Always Be Cheerful
Elva Fields
Though we're realistic about the array of human feelings life can inspire, we do hope to (mostly) stick to the ABCs when we can (and not the ones favored by sales people!): Always Be Cheerful. This necklace certainly is - and maybe wearing it often will influence our daily outlook?!
We were THRILLED when we spotted this incredible vintage buckle at auction a few months ago. We've had one like it before, though they are infamously challenging to find - let alone in good condition, and this example blew us away with its intact celluloid flowers, each hand-wired to the perforated brass buckle beneath. (The wire is so fine, the blooms are practically sewn on in the most intricate of threaded weaving and knotting - amazing!) Our previous buckle was paired with glossy black beads to accentuate the vibrant hues of the blossoms - such a striking style - but we knew we wanted to make this one different than the last.
Enter these beyond-cool (and rare) glass beads, a vintage style made in Czechoslovakia and traded throughout Africa. Similar to vintage flower beads with their lobed petals that allow them to interlock, these are occasionally called "pinion" beads since they resemble gears that fit together, stacking to create a strand. Their shape and vibrant orange hue made them the perfect companion to the buckle, and we added tiny lavender japser beads throughout for a gentler drape and to hint at one more of the flower colors in the beautiful buckle.
All in all, this gem is a joyful tribute to all - always cheerful, always blooming, always ready for your next adventure.
Measures 18.5" overall.
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