Edgewater Finds

07/15/2026

At first glance, these two brooches look similar enough to be designed and constructed by the same maker. But if you look closer, there are subtle differences which makes me doubt that.
For example the brooch on the top has rounded prongs while the bottom has squared edge prongs holding the stones in place. The red stones look visually similar. The clear stones on the top are faceted differently and a slightly grayer shade than the lower one.
Check out the pictures of the backs to see other differences! Both have some foiled stones and are soldered but the components holding the stones are different!
I have no opinion regarding which is older or better constructed. Both are clearly vintage and would have been hand constructed.
When buying "vintage" jewelry, looking for clues like these will help you know if what you are looking at is true vintage.

07/15/2026

Sharing a small group of brooches. What do they have in common?
All have rhinestones that are likely glued in. Late 20th century.
My favorite is the flower with the white shell petals!

07/14/2026

Sweet little domed brooch with magenta and clear faceted glass stones prong set in gold tone metal.
I am grappling with the correct name for this color. Would you say violet red, purplish or reddish purple? There were 22 synonyms for reddish purple! Magenta sounded right to me.

07/13/2026

CAPRI silver tone and blue brooch. Ribbon design. From the elderly lady’s lot. I don’t see any sign of wear.

07/13/2026

How gorgeous is this vintage brass and glass dress clip! So how can you wear dress clips today?

Popular Ways to Style Dress Clips:

Neckline: Clip one on the center of a V-neck, or use a matching pair to frame a square neckline or the collar tips of a shirt.
Accessories: Attach a clip to the flap of a plain handbag, a headband, or to the side of your favorite pair of boots.
As a Necklace: Slide a ribbon or chain through the back of the clip to instantly create a custom pendant.
As a Brooch: Thread a large safety pin through the hinge, and pin it anywhere on your sweater or jacket like a traditional brooch.

What about the teeth?
Tips for Protecting Your Clothes:

Vintage clips often have sharp little teeth to grip heavy 1930s and 1940s fabrics.
To protect modern, delicate materials:
Add a buffer: Always slide the clip over a folded edge, a seam allowance, or a hidden ribbon tab to prevent tearing the fabric.
Test it out: Put the clip on in an unseen spot first to ensure the teeth do not snag your specific garment

07/12/2026

Living estate purchase of 30 brooches from a 90+ year old woman through her nephew. He arranged the sale and the funds went directly to her account.
Juelz is another new to me brand. The packaging says "Genuine Austrian Crystal." No other information however, you can see that the crystals are glued in, not prong set. I didn't take it off the card but the plastic card lets me know this is a newer piece of costume jewelry. If you search for the brand, you will find it is available on Amazon where pieces like this may sell for around $10.
Proof again that just because something comes from an elderly person does NOT make it vintage. People buy jewelry (or gift it) all through their life.
Tip: When buying "vintage" costume jewelry, do your research. I have found this listed as "1950's vintage..." for significantly more than another listing asking less than $5 for the exact item.
Happy Hunting!

07/12/2026

OOH yes! I purchased an entire collection of brooches because I saw this near mint condition October Carnation Birthday Flower collection brooch by Exquisite on the original card! It is cold painted enamel over a rhodium plated base metal.
I've shared other pieces by Exquisite. Here's a bit more about this series of floral birthday brooches.: Exquisite made the famous "Birthday Flower Series" (often called birthday brooches) from the mid-1950s through to the 1960s.
The company itself (W.A.P. Watson in Solihull, UK) produced jewellery from 1914 until the late 1970s.
Something I learned is the Exquisite company released these brooches with matching necklaces and earrings. I hope to find some!

07/12/2026

Any guesses what this pin was associated with? Put your answer in the comments. Don't know? Give me a silly answer!

07/12/2026

I would like to invite people to follow and support Giving House Tales.
She shares the birds and animals she spots in her backyard. She is a lovely person facing a tremendous challenge with grace and positivity.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19REyy9HgG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

“Where healing meets quiet stories of everyday life”

07/11/2026

Numbered British Legion pin with silvered brass lion center and blue enamel “garter circle.”
# P 58670.
This number denotes a post 1945 membership badge given to a veteran of the British armed forces. Each member had a unique serial number. In 1971, the organization became known as the Royal British legion.
There is no public database to link the serial numbers to specific people.
The group is a charity that supports veterans and their families.