I have a huge hoard of vintage beads in various states of repair/disrepair/awaiting inspiration.
Let me say how much I love swarovski pearls. They saved the day for both pieces.
This poor baby was missing the whole back half and the clasp-the front dangle section and a about 15 beads on each side of it was all that survived... I wonder what happened to it..anyway....I added some swarovski crystal pearls and I am pretty happy with the results. I think it was originally a Czech glass necklace from the early teens. I have never seen beads in this barely there shade of palest pink.
And this lovely confection of design was rescued from a Goodwill store- I could not believe my luck when I found this sitting alone in a baggie. $16.00 later and it was home with me. There was originally 2 long oval beads on each side, but one was crushed to dust at the bottom of the baggie-along with the pearl on the drop. The little blue beads in the back were knotted on faded cotton that was also falling apart. I cut each little bead off the cord and wired them. I added some pearls to make up the missing blue oval and got creative placing the left over one-no bead left behind! I guess this would be opera length (it comes past my navel) but looks just as amazing doubled up. I am 100% sure this was a Czech glass piece too judging by the assembly and pendant. I think this was more 20's.
A close up of the pendant:
I had a blast digging through my stash...I have some amazing purple glass beads that I did not get to in time but now that the box is out...
Oh, NICE! Thrift store bead finds are the best…I got a bracelet WITH REAL PEARLS once. How do you tell real from fake? Hold one of the beads and rub it against one of your front teeth. [yeah you will look weird but who cares] If it slides right off, it's fake. If it 'drags' in a skritchy sort of way, ITS A REAL PEARL.
ReplyDeleteLovely work! I like the way you've restored them to life!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh, I love them both! Such wonderful detail. You did a beautiful job making them sparkle again. And the repairs blend right in. I'd love to go shopping with you ;-)
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