Over the last few days I ve been sorting through the two cubic foot box of jewellery that was gleaned from moms' house. Some old and interesting pieces popped up but most of it was just costume jewellery that may have some interest to collectors. The fillings of the box were gathered from all the little nooks and cranies. Some in drawers, others in jewellery boxes, lots in pockets and old purses and even a few carelessly stashed in things like sugar bowls. Here are a few of the interesting items. The first are four rings that were rapped in saran and tucked in the bottom of a lingerie drawer.
Above are the rings from her marriage to my dad in 1937.
This one is a ring I didnt recognize. When I took the rings to a jeweller to check their state of repair she expressed amazement at the condition of the ring. She said its age is very evident but it looks like it was hardly ever worn. My curiosity got me so I asked mom about it. Apparently she was engaged to someone before my dad. She said she kept the ring because she liked it but she really didnt like the man that gave it to her.......lol.
This opal and diamond ring was given to her by a family friend. It dates to the mid 1800s. I remember taking it to a jeweller to have one of the rose cut diamonds replaced and the claws repaired. At that time the jeweller indicated that its many years since rose cut diamonds have been done.
This broach was also from the family friend. I m told that the color of the opal suggests it came from Australia.
In the 50s mom made broaches, earings and pendants from shells. She spent hours sitting at the kitchen table with tweezers and airplane glue. The tweezers never did much damage but the airplane glue had a definate giddy effect.
This oyster shell also came from the family friend. Someone went to a lot of tedious work to produce this. The next picture showing the interior reveals that it was used as a tiny purse.
Yes, it is pretty much worse for wear but I find it a fascinating piece.
I hope these pics and this post havent bored you. The rings and broach will be given to my daughters. I wish there were three of the shell broaches so that each of them could have one. There are only two so I guess they ll have to figure out who wants what.
In the near future there will be a pic of a very interesting aboriginal piece that I think Mobil will like. See ya soon..................
