Big news!
We are now offering Free shipping to the U.S. and discounted shipping to all other locations!
Pink Astilbe Vintage on Etsy!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Wheaton All Night Flea Market!
Last night was the Wheaton All-night flea market at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL. It was a lot of fun. I didn't buy too many things, but I had fun looking at all the really unique items!
Here are some pictures from my day!
Here are some pictures from my day!
 |
| Yes, that is a wookie and a sand person. There were x-wing fighters and other Star Wars characters walking around! |
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Rings
So here I am, a self-proclaimed jewelry lover. I am constantly switching out my necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I like to wear brooches on my sweaters, jackets, or even in a scarf. But there is one aspect of my jewelry habit that I just don't change.
Rings.
Don't get me wrong. I love looking at rings, I see the beauty and personality in them when I pick them up at estate sales. I have several rings in my personal jewelry box. I have a turquoise and sterling ring that was my aunt's. I have a ring with tiny opals and other semi precious stones that my grandmother gave me when I was 12. I have a lovely pearl and diamond ring my parents gave me for my 16th birthday that has acted as a wedding-ring stand in when my wedding ring has had to go in for repairs. I have several other cute little rings that my husband has given me through the years, including an adorable sterling silver and turquoise owl ring.
But do I wear them?
Not usually.
I don't really know why. I have two rings that never come off, unless I'm doing lots of cooking, baking, or something that gets my hands really dirty.
One is my wedding ring. It's a simple ring, really. I've worn it for over 14 years. The band has become misshapen from wear and I have a permanent dent on the bottom side of my finger where it sits. There is a central diamond that is just under a half karat, but the jewelry made the setting extra tall so it looks like it's bigger. On either side sits an under 1/4 karat stone. Again, designed to look bigger than it is.
My husband proposed to me while sitting in a car and while he had a mouth full of pizza. It was New Year's Eve and he was working 2nd shift in an Insurance Call Center. We were supposed to go to a New Year's Eve Party when he was off of work. He had loaned me the use of his car for the day so I could get ready on the promise that I would bring him dinner at work. So we're sitting in front of this insurance company at about 10:30 at night, and we're talking about the up-coming party. He sticks a bite of pizza in his mouth and asks me "Would you wear something for me?"
I thought that he wanted me to wear a certain dress or shirt or something. So I asked, "What do you want me to wear?" He, looking straight ahead, hands me the ring box and says "This!"
He never got down on one knee. He didn't even ask in a romantic fashion. I still cried. He did ask "Will you marry me?" and I did say "Yes." But while he claims that he DIDN'T have a mouth full of pizza, I'm still pretty darn sure that he did. Besides, it makes for a better story.
The ring was what he could afford, and even then, it was a stretch for him. He had the engagement band specially made. The wedding band was purchased from one of those stores that sells a little of everything. It doesn't compare with wedding bands that my friends have. Some of them have these ginormous rocks with bands coated with little diamonds. Not mine. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
My second ring was a gift from my parents when I turned 13. It's a simple gold Claddagh ring, representing my Irish heritage from my mother's side. I haven't gone a day without it, ever. It too is misshapen, flat on the bottom where years of gripping things has gently molded it. There isn't just a dent on the bottom of my finger from the ring, like that on my left hand, but there's a dent on the top of my finger too, from the crown, heart, and hands. I even get a really gnarly tan line most summers.
I know that I could wear more rings than just one on each hand. I've got four fingers and a thumb each side. However, I find that when I do wear a second ring on one hand, I'm constantly playing with it and it is a distraction for me. I also feel naked without my two rings. Even when I replace them with another "stylish" ring, I still feel as though a part of me is missing when I take them off.
I guess I never will be much of a ring wearer. What about you? Is there one piece of jewelry that you don't ever take off? What's your story?
Rings.
Don't get me wrong. I love looking at rings, I see the beauty and personality in them when I pick them up at estate sales. I have several rings in my personal jewelry box. I have a turquoise and sterling ring that was my aunt's. I have a ring with tiny opals and other semi precious stones that my grandmother gave me when I was 12. I have a lovely pearl and diamond ring my parents gave me for my 16th birthday that has acted as a wedding-ring stand in when my wedding ring has had to go in for repairs. I have several other cute little rings that my husband has given me through the years, including an adorable sterling silver and turquoise owl ring.
