VINTAGE ROSARIES BECOME FASHION FORWARD JEWLERY!

Greetings, dear readers!

 

As many of you who know me know, I am an altAred artist...aka DABBLER. Dabble in this, dabble in that. The world is my art palette and anything in it fair game to become altAred treasures! Something I've been wanting to do for a very long time is to create religious jewelry. Because I love religious relics of any kind, specifically vintage rosaries and medals, I have repurposed several old rosaries found at the Nashville, TN flea market. They came from an estate, and were in a tangled mess in the bottom of a vendor's display case. Having my grandmother's ability to see a "silk purse from a sow's ear" (a rather cruel and odd Arkansas colloquialism!)

I have created 4 different pieces...each unique and handmade! (I again apologize for the photos...I have been reduced to using my CELL PHONE as a camera! What a horrendous ordeal! AND lousy pictures!) So I will try to describe each piece...All four are seen in the first photo.

 

The four necklaces are Gypsy Hodge Podge (Multi-Colored stones and ceramic beads),  Little Sister Choker, (Red and Aqua) Sister Dalia's Rosary (Black Onyx) and Aunt Beulah's Beau (Citron).

Sister Dalia's Rosary is a vintage rosary with silver chain link and alternating smooth and carved onyx beads. (22" long from center to tip of crucifix) The crucifix (2" long), a flaming heart charm, and 3 faceted ruby beads (symbolizing the Trinity) hang at the end of a Christ medallion. There are also an angel (Jillel representing wisdom and love) , an angel's wing, a Sacred Heart of Christ and filigree heart charms attached throughout the rosary. 

Aunt Beulah's Beau is a vintage citron (yellow) glass beaded rosary with copper/brass chain link. (16.5" long from center to end of crucifix) Hanging in the middle of the rosary is a brass chain with a brass cameo locket. Very old and well worn...inside is a very faded picture of a man in a fedora...I imagine him to be an admirer of Beulah's...one that she kept secret within the locket and worn close to her heart. The locket is about 2" long, and 1.5" wide. The locket is lovely in its own right and would make a great stand alone piece. However, I felt the addition of the locket to the well-loved rosary gave the piece a decidedly feminine feel.  A brass and wooden crucifix (2" long), a charm of Mother Mary, and two brass medals complete this uniquely wonderful necklace!

Little Sister Choker is a shorter, more contemporary version of a rosary "style" necklace. Red faceted beads and turquoise beads in a random pattern with hand turned silver links connecting. A vintage Mother Mary medal is the centerpiece of this necklace. About 18" long (with additional chain added) finished with a lobster claw clasp. Darling worn with the Gypsy Hodge Podge necklace described below!

My favorite creation thus far! A colorful hodge podge of gypsy goodness! Smooth round, etched, oval, and disc-shaped beads (aqua, yellow, orange, and olive), with genuine natural red coral and turquoise nuggets. Assorted silver separator pieces. Hand designed and strung on sturdy 18 gauge wire. Double lobster clasps. A generous 28" long. Vintage cross (1.5") and oval medals, and a small Our Lady of Guadalupe charm,finish this fabulously chunky eyecatcher! (Matching earrings available upon request).

 Price List:

Sister Dalia's Rosary   $30 +Shipping

Aunt Beulah's Beau    $45 +Shipping

Little Sister Choker   $20  +Shipping

Gypsy Hodge Podge   $75 +Shipping

All proceeds go to Franciscan Urban Mission and the Order of Evangelical Franciscan Fellowship. Comment or email with any questions! 

More soon, friends!

Hugs,

Paula Clare