The Start of an Addiction

Thought I would briefly touch on why I am so interested in vintage costume jewelry.  There are actually two parts to the beginning of my addiction.

First, I remember my mother's jewelry dating from the late 1940's and 1950's.  I think that most baby boomers would have the same experience.  Back then, women dressed up all the time.  Their outfits matched their shoes which matched their handbags.  And of course their jewelry had to compliment what they were wearing.  Matching sets that included a necklace, bracelet and earrings were all the rage. 

Of course, this was right after WWII and materials that hadn't been available during the war were now both plentiful and cheap.  Dior came out with his "New Look".  The perfect accessories were matching beads, cluster earrings and possibly a matching bracelet.  If you can remember the outfits Michelle Pfieffer wore in Hairspray, you will know what I mean.  There was also lots of lucite - jewelry, purses and shoes.  And my mother had it all.

The second factor was, believe it or not, science fiction.  I became a big fan of Dr. Who.  Southern California has always been big science fiction territory, so I started going to conventions, particularly those featuring the Doctor. There was a vendor selling vintage jewelry at one I went to about 25 years ago.  I bought a rhinestone dragon from her, as well as some other pieces.  That was the beginning of my actively seeking out vintage costume jewelry.

Yesterday I found my little dragon in a box.  After 25 years he's a bit battle scarred.  His gold isn't as shiny in some places and a rhinestone or two is missing.  But I will always think of him fondly and never part with him regardless how tattered he gets.