But do I wear them?
Not usually.
I don't really know why. I have two rings that never come off, unless I'm doing lots of cooking, baking, or something that gets my hands really dirty.
One is my wedding ring. It's a simple ring, really. I've worn it for over 14 years. The band has become misshapen from wear and I have a permanent dent on the bottom side of my finger where it sits. There is a central diamond that is just under a half karat, but the jewelry made the setting extra tall so it looks like it's bigger. On either side sits an under 1/4 karat stone. Again, designed to look bigger than it is.
My husband proposed to me while sitting in a car and while he had a mouth full of pizza. It was New Year's Eve and he was working 2nd shift in an Insurance Call Center. We were supposed to go to a New Year's Eve Party when he was off of work. He had loaned me the use of his car for the day so I could get ready on the promise that I would bring him dinner at work. So we're sitting in front of this insurance company at about 10:30 at night, and we're talking about the up-coming party. He sticks a bite of pizza in his mouth and asks me "Would you wear something for me?"
I thought that he wanted me to wear a certain dress or shirt or something. So I asked, "What do you want me to wear?" He, looking straight ahead, hands me the ring box and says "This!"
He never got down on one knee. He didn't even ask in a romantic fashion. I still cried. He did ask "Will you marry me?" and I did say "Yes." But while he claims that he DIDN'T have a mouth full of pizza, I'm still pretty darn sure that he did. Besides, it makes for a better story.
The ring was what he could afford, and even then, it was a stretch for him. He had the engagement band specially made. The wedding band was purchased from one of those stores that sells a little of everything. It doesn't compare with wedding bands that my friends have. Some of them have these ginormous rocks with bands coated with little diamonds. Not mine. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
My second ring was a gift from my parents when I turned 13. It's a simple gold Claddagh ring, representing my Irish heritage from my mother's side. I haven't gone a day without it, ever. It too is misshapen, flat on the bottom where years of gripping things has gently molded it. There isn't just a dent on the bottom of my finger from the ring, like that on my left hand, but there's a dent on the top of my finger too, from the crown, heart, and hands. I even get a really gnarly tan line most summers.
I know that I could wear more rings than just one on each hand. I've got four fingers and a thumb each side. However, I find that when I do wear a second ring on one hand, I'm constantly playing with it and it is a distraction for me. I also feel naked without my two rings. Even when I replace them with another "stylish" ring, I still feel as though a part of me is missing when I take them off.
I guess I never will be much of a ring wearer. What about you? Is there one piece of jewelry that you don't ever take off? What's your story?
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Randolph Street Market
It's that time of the month again!
No, not when husbands arm themselves with chocolate and salty snacks.
It's time for the Randolph Street Market!
This month's market will be held on July 27 and 28th and we will be there in the ballroom with loads of goodies including most of the goodies I picked up this weekend!
We'll see you there!
No, not when husbands arm themselves with chocolate and salty snacks.
It's time for the Randolph Street Market!
This month's market will be held on July 27 and 28th and we will be there in the ballroom with loads of goodies including most of the goodies I picked up this weekend!
We'll see you there!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Today's Estate Sale finds!
I have some good news and some bad news.
I'll start with the bad news.
Ready?
First: I was only able to go to 2 estate sales. Out of the 40 or so estate sales listed on www.estatesales.net (one of my favorite web-sites), I only got to go to 2.
Yeah, I know. It's disappointing.
Second: I spent all my money.
That's even sadder, isn't it? At only 2 sales, I spent all my money. I'm a grown woman, I should know how to pace myself, you think?
So let's have a moment of silence for my money and my inability to go to more than 2 places this weekend.
.
.
.
Aaand, now. Here's the good news!
The first estate sale was for a teacher with some neat stuff. She had loads of opals, damascene and cameos. So I got a bunch of mid-range stuff to put in my shop and take to the next Randolph Street Market.
