1900's Gibson Girl Locket Necklace

The pen and ink drawings of illustrator Charles Gibson came to represent the spirit of the early twentieth century in America. The “Gibson Girl” is probably the best remembered of the artist’s images. Some people argue that the Gibson Girl was the first national standard for feminine beauty. The images of her epitomized the late 19th and early 20th century Western preoccupation with statuesque, youthful features, and ephemeral beauty. She was portrayed as the feminine ideal in elegant dresses, bustle gowns, shirtwaists, and terraced, shorter skirts. With her hair piled atop her head and a waist so tiny as to defy belief, the Gibson Girl represented a serene self-confidence that could surmount any problem.

This is a rare cameo locket with a beautiful portriat of a Gibson Girl surrounded in flowers and embellished with small faceted stones. It is gold filled circa 1905. The necklace is an etched 14k gold filled chain with vintage crystal beads, and my signature cloisonne bead at the clasp.

This 1900's Gibson Girl Locket Necklace is on sale at www.vintagerehab.etsy.com.

Family Heirlooms

Originally from the Victorian era, lockets have been around for centuries and their uses are constantly expanding from being given as a condolence for those who have lost a loved one, to romantic gifts and keepsakes passed down into every generation.

At a trunk show last weekend, a woman became teary-eyed as she looked a my vintage locket necklaces. She told me that her mother once had a locket with her initials on it, but it was stolen. It was a one-of-a-kind heirloom that had much more sentimental value than worth. For years, this woman has been searching for her mother's locket or a special replacement. Finally, she found a one with her inital 'H'. Unfortunately, now her mother is very sick, so she hesitated to buy.

Days later a man ordered this same locket for his wife who will be delivering their first child any day now. Although the little girl's name is a secret he told me it starts with a H, so this piece spoke to him. What a sentimental gift to commemorate this special day. I imagine the proud mama showing off her baby's picture inside the locket. In turn, I picture the daughter's excitement then this family heirloom is passed down to her. Already this 1900's 'H' Locket Necklace has many stories to tell. This is what I love about vintage lockets. Check out all of the fabulous, one-of-a-kind, vintage locket necklaces by Vintage Rehab.

Buddha Locket Necklace

For over a year, I hunted for a vintage Buddha locket for one of my best clients. And, I finally found one! YIPPEE! It was like finding the treasure chest at the end of the map after a long journey. The dimensionality and detail of this locket is amazing. I paired it with a sterling silver chain that is accented with vintage Swarovski grey crystal bead. She LOVES it!

Are looking for a sentimental piece or have a family heirloom or other jewel laying around that you want to wear again or give to someone special? I would love to custom design a piece for you. Please contact me if you are interested.

1900's 'DVA' Locket Necklace

I love finding vintage lockets with the original photos inside. This one dates back to the 1900's which makes these photographs over 100 years old. It is a gold-filled, circular locket that is beautifully etched with a moon and star stone inlay. On the back the initials 'DVA' are engraved. The necklace is a new 14k gold filled chain accented with vintage clear crystal beads. This 1900's 'DVA' Locket Necklace is on sale at vintagerehab.etsy.com.

New York + Lime Green = Bittersweet

Evolution is IIDA's (International Interior Design Association) annual fundraising event. Every year, local interior design firms enter a design competition. This year each company was given a different color and city. My team was assigned New York + lime green. We had to create a collage within specific size parameters, only using black and white and the color we were given. We titled our piece "Bittersweet" which represents fashion in the big apple. I love challenging my creativity and am proud to say that we won 1st place.

Vintage Money Clip Bracelet

I bought this vintage money clip at an estate sale with no intention of using it for that purpose.  Instead, I saw it as a unique bracelet. It is made of sterling silver with a a two-toned mother of pearl portrait with three faces.  A sterling silver frame is embellished with tiny crystal stones.  I reshaped the clip, creating a loop on both sides. Then, I attached a dark-brown leather strand at each end that wrap around the wrist eleven times, and connect with a magnetic clasp. This Vintage Money Clip Bracelet is a one of a kind piece for sale online at Vintage Rehab's shop. 

Old Found Treasures

My friend Jenna loves her collection of vintage costume jewelry, but seldom wears any of these pieces due to their extreme gaudiness. While flipping through her recent copy of W Magazine, she was inspired by a photo shoot of a woman with a bunch of Mardi Gras beads draped around her neck to design this necklace. It was created using seven charm bracelets and six pairs of clip on earrings.

Jenna says, "I never throw anything away. There is always a use for stuff even if you aren't using for it's original intention. I love redecorating my house with new found treasures and it always crosses over into my wardrobe."

A Letter From Miles

Today, I received an email from a customer that I want to share.  I love getting notes like this.  Thank you for the kind note, Miles.  I can't believe I missed that photo.

Hi Stacey,

    I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you that my girlfriend (and myself and everyone else) loves the locket. It''s perfect and just what I hoped it would be. Interesting though, when I was opening it up to put pictures in out popped a really faded and old picture of a baby...it was quite spooky...I assume you must have missed it or did you know it was there?  Either way we have decided to treat it as a good luck sign and assume it was a happy baby...as opposed to this being the beginning of a horror film:) Anyway, thought you might find that interesting.  

Thank you again,

Miles

Vintage Locket Collection

I am always on the hunt for vintage lockets and am very excited about my most recent finds.  I stumbled along these heirlooms at a local antique store.  They are Victorian, dating back to the late 1800's - early 1900's. All of the pieces are 14k gold-filled and in mint condition.  

