Start Digging for Pearls and Crystals

Our last post was on seashell jewelry, a big spring 2019 trend. Here are two more accessory looks to keep an eye out for this season.

Not Your Mama’s Pearls

A string of pearls is a symbol of restrained elegance. They are a timeless piece and elevate any outfit. Spring 2019 is seeing the return of pearl accessories, but they are styled with an edge. Thrifting pearl looks are advantageous because they have been styled many ways over time and there is no doubt you can find something to fit the current take on this classic. Or maybe you will be one of the rare lucky ones and find the real deal.

These are not the real deal, but they are my new favorite. They came in a jar of bulk jewelry I bought for $10 at Salvation Army. That one jar yielded more than twenty pieces of unique finds including a gold shell necklace and earring set. Shell, be it authentic or metallic, is another hot spring jewelry trend to keep an eye out for. You can read more about it here.

This tunic is embellished with pearls and sparkles. I bought it years ago at Salvation Army for $5.99.

Just For the Sparkle of It

While the minimalists are busy dressing like a stick of butter  — beige on beige on, well, beige — the maximalists of the world are pouring on bright colors, animal prints and bling. Crystal accessories this spring are big and bold with plenty of shine.  It is easy to find crystal pieces in thrift stores and antique malls. Think of all the years of proms and special occasions, and you’ll understand why resale shops are always well stocked with crystal and cut glass.

Another way to add bling to is to keep an eye out for brooches. Brooches are an easy way for men to add pizzazz to a suit, as Greg did in the photo below.  His entire outfit was thrifted. 

Always remember finding signed pieces of jewelry is ideal because they can be of some value, depending on the designer. Reise and her sister, Barbara Biggs-Lester, who collects  vintage jewelry, have come across costume jewelry worth hundreds of dollars in thrift stores and at garage sales. The turquoise necklace below at right, for example, is signed “KJL,” for the late Kenneth Jay Lane, a costume jewelry designer popular from the early 1960s on.  This necklace was $6 at a Salvation Army store. (The pink beaded necklace for finished end caps is from the 1950s. It also came from a Salvation Army store, for $3.)