The serene scent of winter's approach hung heavy in the frigid air as Tony and I made our way north to Lake Country, a charming corner of the Okanagan located approximately 25 minutes past Kelowna, two Saturdays ago. In the trunk, our camera gear was nestled snug as a bug in a rug, ready to snap to life in Tony's hands as soon as we arrived at our destination.
Unlike every other individual or company's whose products I've had the great pleasure of highlighting in a post such as today's over the years, the jewelry you see here was handed to me in person by one of the absolute loveliest people you could ever hope to meet.
Anja, a vivacious, charismatic, beautiful business woman and grandmother who looks far younger than her actual age, and I first meet at the seventh annual Rutland Antiques and Collectibles show last month. Her expertly arranged and curated table of vintage jewelry drew me to its offerings like a month to a flame and within seconds, Anja and I had struck up a conversation about my vintage garb, her yesteryear jewels and a shared passion for the past. Before parting, I handed her my business card and hoped that she would indeed get in touch one day (I'm always game to talk vintage jewelry).
Much to my delight, she did just that about a month later, inviting me to her home to model some of her current stock of vintage jewelry. Unlike many people who sell vintage, Anja has neither a physical store, nor (as of yet - she hopes to in the near future) an online shop. Instead she sells her immensely lovely wares primarily through vintage, antique and collectible shows around Western Canada, directly to repeat customers, and through shows and in-house viewings of her jewelry that she holds in her house each December.
It was to that very house - situated on a picturesque parcel of lakefront land, decorated so expertly that it was worthy of a magazine spread, and teaming with the same kind of timeless beauty as the jewelry that Anja sells - that we ventured and were instantly welcomed into with open arms. Anja and I had chatted briefly on the phone a few days prior, so that we could better determine the specifics of how Saturday would unfold, complete with the kind of outfit she wanted me to wear, and so I came dressed that day in a classic black and white ensemble that could easily fit right into the 1940s and 50s.
This day wasn't about my attire however, it was all about showcasing some of Anja's vintage jewelry, which she largely sources from annual buying trips during the winter to the States. As we were mere weeks away from her next, she informed that her stock was running a bit low, yet to my eyes - and certainly most people's, if they'd had the joy of being let into Anja's home that day - her current stock was not only generously sized, but expertly stored, displayed, and maintained.
Each piece (and there were hundreds upon hundreds) had its own neat spot, price tag, and moment to shine amongst the collection as a whole. Anja has been buying and selling vintage jewelry and accessories for decades and her knowledge and passion for the subject ring out as clear as the sound of two pieces of Bakelite being tapped together. As she showed me around her stock, each of us selecting various pieces to use in the day's photo shoot, we delved into the topics of vintage jewelry and fashion and very quickly knew we'd found kindred spirits in each other.
Trays of of vintage jewelry in hand - after what was for me nothing short of a kid-in-a-candy-store kind of experience - we made our way to Anja's elegant living room, done up to the nines for the holidays, and set about highlighting several of the pieces she currently has available in a multi-hour shoot.
Anja knows her stuff, one picks up on that instantly. She's clearly a vintage jewelry expert with a keen eye, savvy pulse on both current trends and timeless pieces, and a knack for unearthing strikingly attractive, wearable, and highly covetable pieces spanning the Victorian era right on up to the present day, with a sizable amount of her offerings falling into the years of the mid-twentieth century. In fact, there are few, if any, vintage jewelry lovers amongst us who wouldn't have found at least one (if not one hundred!) items on Anja's meticulously arranged displays that they simply couldn't live without.
The following photos, each accompanied by a brief description of the star piece or pieces they feature, shine the spotlight on some of Anja's tremendously lovely, diverse, collectible vintage jewelry offerings and represent the kinds of pieces that you'd be greeted with if you went to her house for one of her sales this month or crossed paths with her at an antiques and collectibles shows throughout the year. Again, the focus here isn't on me (so, unlike most of my outfit posts, I haven’t listed or described the details for my ensemble), it's all about Anja's top-notch vintage jewelry offerings.
