Repurposing Jewelry - inspired by Pearl

I make jewelry and am always searching for unique beads and components to incorporate into my work.  One of my recent forays to an estate sale led me not too far from home. The owner, Pearl (a young 101 years of age), was selling off the contents of her house so she could transition to a convalescent home. Pearl's house was filled with absolute treasures, especially vintage clothing and jewelry. I felt so lucky to come away with handfuls of really great chain, and was immediately inspired to create new designs with them.

 

 This blue quartz necklace is the first piece I made. I wrapped each quartz oval bead in 14k gold fill wire and linked them all together. I then cut two gold oval links from one of Pearl's chains, and added some little ice blue apatite stones to one of the links. The apatite serve to cover the spring clasp which attaches the necklace together in the front, rather than in the back as is typically done. More of Pearl's vintage gold chain completed the necklace.

 

I found out after speaking with the estate sale coordinator, that Pearl is a lifelong crafter, artist, and all around busy bee.  Her interest in learning new things, and acquiring new skills and ways to express herself must have to do with the fact that she's lived such a long life. Inspiring isn't it?  I aspire to follow in her active shoes.