Vintage Chandelier Jewelry

My cute mother, who, surprisingly, is now 80 years old, is very stylish and in with all the fashions and what is going on in every way. She is especially interested in the whole idea of re-purposing, or up-cycling things that are old and almost ready to be thrown out. I'm sure everyone raised in the Depression era has these same feelings. Waste not, want not. We've all heard it. So she has been happily digging up all manner of cool things of my grandma's and hers to bring to me. Like a little scavenger, she stealthily drops these goods off at my house when I am gone. I occasionally come home from work find a huge bag of vintage bracelets and rings. The next day it's all broaches. Then one day came the ultimate treasure. On my counter was sitting an old (I have no idea how old) paper bag from Pay Less, the old drug store. I had to take a picture of it because my mother swears this bag has been around for over 20 years. But that doesn't quite fit with the whole recyling theme on the bag. (Does anyone know how long that saying has been around?

Either way, inside the bag was the loot of the century for me. My grandma was famous for dismantling things and then re-styling them. Mostly household objects. So, around 20 years ago, she dismantled a chandelier lamp that was also around 20 years old at the time. She put these teardrop prism crystals in this old Pay Less bag and stashed it in her basement. It is now happily in my possession. When I saw them all I could think of was...Necklaces! Earrings! Embellishments! Joy!!

So first  I soaped them up and rinsed them in hot water and they came out much more sparkly. These are about 1/12" long and in perfect condition. I have no idea at what point they stopped making them crystal and made them glass, or if it depended on the company that made them. I'd love to hear what you all may know about it.

    
I bought a few chains, silver tone and black and started to make stuff. I ended up really loving the black, long necklace. Of course! I made a few styles of earrings also. One with silver tone and a bit longer, the other one with the black tone. Loving them both. One could be casual, the other dressy. I'm sure grandma had a grand scheme for these chandelier teardrops, and I hope she is smiling down on this project.

   And I just have to share the fun news. I have had lots of dear friends ask if they can buy things from me, so I have been busy making jewelry, flowers, etc. I now have a little "employee", aka my darling daughter Lucy who is a senior in high school. She cuts organza, runs to the craft store, makes deliveries and hand stamps the bags and hang tags. (Oh and cute Hannah is the model for the crystal necklace!)

Hang tag and bag



Since many of you have asked, I will put the prices of each item I have made so far if you would like to buy one.  Thank you so much for all taking such an interest and for buying. At this rate I may not need an Etsy site at all! Or I may add a "shop" part to the blog. Still figuring it all out. If you are out of state, just add 2 dollars for shipping to each price.



Burlap Bag - $20.00



Blingy Black Crow necklace - $8.00

Crystal Chandelier long necklace - $25.00



Crystal earrings, short - $5.00



Crystal necklace, short - $10.00



Crystal earrings, long - $8.00

 

Organza peonies. Most colors available. Pin or barrette.
Centers available in black, diamond, or pearl - $8.00. For vintage center piece - $10.00

Feel free to email me at lwbergstrom@gmail.com if you need to order anything.