A Cameo Appearance...

I have always like cameo pins and old fashioned brooches. It started with the mother-of-pearl star shaped brooch that was my Great-Grandmothers, below. She died when I was 6, or 7 and all the grandchildren got to pick out something of hers, and this is what I chose. I don't wear it very often, I don't really know how to wear brooches, but it has always been special to me because of who's it was. Then I got a velvet-band choker necklace with the cameo pendant that is the bottom middle on it from my parents, when I was about 14 (and that type of necklace was in style). Those types of jewelry has always interested me, and it is just recently that I've decided I want to start collecting them. I love all the different forms and styles of the cameo design, all the different beautiful silhouettes there are. I also like the idea and style of brooches. Now it seems that the term "Vintage" is casually thrown around, and instantly adds to the price of any item, like those found on ebay, but it is just that Vintage look that I love. I don't like the cheap and flashy costume pins and brooches. Anyway, I've been thinking alot about cameos and brooches since I went to that cheater/joke of a jewelry shop that shrunk my ring (I think most of you are familiar with that irritating situation...) and saw some beautiful things from estate sales that I'd love to add to my collection, but they way overpriced them. Now I'm planning on keeping my eyes open, and attend more estate sales and pawn shops. Some people collect beanie babies, some collect pez dispensers or cuckoo clocks... I collect cameo and brooch/pins. I also collect interesting wedding cake toppers... Hmm maybe another post if people are interested?

The top two are recent acquisitions from ebay. they are pretty silhouettes, but made out of cheap material... then the middle is a pretty pin my sister Sharon gave me (where did you get that and what made you decide to give it to me? I don't think you knew how much I liked it). Then, the lower right cameo is something I found at an estate sale, and is probably my favorite next to my grandma's pin. I am so glad I went back for it; whenever I watch The Antique Roadshow I always want to ask them about this pin/pendant.