{Winter hues spring to life in this classically beautiful, intricate mid-century enamel and metal floral necklace with teeny sapphire blue rhinestones.}
{Engraved with the name Kate, this truly timeless Victoria sterling silver heart charm bracelet still has its original matching key, something that is exceedingly rare for this style of bracelet, especially one that's more than a century old. It was a special honour to wear not only a piece this venerable, but one that, by pure coincidence, had my little sister's name on it.}
{Twinkling with the intensity of flames, these stunning 1950s crystal clip on earrings would make for especially awesome holiday wear.}
{It's Bakelite time, baby! I was on cloud nine throughout this whole experience, but must say I especially loved getting to select various Bakelite pieces to sport for this shoot (Anja has a great selection!). From the swap Bakelite earrings and ring to the quartet of bangles, each of these pieces was in excellent shape, vividly hued and so very much fun to dress up in for a few minutes.}
{Speaking of fantastic vintage plastic jewelry pieces, this classic 1930s over-sized cameo brooch is a statement maker that would look amazing nestled against a suit jacket, fur coat, or even pinned to a chic yesteryear sweater.}
{One can't help but think of Carmen Miranda when rocking this wonderfully fun vintage citrus hued glass bead cha-cha bracelet.}
{Sparkles abounded across the board with Anja's expertly curated offerings, such as this magnificent 1950s AB flat crystal necklace and coordinating AB cluster earrings, which put diamonds to shame with their incredible brilliance.}
{Feminine elegance radiates from this delicate, yet substantially bold, 14K gold and madeira citrine c. 1950s ring that looks like something one would be honoured to receive as a family heirloom from their grandmother.}
{Oh my stars, how I was head-over-heels in love with this chunky, sublimely pretty c. 1950s burnished gold tone metal and watermelon crystal hinged bracelet (which instantly called to similar ones from Schiaparelli that I've seen over the years).}
{A stunning multi-strand 1950s aurora borealis necklace shines like the stars this kind of beads are named for. Partnered with a pair of vintage AB crystal cluster earrings and a dazzling marcasite brooch, this look delivers a hefty dose of bling, yet still lets your outfit shine through, too. Of course, as each of these pieces are sold separately, you could sport just one at a time - each is a work of art unto itself.}
{Classic decor era refinement and beautiful style was the name of the game for this large silver and clear stone Edwardian era brooch, which would instantly elate any ensemble to new heights of chic elegance.}
{One might argue that I saved the very best for last, and who would I be to contest that point? This exceedingly rare five piece 1950s multi-colour crystal and gold toned metal suite was nothing short of magnificent! Boasting all of the original components (earrings, necklace, brooch, ring and bracelet), it was the kind of incredible vintage jewelry that one would, no word of a lie, fully expect to see come down the Oscar red carpet on one of Hollywood's finest leading ladies, be they from the fifties or today. It was a honour to wear this suite and feel like nothing short of princess in it - just as I did while wearing all of these incredible pieces of vintage jewelry from Anja's merchandise.}
♥ ♥ ♥
There aren't a ton of people with the kind of passion for selling vintage items, nor the extensive knowledge about their area of interest, that Anja has out there - and fewer still in the Okanagan. As such, it was a profound joy for me to get to spend a snowy Saturday afternoon in the warmth of her living room, chatting about and modeling piece after breathtaking piece of classic Victorian, early and mid-century jewelry.
Should you happen to be in the Lake Country area (which is approximately 4.5 hours from Vancouver, 2 hours Osoyoos, 75 minutes from Penticton, an hour and 45 minutes from both Merritt and Kamloops, and just twenty minutes from Vernon) and want to visit Anja and her awesome jewelry yourself, whether at one of her in-home shows in December, which she'll be running them until January 5, 2014 this winter, or throughout other times of the year, she can be reached by telephone at 1-250-766-3090.
I cannot begin to recommend doing so highly enough. Anja is a warm, knowledgeable, sweet and entirely professional lady with a heart, quite fittingly considering what she sells, of gold, and a treasure chest’s worth of amazing vintage jewelry for sale.
Update: I've spoken with Anja and she wants to let everyone know that if you're interested in purchasing any of her pieces shown here, so long they're still available, you most certainly can. Shipping will be under $10.00 Cnd to any Canadian or US location. Please contact her at the phone number or by email (jackandsisko@shaw.ca) above for item prices.
gorgeous jewelry!
