DECORATING WITH JEWELRY

Dressing up! When I was little, I remember going to visit my Grandmother, Velma. She was a petite red head who made the best homemade cinnamon rolls on the planet. Everyday, she wore bright red lipstick and colorful jewelry. When I would visit, grandma would set aside a bowl full of necklaces, clip on earrings and empty make-up jars on a dressing table for me to play with. I remember putting all those treasures in her old black purse and walking into the living room. I would pretend to be the Avon lady and ask each adult if they wanted to buy anything from inside my bag.

I still love jewelry, and make-up, and let's face it... playing dress up. A few years ago my grandmother passed away. When my aunt asked if there was anything special I wanted, the one thing I associated with Grandma was the empty make-up jars and jewelry. I picked a handful of her costume jewelry and love it to this day. Looking at the plastic beaded necklaces instantly makes me feel 5 years again, and of my Grandma.

Years later, I still have all that old jewelry. Even though none of it is real, I think its beautiful, sparkly and needs to be a part of my every day life. I think if I applied bright red lipstick and wore grandma's necklaces, my husband would think I had finally lost it! So instead, I have decided to think of ways to incorporate Grandma's jewelry into my decorating.

Earrings and Broaches

I love this idea. I framed one of my favorite broaches and display it as if it were a piece of artwork. Using an old frame, I took out the glass, covered the cardboard backing in an old encyclopedia page and then stuck Grandma's pin into the cardboard. I applied a touch of glue to keep it in place. This would be beautiful to hang within a mix of family photos and mementos. Something similar could be done with a pair of clip on earrings too.  A family photo or newspaper clipping would also make a nice background image.

 

Necklaces

I gathered up all my grandmothers remaining jewelry: rings, necklaces, pins and earrings. I paced them all in an apothecary jar. This would be a heartfelt touch for a powder room or on a make-up table, it could even serve as a cute way to decorate your walk-in closet. I have a friend who put her grandmother's engagement ring and wedding ring in a terrarium. Any idea is a good one. Family jewelry can serve as a daily reminder of where you come from and who you want to be!

 

It doesn't do any good to store old jewelry in boxes or a drawer. Display it. I always say use the good dishes. Don't save your good China, or you'll never use it. Serve ice cream on the China! This is similar! Show off grandma's jewelry! You may even find a few pieces you would actually wear in public! Vintage in in!

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor
 

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.