Spring Flowers

 Late 19th c. pansy from Ameican jeweler Krementz, once based in Newark, NJ

Happy spring! I woke up this morning expecting to step outside into a Disney woodland fantasy of flowers and bluebirds flying around with ribbons in their beaks. Not quite.

It’s finally here, and even though it’s still cold and windy, today is the first day of spring and I couldn’t be happier! So, since there are no flowers outside yet (at least in New York) I figured I’d write about some!

Flowers have been a popular motif in design and jewelry in particular for centuries. Different flowers symbolize different things, but to me they all mean beautiful weather and new beginnings. And that’s what spring is all about, no? In addition to relegating your winter coat to the back of your closet and getting to wear your strappy heels again! Woo hoo!

Late 19th c. example with enamel and seed pearls

Pansies have been a favorite in jewelry since the late 19th century, predominately in the form of brooches. During the Art Nouveau period, which dates from approximately 1890-1910, artists we’re inspired by nature, leaves, flowers and flowing organic lines. A lot of the pansy brooches created during this period we’re enamel over yellow gold, sometimes accented with seed pearls or diamonds. You also find gem set pansy brooches from the early 20th century. A notable creator of these flowers was American jeweler Oscar Heyman. They still produce these pieces today and they feature invisibly set sapphires, amethyst and yellow diamonds, all evoking the trademark purple and yellow of the pansy.

 

Two gorgeous examples from American jeweler Oscar Heyman

So, what are you waiting for? Throw on a new outfit, go out and grab spring by the pansies! Enjoy the day and happy spring!

Check me out at – http://www.fromtheashesvintagejewels.com

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And don’t forget to stop by Eight of Swords (www.eightofswords.com) next time you’re in Brooklyn – now carrying the collection!!

 

Ship Ahoy

Woo hoo!! The website is officially up & running as of today!!!!   Take a peek – www.fromtheashesvintagejewels.com

I built it myself. That’s right, rolled up my sleeves, put on the ol’ tool belt, hooked up my caffeine iv. Didn’t know I had it in me. Sure, I used an “easy” do – it – yourself website builder, but I’m a tech reject. Nothing is easy, and if you’ve ever attempted to use one of those things, you know what I mean. I’m a paper and pen kind of girl, I’ll take a notebook over the computer any day!!

So far, there are three categories – Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings. I’m working on some rings and I’ll be adding new pieces weekly. I can also do custom pieces, and customize a lot of the pieces that are already on the website. So, drop me a line if you have any questions or ideas –  Angela info@fromtheashesvintagejewels.com .

The pieces I create are heavily influenced by the jewelry of the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau periods, along with a rock n’ roll edge and tongue in cheek sensibility. Also inspired by the religious art and architecture of Europe I’ve experienced on my travels, I appreciate the beauty of religious icons.

I try to interpret my many influences in a casual, wearable way, to easily integrate my pieces with your unique style. The one of a kind jewels I create incorporate bits and pieces of vintage jewelry and findings. I believe in taking broken, discarded things from the ashes and giving them a new life. Reuse, recycle, repurpose.

From the Ashes Vintage Jewels Creating Modern Heirlooms With Edge – Antique and Vintage Inspired One of a Kind Creations

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