The second estate sale was for an OLD storefront and the apartment above it. The shop used to be some sort of gift shop / party store / much more than that. It had all sorts of old vintage wrapping papers and decorations, etc. The basement even had 2 huge printing presses and all the type pieces for it as well as other old machines. The apartment upstairs was chock full of old clocks, instruments, and other tchochkes. Hubby and I wore gloves and carried flashlights going through this place. It was really a treasure hunt.
But what truly excited me was the NOS (New Old Stock) jewelry I found in boxes in a corner!!!
In these boxes was a bunch of West Germany Transfer brooches and necklaces, some Japanese beaded collar necklace and other pieces of jewelry. But what most excited me were the pieces of Whiting and Davis! I found 6 different Whiting and Davis Necklaces, with original Whiting and Davis Price tags, in original Whiting and Davis boxes. I am stoked!
I almost wished I hadn't went to the first sale so that I could have bought the rest of the Western Germany pieces and some other things we saw there.... but what would I have done with a 1940s "scientific" book about improving sex lives? (I am DEAD serious! It was only $12, but hubby wouldn't let me buy it.)
Now, most of this stuff is pretty grungy with loads of dust. The store had to have been closed for YEARS! I will be taking my time and cleaning it so it will be ready for the Market next weekend.
I'll start with the bad news.
Ready?
First: I was only able to go to 2 estate sales. Out of the 40 or so estate sales listed on www.estatesales.net (one of my favorite web-sites), I only got to go to 2.
Yeah, I know. It's disappointing.
Second: I spent all my money.
That's even sadder, isn't it? At only 2 sales, I spent all my money. I'm a grown woman, I should know how to pace myself, you think?
So let's have a moment of silence for my money and my inability to go to more than 2 places this weekend.
.
.
.
Aaand, now. Here's the good news!
The first estate sale was for a teacher with some neat stuff. She had loads of opals, damascene and cameos. So I got a bunch of mid-range stuff to put in my shop and take to the next Randolph Street Market.
The second estate sale was for an OLD storefront and the apartment above it. The shop used to be some sort of gift shop / party store / much more than that. It had all sorts of old vintage wrapping papers and decorations, etc. The basement even had 2 huge printing presses and all the type pieces for it as well as other old machines. The apartment upstairs was chock full of old clocks, instruments, and other tchochkes. Hubby and I wore gloves and carried flashlights going through this place. It was really a treasure hunt.
But what truly excited me was the NOS (New Old Stock) jewelry I found in boxes in a corner!!!
I almost wished I hadn't went to the first sale so that I could have bought the rest of the Western Germany pieces and some other things we saw there.... but what would I have done with a 1940s "scientific" book about improving sex lives? (I am DEAD serious! It was only $12, but hubby wouldn't let me buy it.)
Now, most of this stuff is pretty grungy with loads of dust. The store had to have been closed for YEARS! I will be taking my time and cleaning it so it will be ready for the Market next weekend.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
We're ready!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Randolph Street Market
Next weekend, May 25 and 26 will be the 10th anniversary of the Randolph Street Market and we will be there in the ballroom with all our treasures!
Be sure to come by!
Be sure to come by!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Randolph Street Market
We will be at this month's Randolph Street Market on the 25th and 26th of May in the Ballroom. Be sure to come find us and visit! Here are some of the pieces that I will be bringing.
 | |
| Lampwork glass necklace |
 |
| Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver flower brooch |
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Celebrity Run-in!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Modern Vintage Chicago!
 |
| Click the picture to go to Modern Vintage Chicago! |
We have been invited to be a part of the Modern Vintage Chicago show on April 20th and 21st at the site of the Randolph Street Market. This is a really exciting thing for us. I've been sitting on this news for a month now waiting for the official confirmation. Be sure to come by and visit our booth!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
New Page!
I've got a new page on the blog that I hope you all take a few minutes to check out.
Besides being a "Jeremy" (see here), I am also a bibliophile. That is to say, I'm a book lover. As I've been getting deeper and deeper into the fascinating world of costume jewelry, I've been busy collecting reference books. Yes, there are a lot of great websites out there, and I will eventually compile my favorites into a page as well, but there's something about a book. A book with fantastic, mouthwatering pictures and information. One I can dog-ear and be full of post-it notes. To be perfectly fair and honest, there are some books on this list that I use more than others, and in the future, I'll be indicating those.
