This week’s Shop of the Week is CrownofLifegems owned by Holly.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
I chose my shop’s name because I wanted something that would allude to jewels/jewelry and also came from one of my favorite books in the Bible – it’s found in James 1:12.
I started selling vintage right here on Etsy (don’t sell anywhere else)…it was out of both a need to do something creative and income generating while being a stay-at-home Mom of my 4 kiddos, and also to thin out my own ever-growing, burying collection! Years ago I made silver spoon jewelry and sold it at a few shows, so I thought why not try my hand at Victorian -post Deco jewelry, and also make some things from the broken, discarded pieces. I especially like to make repurposed earrings – many from micro mosaic brooches or bracelet links that needed new life.
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
Gosh, picking my favorite thing in the shop is tough and it’s constantly changing, but I guess right now I’d have to say this Nouveau watch fob-turned-necklace with an added enamel Champleve button would have to be it. I bought the fob from a friend here on Etsy – she’s got such a feminine feel and to think she used to hang on a gentleman’s vest pocket (I made sapphire earrings from the other 2 tiers of the fob).
ART Nouveau Champleve Enamel Necklace
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
I’d have to say the most amazing thing I’ve sold from my shop was a Victorian Persian turquoise ring I found at a yard sale in a pile of costume jewelry. It was missing a few stones and yet the fan shaped design and etched side made me think it was something special. After some research, I added a Bohemian garnet and a couple of seed pearls and it was a knockout. It sold in less than 2 weeks at $500. I got to wear it for a couple weeks before getting it in the shop and I almost couldn’t list it! It’s pictured in my ‘About‘ page slides if you want to see it.
Do you sell your items at other venues outside of Etsy? If so, where can we find you?
I am very slow to get on the Social media bandwagon. I just joined Facebook (CrownofLifegems) a year ago and have put a couple of pieces up there, but usually forget to link anything. I want my 15 yr old daughter to start Instagraming some things for me to see if that would generate some more views etc. I will definitely accept any and all advice on how to jump into this world of the unknown.
Here are a few other finds and creations I’d love to share…
Victorian Cut Steel Tassel Pierced Earrings
Victorian Ruby 10k Ring
Victorian Cut Steel Butterfly Earrings
Antique Silver Handbag with Garnets, Pyrite, Pearls, Black Coral Handle
Beautiful Items!
I agree – that Nouveau watch fob/ necklace is pretty special especially with the Champleve button that was added. But…that purse! I would have a hard time picking a favourite for sure!
Awesome blog! Your shop is so special, and I love the way you photograph your listings. 🙂
Holly – you have an artist’s eye and create beautiful (and special) works of art with your jewelry. I love that these old pieces are getting a new life! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better!
Beautiful mix of treasures in your shop, Holly! I had just finished reading your About Page before hopping over here to read this “shop of the week” article and loved hearing the behind the scenes story about the Victorian Persian turquoise ring! The photo of that ring caught my eye, big time, while enjoying your slide show. And how cool is it to be able to wear and enjoy it for awhile before selling it….the best of both worlds!