Every Friday, I head over to the local thrift store in hopes of finding an interesting piece of jewelry that can be incorporated into a new design. Most of the time it's "slim pickin's", however once in a while I come across fabulous pieces that are just screaming to be purchased. When I go thrift store shopping, I mostly look for vintage brooches -- however several times I've come across necklaces or bracelets created with rare stones, or a pair of sterling silver or 14k gold earrings -- and to my luck, the thrift store literally has no idea of their real value.
Last Friday, I arrived at the store at the same time as a gentleman dropping off a box of belongings from his elderly mother. The store clerk gave me the "OK" to look through it before they took the box of items into the back to sort through. It contained mostly dishes, glassware and a few little trinkets, however at the bottom of the box were two beautiful brooches!
One was a vintage Cloisonne piece, surrounded with rhinestones and gold filigree and the other was a sterling silver filigree tiger lily flower brooch. I purchased them both, then immediately came back to do some "Googling", hoping to find out more information on them.
Here's what I found out:
The sterling silver filigree tiger lily brooch was made in the 1930's - 40's. It measures 2-3/4" in diameter and has the .925 hallmark on the back with a "C" clasp closure. It is in absolute mint condition, and obviously the previous owner took immaculate care of it. This piece is considered "RARE" and is valued at a minimum of $49.00.
The second piece is a vintage Cloisonne broach. It was made in the early 1950's (possibly a Sarah Coventry piece). It does not have a hallmark, yet still utilizes the "C" style clasp, as used on jewelry from that era. Again, this piece is in mint condition with all rhinestones firmly intact and no chips, scratches or flaws. Based on similar brooches of this year and style, this pieces is valued at $42.00.
At this point I don't have any solid plans for either brooch and if you are interested in purchasing either of these, contact me and I'll give you a great deal!
Stay tuned for the next edition of "Fabulous Friday Finds!
~ Mischelle
