Thrift Day. Brooch the Subject

(I'm going to admit it's hard to write this post because I keep getting distracted by the crazy beautiful wallpaper that Matt just hung in the living room... logic would dictate that I move to the dining room and ignore the brand new prettiness but I have settled into a butt groove on the couch by now... I shall just forge ahead.)

I can't believe that I haven't done a thrift post on jewelry yet! I always make sure I check the display case and the jewelry racks at the thrift store for treasures. I like garage sales even more for jewelry because it's the cheapest way to find things that sparkle but I admit, by Saturday, I am not always keen on getting up early to hunt for garage sales. That is one of my goals for the summer though, go to garage sales more often and to learn how to build a house.

I am by no means an expert on vintage jewelry, I am much better at finding quality in clothing. I do use a few little rules to determine what jewelry I would take home from a thrift store. I need to do more research because perhaps I have let the jewelry equivalent of a vintage DVF dress pass me by... and that thought keeps me up at night (though it might be the Diet Coke too...). If you are perhaps an expert on vintage jewels or have chanced upon a Raymond Templier piece (just googled for a name...) at a flea market, send me an email. I think I want to explore thrifting quality jewelry a bit more deeply...

And though I may have a lack of expertise, I have no lack of enthusiasm for thrifting jewelry. Brooches especially are a good thrift find. Brooches can be pinned everywhere, can be used as a solitary piece or thrown together for added flare (yes, that is an Office Space reference) and unless, you are buying some very expensive brooches new, the quality of a vintage brooch is far better than that of a $10 brooch at Zellers.

1. Like my sequin obsession for clothing, I also have a rhinestone obsession for jewelry. If it sparkles, I am going to take a second look. Anything that is too blinding white or has that irredescent sheen, I put back. Those things are usually a sign that the piece is new and of lesser quality. Weight is also a good indicator of quality; the heavier the better...

(the butterfly is a cheap piece I bought new... it's super cute but the rhinestones look perilously close to popping out vs. the claws around the vintage pin on the right)

While I won't reject pieces that don't have claws around the stones, the claws are a good thing. It may be harsh but if there is a missing stone, don't get it. No, despite what you tell yourself, you probably won't find a stone that matches it exactly. Leave the brooch behind. It's a cruel truth. Also, Santa doesn't exist...

2. It's hard to describe what attracts me to brooches that aren't sparkly. I like what I like, I guess... If there is something that catches my eye, I mostly look for metal mark or a name brand. There is not a particular name brand I am looking for or a name brand that I reject, but the presence of a name brand is a good sign.

I don't usually go for Avon jewelry (admittedly, my parents thrifted this and gave it to me as a kid) but I still would have bought it for myself because the fact that is ceramic, is unusual and the fact that it is a cat, is awesome! I also look at the general condition of the brooch; no chips or worn down paint or metal colours. And like with rhinestones, a solid weight on any brooch is a good thing.

And because I am so excited about this... a little sneak peaker at our new wallpaper. I actually just stopped to clap my hands after I finished writing that sentence. Seriously. I'm also clapping because it's Matt's birthday party tonight and I am really excited to clean the bathroom and vacuum before company comes over. More excited or the party and the wall paper though! Have a fabulous thrifty weekend!