Some things are easier to live than others; turning the other cheek, keeping the sly comment or piece of gossip to yourself, using the recycle bin even if you don’t really get how recycling works. Of course, as I’ve said before, I hate to think of people throwing away costume jewelry (or, honestly, many things) that they felt was worthless or just didn’t want, not only because it pains me to to think of some great piece lost to the ages but because when you think about it, collecting and especially wearing vintage jewelry and clothing is promoting sustainability.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years of collecting is how easy it is to develop a shorthand for various pieces, whether it’s simply in my own head or when I’m talking about it to another person. I suppose there’s various reasons behind that, aside from it’s far easier to say Dynasty Pin than Vintage Large Pin with Huge Teardrop stones. Or, “you know, that brooch with the big rhinestones.”
I wanted to expand a bit on the theme of people not knowing (or caring) what they have in their jewelry boxes or when they see a bunch of glitter in a case in an antique mall or shop, or sadly, when a friend or relative passes away and no one wants “old-fashioned” jewelry. We are now at a point in time where people who were born before 2001 are from another century. For those of us who were born in that century, it often makes us think of the 1800s and the Industrial Revolution and no indoor plumbing.
That question can be seem as a statement of fervor and joy, in which case you're going to be there for awhile (explaining how your interest began and what you have and what your favorite piece is and why) or it's a question that perhaps you're new to seeing this world, and ask yourself --because you don't get what all the energy and excitement is about.