ReplyDeletemy inner magpie loves all of it :-)
Wow, what a fun day you must have had, trying on all of these amazing jewels! I must say that I have a particular soft spot for the yellow clamper set - such a vibrant colour, and one that I've never seen in clamper form. It must have been so hard giving them back!!!! You did a great job modelling them...and I'm curious to know, did you end up buying any?
ReplyDeleteare beautiful, I love your dress !
ReplyDeleteYou*
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice post idea:) I loved the yellow flower brooch and well pretty much all of it vintage jewelry really gets me!
ReplyDeleteOoh lovely! There's not one thing there I don't like.
ReplyDeleteWow, she sounds like an amazing woman - and so close to you out there! :) Reminds me that I should be travelling to visit family in Chase and Adam's lake more often...ahem... *lol*
ReplyDeleteMy congrats to Anja on her wonderful taste!
ReplyDeleteI, personally own black glass pearls - they go with everything. Honestly, they "glamorize" an outfit in an instant. I wear them at evening.. at the beginning. Nowadays, I've realized that those are so versatile, an can be introduced into day-wear.
Glorious parade of bakelite makes this post divine. :D
..Oh, and the model on the photos has my favorite nail color.
Hug
Marija
there are half of the pictures missing in this post ... did they disapear or am i the only one who isn't allowed to see the cameo brooch, the carmen miranda piece and all the following items?
ReplyDeletethe fruit bracelet and necklace are to die for ....
Sorry about that, my dear, there was a problem with a few of the photos showing not up for some people, but I've edited the post and uploaded all the images again, so they should all be displaying now. If not, please let me know.
DeleteThanks for bringing that to my attention,
♥ Jessica
Both you and the jewelry are absolutely exquisite; you are the perfect model for vintage clothes and accessories. Visiting her home and jewelry collection sounds like a little bit of heaven. Although, I imagine I would have temporarily lost my mind and spent all the grocery money on bling...lol.
ReplyDeleteThe last colourful parure is to die for! :) I cannot wait for her online shop.
ReplyDeleteThe last colourful parure is to die for! :) I cannot wait for her online shop. }
ReplyDeleteIt's a damn good job I don't live in Canada is all I can say!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic opportunity! The photos came out beautifully and getting to model such treasures would be a treasure in itself! I love the first necklace and the black glass beaded one, how gorgeous!
ReplyDelete-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
Those red rhinestone clip-ons are gorgeous. What fun to take the photos with the jewelry.
ReplyDeletebisous
Suzanne
I don't even know where to begin! All of the jewelry featured is just breathtaking. Seriously lovely and the pictures are also amazing! You do a wonderful job modeling those items as well! The enamel floral necklace and the crystal hinged bracelet...*swoon*
ReplyDeleteOh wow, you look stunning!!! :D What a diverse and lovely collection of treasures! Anja sounds like a wonderful woman, and you sound like you both had a wonderful time. It is such an amazing feeling finding others who share the same passions in life, and I am so glad that you two were able to meet one another!! <3
ReplyDeleteSo many gorgeous items! I'm particularly in love with that lucite floral brooch!
ReplyDeleteDearest Jessica, thank you for dazzling our eyes with some of Anja's wonderful treasures. They all look lovely on you! Please tell me one or two pieces followed you home. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kymberlee
Thank you very much, dear Kymberlee! I did indeed, thanks to the tremendously lovely fact that Anja paid me for modeling for her with the wonderful gift of some of her vintage items (including the awesome carved green Bakelite bangle and gorgeous red 1950s crystal clip on earrings seen in the photos here).
DeleteTons of hugs right back at you!
♥ Jessica
How wonderful that you were able to take home some of these beauties! We all know carved Bakelite is a treat indeed!
DeleteWOW! These are all stunning! And something for everyone and every taste! I think my favorite is the tangerine and turquoise set!
ReplyDeletexoxo
-Janey
Thank you very much, dear Janey! You're spot on there, Anja really did have something to suit to everyone's personal jewelry tastes. What you see here is just the tiniest tip of the fabulous accessory filled iceberg.
Delete♥ Jessica
SMELLING SALTS, I NEED SMELLING SALTS ASAP !! With every picture, I lost a bit more until the very end, then I was flat out on the floor !!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of your ab fab posts of the year !
ps--can you get drool out of one's key board?? Let me know !!
Awesome comment, Sue, thank you very much!!! :)
DeleteHave a marvelous holiday season!
