Mother, May I Borrow...: bead

Thursday, April 14, 2011

In Place of Pearls

I could write a post each day this week on the merit of pearls. Fresh water, Mabe, Majorca. I wore pearls to my first job interview (with an Ann Taylor twin set no less). So original.

I'm sure you have a set or two of pearls tucked away in your drawer or jewelry box. They are the LBD of jewelry. Classic, simple and understated. Timeless. I have nothing bad to say about pearls. But sometimes you just want a punch of color.

These are vintage turquoise (borrowed from my mom of course) but plastic, glass or even fabric can be just as fun. Find them in droves at your local thrift shop or inexpensively at most retail stores.

You can wear them alone or layer them with other beads or metal chains. Go crazy and wear them with pearls. I love a good compromise.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

A Colorful Strand of Beads

I've always been drawn to primary colors. Especially all mixed together in one place. So when my mom offered me my grandmom's multi-color beaded necklace, I scooped it right up.

The beads appear to be some type of small nut and the paint has a muted whitewashed effect. I just love them.

I've been meaning to find a jeweler in Philadelphia that will re-string the necklace as a precaution. It probably hasn't been worn in 20+ years and I'd be devastated if it broke. (If you know of a good jeweler in the Philly area that can do this, please let me know!).

I wear this necklace with just about anything. Doubled, tripled, knotted. And I usually get a question or compliment. I think that's what I love most about these old pieces. That they all have a story. And when someone stops to ask you about them, you get to relive the memory, the person, and all of the wonderful emotions that come with them.

And while I don't have a specific memory of my grandmother wearing this necklace, I love that separated by a generation and a plethora of fashion trends, we share a similar taste.

And apparently a love of primary colors.