PastGems Vintage Jewelry Blog

Vintage Swirly Rhinestone Rhodium Plated Brooch [105969] - $45.00 : PastGems.com Vintage Costume Jewelry

This is a breathtaking antique brooch probably from the late 1940s or early 1950s.  A large swirly design with a combination of pasted in rhinestone chatons and baguettes.  The rhodium plating is in excellent condition, as to be expected.  However, I listed the condition for this pin as Very Good because some of the stones are beginning to give off a yellowish cast.  None of them are dark and all are intact with none missing.  This brooch is still very highly collectible and wearable, but I try to exercise full disclosure in my listings. AND I am listing it for less than I would have had all the stones been perfectly clear.  The pin is unsigned, but sure looks like it should be.  A classic unsigned beauty!  It has a standard circle clasp closure that is in good working order.  The pin itself shows some surface metal wear and is ever so slightly bent, but this does not interfere with function at all.The brooch measures 3 by 1.75 inches. A truly fabulous addition to your vintage costume jewelry collection. Fantastic gift idea for a collector, too! 

via pastgems.com

Check out this gorgeous vintage rhinestone brooch recently listed!

Sonia Choquette Traveling at the Speed of Love Excerpt on Grace - Gaiam Life

Catch the Jet Stream of GraceLearn how to live a happy, fulfilled life by flying high above the turbulenceEnjoy this Spiritual Cinema Circle interview with Sonia Choquette and an excerpt from her new book, Traveling at the Speed of Love  :: By Sonia Choquette

via life.gaiam.com

I know this blog is supposed to be about vintage jewelry, but I saw this article this morning and it touched me. Such simple things we can do to cultivate grace in our lives. If only we could always remember....

What are your Anchors?

What are your personal anchors—people, things, places, or rituals—that keep you connected to yourself, your sense of well-being, and your feelings? What makes you feel secure in the world? Who or what can you count on for support? Make a list of these anchors so you can access them when you feel stranded and unsure.
  ~ Gail McMeekin  

This came to me this morning from Walk the Talk, an daily ezine I subscribe to which helps me stay on track, start my day with an energizing, positive frame of mind and sometimes remind me of things I have forgotten.  This one touched me and I felt it was important enough to share...

Blessings,

Karen

You'll be Ready for Opening Day on the Bay....

with these fun, still new on their card, vintage Sailor earrings!   We try to list new products everyday, and this is one of today's offerings.  I know it's still winter in much of the country and probably the last thing on your mind is sailing, but believe me, Spring is just around the corner!  Start getting in the spirit with these cute dangly earrings!

xoxo,

Karen

Puttin' on the Green

We're featuring GREEN jewelry this month in honor of St. Patrick's Day.  Check it out:  This pretty little set is from Lisner.

Hey, I'm sure you've already thought of this, but buying Vintage Jewelry is a very green thing to do, from an environmental standpoint!  Buy used whenever you can.  Pass on your unwanted pieces for someone else to enjoy. 

Happy Sunday!

Karen

Juliana Earrings

I was very excited to recently discover a couple of Juliana pieces in a recent estate lot that I bought.  One of the pieces sold right away in my eBay store.  See the lovely earrings that are still available here:

These were my first Juliana pieces, so I did my due diligence, even tho the seller told me they were and came to the conclusion that they were indeed genuine Juliana pieces. 

Have fun browsing!

xoxo,

Karen

Time Management

My challenge these days is to get better control of my time.  I've always considered myself to be a good time manager.  I'm known for my efficiency and ability to get things done.

Recently, however, as I attempt to manage my business and life in general I've begun to look at my efficiency vs. my effectiveness.  Ah-ha!  I find that I am not getting done things that are fairly important because I am so busy efficiently completing the everyday tasks.  (Hint: that's why I haven't been on this blog in over 6 months!)

I committed last week to my Mastermind Group (more about that another time) to write in my blog at least 3 days this week.  And here I am!  Third time.  Yaay.  Because I think having a presence in my blog is important and can be an effective tool in growing my business.  Hopefully, someone, once in awhile actually reads it!

Next goal will be to get back on my newsletter schedule.  I'm hoping that my customers found my newsletters last year to have some value in terms of education about vintage costume jewelry.  That was my goal.  That focus will continue as we progress through 2010.

If anyone has any time management tricks they would care to share, I am collecting and sifting through ideas and suggestions and incorporating the ones that I think would work for me into my life.  So send 'em on!

Meanwhile, Best wishes and I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Hugs, Karen

Soul Aligned Business: attended a conference call with Elyse Hope Killoran last night on making my business more soul aligned. Inspiring.

After a long hiatus...

I'm back!  It's been several months since I've written anything for my blog and I apologize to my customers and those few who might check in once in awhile to see what's happening.  Life just kind of took over and the blog and my newsletters sort of took a backseat.  I now commit to staying more current -- both with the blog and with newsletters -- returning soon!

First big news I want to share is that our website has a new look!  Check it out here:  www.pastgems.com.

Same wonderful vintage jewelry, same great affordable prices.  But new features, easier (hopefully!) navigation and search, the ability to create special sales (check this month's out here: March Specials.)

We're pretty happy with the new design.  At the same time, we would welcome any constructive feedback, while we are still in the support stage with our web designer -- if there are tweaks or changes that you think would improve things yet further, please let me know.  I've give every suggestion consideration.

I hope 2010 is getting off to a great start for all of you.  Mine is!  Busy as ever and busy is a good thing.  More about the busy-ness later!

Best wishes,

Karen