know that’s something that has been calling my name more often than not. A way to combine my two favorite interests! I knew exactly which piece I wanted to select from one of my many vintage satin jewelry boxes. With a special brooch in mind, I decided to browse through Artbead’s base metal category first. With the rising cost of precious metals, working with base metals has become more common than ever. I am careful to chose components that are generally heavier in weight and/or have some special detailing.
I like to search for unique chains, and Artbeads has a variety of choices. I chose a brass-plated twisted double link cable chain (can you say that 3 times fast?) with a nice, antiqued finish. This chain has a substantial weight, great for the scale of my larger-sized focal. The two-strand necklace also incorporates Artbead’s brass-plated split ring cable chain.
I also chose beads from the Swarovski crystal category. I opted for chunkier crystal in 8 and 10mm. Pairing Swarovski’s clear faceted crystals (no. 5000) with vintage components like rhinestones, for example, is a classic combination.
The clear crystals worked well with both the brooch-turned-focal as well as the old chandelier crystal.
“Regina of the Gilded Age” features an “early century” glass cameo brooch, surrounded by a chain link frame. The pin measures 2 3/4″ in diameter.
This necklace is worn long (at around 28″), and makes a beautiful statement piece.
As always, I appreciate you stopping by. Have a great remainder of the week!
-Cindy
Disclaimer: The components featured have been provided free of charge by Artbeads. The opinions are that of the author’s, and no payment has been accepted to endorse these items.
Lovely voices of components from your jewelry box Cindy. I love the combo of the chain with the antique glass and chandelier crystal.
Oops I meant choices!
Spectacular!
Wow – that is absolutly stunning, Cindy! Have to check the chain-section out. I’m also always on the hunt after spectacular chain.
oh what an amazing piece of you found in that old brooch. it is incredible!! and the necklace turned out stunning. a perfect combination of glass and brass. well done!
Beautiful Cindy! This was the perfect challenge for you! The pendant is gorgeous! Very nice necklace.
So feminine Cindy. Just really, truly feminine and graceful. Congrats on such a beautiful piece.
Hi Cindy,
i just love it, brass is one of my fav metals to work with this piece looks like it came right out of vintage jewelry box.
take care ttfn L:)
Perfect combination of elements Cindy, it looks beautiful and so vintage! What a gorgeous cameo!
That is beautiful – so vintage. I love the crystals with the chain – they look great with the brooch. Love it.
Very Lovely Cindy! Such a timeless elegant piece!
It is gorgeous! Did you take the back off the pin, or leave it on? Also, is that a chandellier part? My mother gave me a bunch, I have to take a photo and put them on my blog. I want to make something to hang off my own chandellier in my dining room, which has no crystals and is very modern.
Cindy a lovely piece. The old chandelier crystal is such a wonderful finish…the clear swarovski adds sparkle along witht the cameo! Just Perfect!!
lovely!
Beautiful combinations Cindy!
My jaw dropped and stayed there as I scrolled down..I kept whispering in my small noggin..Just delicious..Delicious!
Hugs,Cat
Cindy – love the rich, vintage and heavy look of your new piece. I love to recycle and this is truly a great upcycle!!! Lovely crystal touch.
This is sooo beautiful, stunnuing, gorgeous!!! Love the glass, the vinatge feel, it’s breathtaking Cindy!
Beautiful Cindy! A lovely job!
You aced that theme! All of your components are nicely coordinated and balanced. Love it.
Beautiful! Love the vintage look and also love using old components whenever I can. Nice job!
This challenge was right down your alley, Cindy! The necklace is fabulous and has such a classic look – love the focal piece!
Oh my gosh I thought I already commented on this–I must be getting old!
What a beautiful necklace! I love the antique brass paired with crystal. So elegant.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
This is so lovely and elegant. Wonderful work! 🙂
Stunning! Absolutely stunning 🙂
That’s definitely a challenge that’s right up BOTH of our allies!
absolutely magical!! love the glass caméo!! fantastic!