For years now my grandmother and I have met every week for a visit: dinner and scrabble. It’s our tradition. I always stop for fried chicken along the way. It’s wonderful.

This week, after a very close game of scrabble, grandmother suggested we look at her “old” jewelry (she knows I love jewelry). She left the kitchen, returning with a small, marvelously embroidered jewelry box. Delicate, the small jewelry box looked like it held little jewelry.

What a surprise! Grandma’s jewelry box overflowed with gems: amethyst jewelry, CZ, peridot and ruby jewelry, sapphire and turquoise jewelry, pearl, garnet and quartz jewelry. I could go on and on.

It was a jewelry treasure trove! A magic pit of jewelry! Blackbeard’s jewelry booty! Every time I thought the jewelry box empty, grandmother lifted another gemstone, another dazzling specimen.

Grandmother had a story for every brooch and necklace, every bracelet, every set of earrings. We retraced her life through that jewelry. It was beautiful.

We spent hours over that jewelry box, talking and laughing. As I was leaving, I kissed my grandmother’s a cheek as I always do. Before I turned around, she grabbed my hand. From behind her back emerged the jewelry box. ‘I want you to have the jewelry box dear, and don’t say no,’ she pushed the jewelry box into my hands, ‘just remember.’

I was weepy all the way home. I’ve put grandma’s story, her jewelry box, on my mantle where I see it everyday…..remembering.

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Yes, I know – summer is over and fall is already here. But…I’m still holding on to those last few sunny days as much as I can, and wearing pink sure does get me in a happy mood!

And, best of all, I hope that by adding a nice splash of pink to my wardrobe or accessories, I can do my part to raise some awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Some great ideas are the pink ribbons or wristbands, but a splash of color in the accessory department can have a great effect, and look amazing too! Try a sheer scarf with your black dress, pink pendants, earrings, or do it my way – by wearing a pink brooch throughout the month.

My favorite in my collection is a Musical Note Pink Brooch, but being a brooch girl, I do have many!

So, yes, although fall has definitely set in and the Fall Colors are taking over, try to brighten your day once in a while during October by wearing some pink. It’ll bring smiles reminding you of sunny summer days; all the while you’ll be showing your support to those millions of women who truly need it.

My mom sure will love you for it too!

Musical Note Pink Brooch for only $8

Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837)
Georgian jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850)
Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewelry (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923)
Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts era, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915)
Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910)
The Edwardian era was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber, Venetian and glass beads, and amber were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Jewelry (1940s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

Whatever vintage jewelry you choose, whatever era you prefer. Vintage jewelry is a great way to spice up your style and get creative!

What is White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals including silver and palladium. Like yellow gold, white gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat.

Just like 18kt yellow gold which is 75% gold mixed with 25% of other metals like copper and zinc, 18kt white gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium.

What Constitutes White Gold

The properties of the white gold vary dependant metals and proportions used. As a result, white gold alloys can be used for different purposes. Whereas a white gold, nickel* alloy is hard, strong and great for rings and pins, white gold palladium alloys are soft, pliable and great for gemstone settings.

*Although nickel was traditionally used in white gold, it can cause skin reactions. Now white gold is commonly made with other white metals.

White Gold Jewelry

You can find all sorts of white gold jewelry. From pins and brooches to necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings, beautiful white gold jewelry is easy to find. White gold wedding bands and engagement rings are also becoming increasingly popular.

Taking Care of White Gold

White gold rings are coated with Rhodium. Rhodium is similar to platinum and shares many its properties including its white color. Because the natural color of white gold is light grey, rhodium plating makes white gold whiter. Since rhodium eventually wears away, white gold should be re-rhodium plated every 12 to 18 months.
Whatever white gold you choose, however you choose to buy it, white gold is beautiful. Get what you want and enjoy!

The term non-traditional can be used in a couple of different ways to describe brooches. It can refer to the ways of using the brooch. For example, a brooch fashioned as a hairclip is non-traditional. The term can also be used to describe unusual, non-traditional materials used to make a brooch. Mostly, however, this term describes a style of brooch – a particular look not found in vintage pieces.

Shapes

A brooch can be non-traditional in style mainly due to shape. Floral, feminine shapes are considered traditional. Eccentric shapes are available today to update the look of the brooch, including animal shapes that range from sea creatures to the shape of your favorite breed of dog. Also, brooches featuring quirky takes on traditional floral shapes are popular contemporary choices.

Materials

Brooches today are not limited to the bejeweled look achieved with rhinestones. Materials such as plastic, rubber or even wood are used to create an off-beat brooch style with a modern flair. You can mix and match by looking for traditional designs with unusual materials, or vice versa.

Ways to Wear

Even the most conservative, traditional style brooch can be updated simply in the way it is worn. For a funky look, clip a brooch to your handbag or to the backs of jeans. Wear a brooch at the bottom of a v-neck shirt or sweater. On the red carpet, celebrities have been showing off vintage style brooches in unusual ways to accentuate formal attire. For example, clip a brooch at the top of a dress slit or along an empire waist. These eye-catching off-beat uses of the brooch create a fresh, non-traditional style.

Noticed the recent resurrection of the brooch? These jazzed-up pins are accessorizing all over the pages of fashion magazines, designer collections and your local mall. While brooches have enjoyed spots of popularity over the ages, their recent comeback is unique. These are not your grandma’s brooches! Now, brooches are transformed to fit modern style while retaining classic appeal.

What to look for…

Look for brooches that appeal to you and complement your personal style! You cannot go wrong when you pair your look with accessories that have the same appeal. Wearing the brooch is a statement that stands alone. Whether you are attracted to a traditional style or more contemporary, eccentric designs, there are many options available from which to choose. You can also wear classic-style brooches in an unexpected way. Remember: Brooches also make wonderfully personal gifts!

Where to find them…

Rummaging through second hand stores in search of great deals on old brooches is always an option. eBay offers an excellent resource for finding vintage and (less expensive) vintage-style brooches with much less hassle. The advantage of brooches designed in a vintage style is that they offer a modern take on classic styles, while remaining affordable. High end stores and boutiques, including designers such as Bulgari and Prada have added brooches to their line. Check out the designer styles, keeping in mind that similar looks can be achieved at a much lower price.

How to wear them…

Get creative with brooches! New styles mean new ways of accessorizing. Try pinning your brooch to your bag or scarf. You can add a brooch to jeans or cluster small brooches for a fresh look, or pin one in your hair. Of course, pinning a brooch to your coat or sweater is a timeless way to show off your style and accentuate your wardrobe. Brooches can appear funky or elegant. You can accessorize with the same piece in different ways, depending on your mood.