The heart locket has a clear gems in the center. Adjacent is a circular locket with a raised design that is embellished with clear jewels.  I passed on the plain gold locket and bought the one with moon and star that is accented with stones.  Even more special are the old is are old photos of someone's loved ones inside. 

Next, I rehab them and make chains that pair well with each one. Keep checking Vintage Rehab's shop for new vintage locket necklaces.

1800's Fan Necklace

While hunting for vintage lockets, I came across this amazing 1800's fan pin made in Portugal by Topazio. The filagree design is gold plated sterling silver that is adorned with painted enamel flowers and  a dangling fleur-de-lye charm.  

Although I mostly create vintage locket necklaces, I couldn't resist this exceptional piece.  I paired this fashionable pin with a very ornate, new 14k gold filled chain.  You can find this necklace at my etsy store.

Hunting for Treasures

You ask, "where do I find vintage lockets?"  I buy them at estate sales and from antique jewelry dealers.  I always ask the seller about the history of the pieces and learn a lot from talking to them. Recently, while hunting for vintage treasures, I came across the most beautiful lockets that I have ever seen.  It is a rare Art Nouveau locket with a relief of a woman blowing bubbles.  I especially love how the bubbles are accented with jewels.       

Vintage Purse Collection

This is my collection of vintage purses. Some were my grandma's and mother's. Those are very sentimental. The others I found at thrift stores. They are all unique and one of a kind. That to me is what makes them special.  

Them Boots Are Made For Walking

Cowboy boots are symbolic of the Wild West and their designs take their inspiration from centuries of boot making.  Horseman wore boots to protect the inner calf from rubbing on the saddle and the outer calf from nettles and brambles.  The purpose of the stacked heel was to stabilize the foot in the stirrup. One of the most interesting things about vintage cowboy boots is that they were mostly custom made and nearly every pair is different. Here is my collection of vintage cowboy boots.  Like Cinderella, I hunt for a boot that fits. 

Recycled Jewelry Pouches

In addition to recycling, it is important to not to waste materials. Instead of throwing away leftover fabric scraps, I save them to make jewelry pouches for every Vintage Rehab necklace and bracelet. Inside each one is a description of the piece and my business card.  

TOMS - Shoes for Tomorrow

Today, I bought a pair of shoes that are made of 67% hemp and 33% recycled plastic bottles.  Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers in the world and can easily be grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. 

Also, "for every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.  Since its beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa through the purchases of our caring customers.  In 2008 TOMS plans to give 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world." 

Instead of feeling guilty for buying another pair shoes that I definitely don't need, I can look down at my new TOMS and know that I did something positive for the environment and for poverty stricken children. For more information go to www.TOMSshoes.com.

A Flower to Brighten Your Day

Throughout the week, my friend goes to his neighborhood flower shop and saves the plants that are being thrown out.  They are still alive and some are still blooming.  I am surprised at all of the beautiful roses, lilies, orchids, and other flowers that are in the dumpster.  He gives them to friends and even strangers to brighten their days.  All of the larger plants and trees he keeps on his patio and nurtures them back to life.  I admire him for doing something everyday to contribute to a more beautiful, healthy environment.  

Unlocking Old Memories

I recently uncovered this vintage treasure at an estate sale. It is a Victorian locket from the 1900's. Inside is the original photo of a little girl that a woman once wore to remember a loved one.  What a beautiful keepsake.  The face of the locket has a unique basket weave and jeweled design.  I made a new chain for it with gold filled chain and wire wrapped vintage crystal beads throughout.  Check out the 1900's Jeweled Basket Weave Locket Necklace available for sale at my etsy store.

Handmade Jewelry Display

I needed a way to display my necklaces and bracelets on for trunk shows and didn't want to buy some expensive display or a cheap one that would reflect upon my jewelry design. So, I created this jewelry display with a scrap of wood, tree branch, and spray paint.  Most of these materials I found around my house and backyard.  The tree branch fits into a hole drilled in the wood base and comes apart for easy portability.  Best of all, it cost less than $10 to make.      

Vintage Rehab Trunk Show

This past Thursday I hosted my 1st trunk show featuring one-of-a-kind vintage locket necklaces.  It was held at Shiki, a local Austin boutique where I consign some of my jewelry. 

My Vintage Rehab collection was displayed together for the first time.  I (a very modest designer) was in awe and so proud of all of my work.  The most rewarding part was telling people about the history of the antique lockets and other vintage finds.  

Everyone complimented my designs and best of all I sold a few pieces.  Being that the majority of my sales are online, I don't often get to meet my customers and see them try on their necklace.  This was a great experience and great marketing tool to continue on doing.  

Keepsake Child's Locket Necklaces

My sister just gave birth to a baby girl named Emma Rose.  I am a proud aunt and can't wait to watch her grow up.  To remember this special moment, I created a locket necklace for her with a picture of her baby that she can wear close to her heart.  Also, I was inspired to create a new line of one-of-a-kind, vintage child's locket necklaces. What a perfect keepsake baby gift for a mother and child that will be passed on for generations!  

One of my favorite ones is the Vintage Child's Flower Heart Locket Necklace.  This vintage heart locket is embossed with a floral motif and now hangs on new chain accented with gold beads.  Please check out my new designs at www.vintagerehab.etsy.com!