This bracelet features handwoven, oxidized sterling chainmaille and a focal antique rhinestone shoe buckle, circa 1930. Inside the oval rhinestone frame of the buckle is a pierced floral motif. A vintage glass button, intended for use as an eye for a child's toy dangles from the end of the bracelet.
This bracelet features handwoven, oxidized sterling chainmaille and a focal antique rhinestone shoe buckle, circa 1930. A vintage button used as a eye for a child's toy dangles from the end of the bracelet.
This necklace features an oval, antique cut steel shoe buckle, converted to a pendant, on handwoven, oxidized sterling silver chainmaille. The buckle, circa late 19th century, is 2 1/2" in at its widest and 1 3/4" high.
Details
18" long
one-of-a-kind
Materials
sterling silver lobster clasp
oxidized sterling silver jump rings
antique cut steel shoe buckle
Origin Story
Cut steel jewelry gained popularity in France during the 18th century when King Louis demanded that citizens turn in their diamonds to help fund war efforts. This type of jewelry features tiny faceted and polished steel studs carved to mimic diamonds and individually riveted in place. Similar in appearance to marcasite, cut steels sparkle brilliantly when polished. Pieces can be dated by looking at the size of the cut steels, which were individually hand-riveted, and the number of facets. Older buckles feature smaller studs with as many as 15 facets. Cut steel jewelry fell out of fashion in the early 20th century when production quality declined and other trends emerged.
This necklace features a vintage Bakelite floral buckle segment, circa 1930, and handwoven black and gold brass chainmaille. The focal pendant is layered with three colors, brown, butterscotch and green. The bi-color chain is handwoven from black enamel and brass jump rings.
Details
necklace is 20" long
pendant is 1 1/2" in diameter
Materials
vintage Bakelite buckle component
brass lobster clasp
black enamel and brass chainmaille
Origin Story
Bakelite was an early plastic, developed by Leo Baekeland in 1907. It was originally used for industrial purposes due to its ability to withstand heat. It appeared in costume jewelry beginning in the 1920's and increased in popularity through the 30's and 40's. Bakelite was often intricately carved and came in a wide range of beautiful colors. Today, authentic Bakelite jewelry is highly collectible.
This bracelet features a large antique cut steel shoe buckle, circa 1880, on an upcycled black leather cuff.
Details
buckle is 2" high and 2 1/2" long
cuff is 1 3/4" high and 7" long
Materials
brass snap closure
upcycled leather
antique cut steel shoe buckle
Origin Story
Cut steel jewelry gained popularity in France during the 18th century when King Louis demanded that citizens turn in their diamonds to help fund war efforts. This type of jewelry features tiny faceted and polished steel studs carved to mimic diamonds and individually riveted in place. Similar in appearance to marcasite, cut steels sparkle brilliantly when polished. Pieces can be dated by looking at the size of the cut steels, which were individually hand-riveted, and the number of facets. Older buckles feature smaller studs with as many as 15 facets. Cut steel jewelry fell out of fashion in the early 20th century when production quality declined and other trends emerged.
This cuff features a segment from an ornate, gilded metal woman's cummerbund meant to adorn a belt, and dates from the 1910's-'20's era. The piece is heavy cast brass with a slightly darkened finish and embellished with tiny rhinestone rondelles. It is attached to an upcycled brown leather cuff.
This one-of-a-kind statement necklace features a segment from an antique enameled sash buckle and watch fob, circa 1920, on a handwoven brass chain with faceted moss green quartz bead dangles.
Details
pendant and fob measure 2" at the widest point and drops 3" long [including bead dangle]
necklace is 20" long
handwoven chain is 1" at its widest along the front and 3/4" along the back.
This bracelet is made from a vintage rhinestone shoe buckle, circa 1920. It is connected to a handwoven, oxidized sterling silver chain with a vintage rhinestone hook clasp. An antique cut glass button charm dangles from the end of the bracelet.
This necklace features an antique silver shoe buckle, c. 1910. It is oval in shape, covered in clear paste stones, and has two tassels suspending from the bottom. The buckle is attached to a slinky, graduated choker base, c. 1970, that has aged to a wonderful golden, slightly irridescent patina.
Measures 16" in length. The base of the buckle is 3/4" long and 1" wide, the tassels extend 1 1/2 inches.
