
Today’s post is for Katie over at A Virginia Writer’s Diary. Even though there are many years that separate us, I find I often sense a commonality in things we like: writing, wine, Martin guitars, and now, our family costume jewelry.
When Mother moved into assisted living and Sis and I started the overwhelming task of clearing out the lifetime accumulation of 71 years of marriage, we sorted through jewelry. I brought these pins home to check and see if any of them might have value as vintage jewelry. I hung them on the doll coat hanger–mother made porcelain dolls and their clothes and of course, they had to have someplace to hang their wardrobe.


Several of them were actually worth more than I would have thought (around $70 based on selling prices on various vintage sites) and I let Mother know. She said, “I don’t want to sell them, I want you to have them.” On the hanger they stayed and have been ever since. While I was still working, I wore a couple of them, clipped onto a silver choker I wore with different pendants–also from mother.
Once again, I find myself in the process of inventorying the things I brought home to check about. Mostly, I have enjoyed learning the history of the items. Now I have to set to the task of our dispersing items that my nieces, cousins, and great-niece might want. It is rather like a last walk through the memories of the life I recall with my parents, and it brings pleasure this time around.
Lovely, just lovely! I let most of my Mother’s costume jewelry go elsewhere as she had already discarded most of the pieces from my childhood and replaced them with her style of accessories. I’ve picked up vintage pins and earrings at the thrift stores and I really do treasure them. I use the pins and clip earrings to fasten a scarf around my neck and always enjoy their timeless beauty. I can see why you left them on the hanger to enjoy their beauty and their memories.
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Thank you, Beth. Much of mother’s was given to a charity where one of my friends worked, for resale in their shop. We kept several pieces, all mostly things she bought later. My sister did keep her display of vintage earrings, which I remember her wearing. I already had my two favorite vintage earring pieces from years ago when she had given them to me, along with a lovely bracelet.
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A timely post. I have my Grandmother’s costume jewelry and have had it for years. We are also in the process of moving my mom into a smaller apartment and are going through some things. More costume jewelry. I like the idea of passing it down to daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, and now even great great granddaughters . It will be a process though, and likely won’t begin until after Covid. I have so many things I want to do! Thanks for your post, and enjoy your day.
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You are welcome, and isn’t it fun to know we are all doing similar things with the future in mind and connecting the past. I have been chatting with my sister this morning about what I am finding, and she is in process of doing the same with the items she has. I have jewelry my grandmother gave me that was hers when she was a girl. I hope you have a wonderful day–the sun is shining here. π
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Oh, these are beautiful! And I love how you’ve displayed them. They look like they just belong there. One of my favorite things about blogging is connecting with people, and I’m so glad I’ve been able to connect with you. π
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Thank you, Katie. It keeps them corralled, but also visible. π
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I’m glad your Mother told you she wanted you to keep them. It’s great when you know someone’s wishes and can honour them
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We did our best to abide by their wishes. We were thinking of how to stretch the money after Dad died and we had no idea how long Mother would need care. Fortunately, her money outlasted her so that was never a worry after all.
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Oh I more than understand. We had a similar worry and it certainly was daunting.
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