Featured Finds Thread

The beads are agate.

 

Wait really? That's interesting. I was wondering how they got glass to swirl like that.

 

Totally agree with Holly. When used for cameos this stone is considered chalcedonyx, instead of sardonyx.

 

Now I am going to Google chalcedonyx cameos!

 

Just did that myself. Cameos aren't my thing but if I ever found one I'd snap it up in a heartbeat. The detail is gorgeous and the blue brings it out so nicely.

Thanks @Bronwen!

 

These are modern German productions, the antiques of the future.

 

Well I look forward to seeing them become antiques, if I live that long.

 

There is a choice:



This is chalcedonyx:

 

Those are all lovely. The skill it must require to get such detail in so small a figure..

 

Blue lace agate, to be precise. It runs from a light periwinkle to the blue-gray. I'd check the very end of that clasp inside where it comes together. That's where they mark them for metal content. I've found both gold-filled ones and real gold. I forget when they used those clasps, but they weren't around for long - late 60s to late 70s is my guess.

I got some stuff this weekend, but it hasn't "cooled off" yet. The tag sale stuff was from yesterday was almost all craft supplies. Nothing worth photographing until it's made into something.

 

Going to be posting some more postcards in the near future. Got quite a few over the weekend.

 

I just looked and there are zero markings, however, the inside and top of the clasp are a gold color. Is it possible that it was gold plated/filled and has been worn away? The string itself is knotted blue/grey thread, but the clasp parts are attached by a different material. Is it possible the clasp was replaced entirely at some point?

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I did jools yesterday. Oops. Picked up a tangle which the seller asked 50 pence for, bloke, couldn't be arsed to undo them. Untangled to a new necklace, odd interesting clip earrings and two VERY nice 1930s necklaces. Also, grabbed a Moda copper bangle, 50 pence, Monet earrings, 2.50 and some dress clips a whole pound.

 

Then, spotted this. I knew what it was, it's unworn and I do love Arthurian stuff.

Two quids.

 

Then, there was this. I am a space geek. A happy one. Fifty pence.

 

Bear, that orange necklace looks like coral. I love the purple necklace to death, just gorgeous. Is the wizard Kirk's Folly? What is the hallmark on the necklace tag?

 

The ends have been finished off with 'French wire', very fine coiled wire that slips on over the end of the bead cord & makes that little loop when the cord is run back on itself. It's a craftsperson's way of finishing off; you don't see it on commercially made items.

 

@Ownedbybear can I have those monet earrings? They are simply astounding.

@Bronwen thanks for that info! Then this would be an artisan or homemade piece?

 

The different material at the ends is French bullion wire\cannetille, used to protect the thread. This is sign of quality threading

 

I think it's coral too - the chain seems to be silver. Yup, Kirk's Folly. I knew it was without looking at the tag, wasn't sure which wizrd, but it's Merlin. I like their stuff, especially the slightly older bits. Purple one looks 1930s Czech.

No one is getting the earrings, I wear clips.