Anyway, the new page is titled Jewelry Reference Books. I've also tried to link to the listings for the books on Amazaon, so if you're interested, you can add them to your collection as well.
I'm also hoping to do reviews of the books that I have in the future. I will be linking to those from the page for your convenience as I go.
 |
| Found at: http://richardmansel.com/tag/bibliophile/ |
Anyway, the new page is titled Jewelry Reference Books. I've also tried to link to the listings for the books on Amazaon, so if you're interested, you can add them to your collection as well.
I'm also hoping to do reviews of the books that I have in the future. I will be linking to those from the page for your convenience as I go.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Ooooh... a Sparkly!
Since then, when I get distracted by jewelry, where-ever I am, he'll say in a very "Jeremy" voice... "oooooh, a Sparkly!"
If you've never seen it...Enjoy the clip!
"I've always wanted a sparkly of my very own!"
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Bogoff Jewelry
Being a resident of the Chicago area, I tend to find a lot of jewelry that has a signature of "BOGOFF." It's always beautiful jewelry with an incredible presence.Not knowing much on the company, and being curious in nature, I figured I'd do some research on them and share it here.
This post is merely a compilation of information that I have found in books and online. There are some far more in depth articles out there. See the bottom of this post for links.
Bogoff jewelry that I have found usually has a style and construction that consists of silver or rhodium plated pieces, paste set rhinestones, and either clip or screw-back earrings. The majority of the pieces that I find are made with clear rhinestones, though I have seen pieces with pale blue in person, and have found pieces with other colors online.
Though the rhinestones are paste set, which in many circles is a code word for "cheaply made," the pieces from Bogoff are consistently high quality pieces with gorgeous design.
 |
| Bogoff Up Ear Earrings by Pink Astilbe Vintage at Etsy |
The Bogoff company name is often connected online and in books with "Spear Novelty Company" in Chicago. However, Carroll points out in her Collecting Costume Jewelry 202 book that "the 1955 Jewelrs' Buyers Guide lists the company as Jewels by Bogoff located in Chicago, Illinois, with no mention of Spear Novelty." (page 151)
Various sites around the internet and in several books have varying dates for the end of the company, with the majority of sites claiming that the company closed in the late 1950s, though one claims the company was producing jewelry all the way until the 1970s.
 | |
| Bogoff Necklace by Pink Astilbe at Etsy |
Other great images of Bogoff Jewelry can be found at Morning Glory Antiques. There they have a fantastic collection of vintage jewelry advertisements for Bogoff jewelry.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
My favorite greeting!
I ran into a friend while out and about, and she greeted me in a way that just made me smile.
"Hiya! How're you doing! Ohmygosh, I LOVE your jewelry!"
"Hiya! How're you doing! Ohmygosh, I LOVE your jewelry!"
Saturday, January 26, 2013
The Napier Book: 125 Years
I am so incredibly excited about my most recent purchase. I just pre-ordered The Napier Co. book!
It looks absolutely amazing! According to the official website for this book, the author spent over 11 years researching the history of The Napier Co, and interviewed over 50 former employees of the company. I had no idea that The Napier Co. had been around for over 125 years. This book is so thoroughly researched that it will provide not just a history of the company, but will be a great resource for anyone researching style and fashions through those years also!
Check out this promotional video! Be sure to have some rags handy to wipe up the drool.
It's not yet published, but it looks to be the go to book of the season. Pre-order price is only $99! After it's published, the price will go up to $129.00, so get your order in now!
Here's the link one more time if you missed it from above! http://www.napierbook.com/
 | |
| Image of book from napierbook.com |
Check out this promotional video! Be sure to have some rags handy to wipe up the drool.
It's not yet published, but it looks to be the go to book of the season. Pre-order price is only $99! After it's published, the price will go up to $129.00, so get your order in now!
Here's the link one more time if you missed it from above! http://www.napierbook.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)