Most of my Valentine’s Day jewelry were given to me as gifts. Some pieces were new, while others were vintage. Since I adore all things heart-shaped, I try to wear my heart-shaped pieces as often as I can.
Vintage Hearts
When I first started Never Say Die Beauty, I became friendly with a woman who was a frequent commenter on the blog. She was director of a museum gift shop, and she had wonderful taste. She was also a gardener as well as an antique collector. I truly lucked out when she decided to gift me with several pieces of vintage heart jewelry that she had acquired over the years. So generous!
I don’t really know the provenance or even the dates on the pieces she sent, but I assume that they’re from the 1940s-60s.
- Gunmetal wide bracelet made of hearts with red crystal beads in the center of each of the hearts. To me, it looks like it was made in the 1950s-60s. The bracelet is fabulous, and I adore wearing it.
- Gunmetal necklace with two bluebirds and red heart. I don’t know what the birds and heart are made from: they are very sturdy and heavy. Maybe lacquered clay? I think the necklace was created before plastic was invented, and they don’t feel like plastic. Such a unique piece. I’m guessing it might be from the 1940s or 50s?
- Goldtone heart-arrow pin with faux pearl and goldtone bead, each on a solid and open heart, respectively. This pin looks great on the lapel of a black blazer or on a black beret. Date: somewhere in the 1940s-60s, I think.
- Goldtone wheelbarrow carrying red hearts pin for lapel or hat. I haven’t worn this little cutie, but I think I will put it on my black beret and wear it now. Again, not sure of the date of manufacture.
Barrettes
I used to wear barrettes quick frequently, though I think I’m too old for them now. Nevertheless, these double heart barrettes adorned with red or iridescent crystals are just too cute!
Necklaces
Frankly, I have many necklaces with hearts – a gold Tiffany Floating Heart, a rose gold necklace with a small rose gold solid heart, and a costume goldtone long necklace with many cloisonné hearts at intervals throughout the necklace as well as other, but today I will show you two necklaces that I was given as gifts.
- Delicate sterling silver long necklaces with hand-hammered hearts. Jeff got me this necklace at open artist studios that we went to probably more than 15 years ago. It’s very lightweight, and easy to wear.
- Silver tone necklace with two glass red hearts at the ends of the two strands and a silver heart that somehow holds the two strands together. I think my friend S. gave me this necklace a while ago, but it’s possible that I bought it! I’ve had it long enough that I can’t remember how to wear it correctly. If you know how, please let me know!!
That is so incredibly generous of her! I love every single piece here, and just think that you have a lovely collection, Allison! I do not think that you are too old for barrettes, and think that you should wear what makes you happy, and these barrettes deserve to be worn by you!
Thank you, and as always, you are the sweetest <3
You know I love this post. If it includes hearts then it makes me happy. I
love that one of your readers sent you those fabulous pieces.
Thank you, Marcia! I forgot that you are a heart lover too!