Rhinestone Fashion Jewelry
About 14 years ago hubby and I took a trip to Kentucky. We stopped numerous times along the way. Every antique shop we could find, even some thrift shops. During our travels, we came across a small, painted sign, in front of a house, saying “antiques for sale.” It was very well-worn, paint was not complete, wood was broken in a few places. But we said “what the heck!”, which is often our credo during our adventures, and knocked on the door. It is difficult to describe the lady that answered the door. It was difficult to believe she had the power to do so! She was most likely in her mid to late 80s, perhaps even older. But she was dressed like an elegant Southern Belle. She wore a wide-brimmed hat, pink dress with lots of ruffles, and even white gloves on her hands. She graciously asked us to enter.
We came in and glanced around the room. She had a lot of tables and curio cabinets that held her wares. Many of them were dusty and you could tell from the faded tags that most items had been there for a long time. She introduced herself as “Lucy”, but I don’t recall her last name; she may not have given it to us. We told her our names, it just seemed fitting, and she asked where we were from and what brought us to her town. We explained we were heading to Louisville, that there were several antique stores that we had been to in the past and wanted to revisit. She smiled and said that years back, she would have known every one of them, but she did not leave the area very often. Her voice was soft and definitely had a southern drawl. She was quite sharp and clear. We strolled around, picking up an item here and there, asking if there was a place we could set things that we had interest in. She cleared off a small desk for us. We found a lovely bud vase, a glass bowl with unique markings, and a few pieces of jewelry. One was a rhinestone pin, quite a sparkler, signed Weiss.
Big Beautiful Broach
She asked if I was interested in jewelry and I told her the story of my dear sister who had collected rhinestones since she was a young girl. I admitted that I loved them too. We chatted for quite a while about the loveliness of the stones, how frustrating it was when people just tossed them in a box, rather than treating them with respect, and even worse, when they kept them in a jewelry case and never let them shine. She got rather misty then, and I thought to myself that someday I may be as old as she is and have nowhere to wear my fun jewelry.
She totaled us up and then asked if she could excuse herself for a minute or two. We patiently waited, not sure what she was up to. It was about five minutes before she returned and in her hand was a pair of stunning rhinestone earrings. I told her they were incredible and that she was very lucky to own them. She smiled and said she had worn them on her honeymoon to Las Vegas, a second marriage, but a long, wonderful one. She asked me if I would wear them, or did I feel they were they too large. I said I definitely would, they should be worn so they could get the credit they were due. She pressed them into my hand and said “if you promise to wear them, even if it is only on special occasions, they are my gift to you.” I was astounded, and at first was not sure if she was serious. But from the look on her face, I realized she was. I asked if she had anyone else who might appreciate them, a daughter,
Rhinestone Earrings
or perhaps a niece. She sighed and said her daughter had died quite young, no other relatives remained except a brother in New York and he was nearly her age. I was still uncertain what to do, but she insisted saying “please take them, wear them, enjoy them.” I thanked her, then placed them into my purse, gently wrapping them in a handkerchief my mom had given me years ago. My hubby paid for our purchases. As we prepared to leave, I turned back to her and asked if I could give her a little hug. She smiled broadly and said “yes, of course.” Then we went on our way.
This new year’s eve was a quiet one. Several of our close friends are snow birds, heading south right after Christmas, others just chose to stay home. But hubby and I went to one of our favorite restaurants and, as promised, I wore the earrings. I have worn them almost every year and they always bring compliments. When we got home, I wondered if there was any possibility that Lucy was still celebrating the holidays. It is very doubtful, but I hope she knows, I have kept my promise.
Whatever your jewelry passion, whether it is rhinestones, or real diamonds, do not let them sit in a drawer or case, put them on and let them dazzle – that’s what they were meant to do.
Tags: rhinestones, costume jewelry, Weiss pin