♥ Jessica
you look as gorgeous as the jewelry! My favorite piece is the fruity bracelet but each one is gorgeous
ReplyDeleteretro rover
All these images were so much fun too see. To try on all these vintage gems must have been a rare treat indeed! You made a wonderful model and if I must say, you have such a youthful glow. You are perfect for this model shoot! It is very certainly hard to pick one gem but if I had to, I'd say I LOVE the multi-colored ring in your last picture...took my breath away:) I also love the earrings you modeled with the colored stone clusters. They very much remind me of Schiaparelli. Lovely! Lovely! Lovely! I must also say Tony did a very wonderful job photographing, he has a great talent for this.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you so much that day! I know that you would have been floating on a vintage jewelry adorned cloud nine with me. It really was a sublimely fun, rewarding experience - one of the highlights of this year for me.
DeleteThank you very much - it was a real pleasure to shoot indoor with a suitable, uncluttered background for one. I wish we had a beautiful stone backdrop like that in our house, too. I will brighten Tony's morning with your compliment right now, thank you!
Tons of hugs, my fellow vintage jewelry adorning friend!
♥ Jessica
Adorable and very, VERY chic!
ReplyDeleteI love all of this jewelry, and I think you were the perfect model! I want that "Kate" bracelet SO BAD!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, dear Katie! That beautiful bracelet truly has your name on it - I can really picture you wearing it. You could always give Anja a call, if you're interested in buying it, to see if you could purchase it and she could send it to you (if she does this - I'm not honestly sure).
Delete♥ Jessica
Dear Jessica, you did save the best for last! Yet, I must agree every single piece is fabulous and you do them so much justice with your beautiful vintage charm and elegance. I am so happy that you had such a lovely day. You deserve the best Dear Jessica. Gentle Hugs, Beverly
ReplyDeletePS Did you buy anything??????
These images are stunning! Gorgeous Jewellery!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays Jessica:)
http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/
OK I did actually read the post and know that you are showcasing the jewelry, not yourself, but this is one of the best photo shoots you've ever done. You look stunning - and Tony could totally be a professional photographer! The gorgeous citrine ring, the locket and the heart bracelet all rang my bell. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThat is a thoroughly beautiful comment and compliment to both of us, sweet Philippa, thank you very much.
Delete♥ Jessica
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeletesorry for being away from your blog for so many months. As I wrote yesterday on Vinatge Queen congratulations for being the new Queen , you're the best !
ciao !
I don't usually find much jewelry I like in vintage selections (or really, in any selection, I'm just not a big jewelry gal), but wow, Anja's done it with the locket, bar pin, and hinged bracelet! How beautiful. And actually, that sunshine-hued duo has me inspired for spring already--which, as I look outside at the grey, flat weather, is a nice dose of warmth!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always, Jessica!
Wow! Absolutely stunning pieces!!
ReplyDelete~xoxo, CoriLynn
Goodness, what a marvellous selection! I changed my mind about my favourites each time I saw a new picture. It must have been the best to look at all that fantastic jewellery and pick out what to model. It must have been really hard to decide which pieces to use. Hope you had a really fun day.
ReplyDeleteIt really, really was the best!!! I wish every vintage jewelry lover the world over could the chance to experience an awesome day like that.
Delete♥ Jessica
Jessica just visiting her house and going through the drawers full of vintage goodies must have been THE experience!
ReplyDeleteI have a few favorites, the red earrings (OMG!!!) and the Edwardian brooch.
Oh AND I could see a spark in your eyes when you wore the bakelite.
It was over-the-moon incredible!!! I'm still floating on cloud nine about this fabulously enjoyable day.
DeleteI won't deny it for a moment, there was a definite spark going on when I was sporting the Bakelite. I love all vintage plastics, but it's not everyday one gets to pick and choice from a terrific selection of someone else's Bakelite pieces like this and then model the items those items on camera. I was thinking about all of my fellow Bakelite loving friends the world over as I was doing so big time!
♥ Jessica
I'm in love with so many pieces, but that 1950s citrine ring has my name on it!! It is simply stunning!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! I'm giddy at the thought of a treasure trove of vintage and antique jewelry!! You must have had an incredible day…did you go home with anything?
ReplyDeleteLisa.