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| 1780 |
In the 18th century, bows were a very popular motif found in just about everything aesthetic - architecture and interior design, textile and clothing, and jewelry. For today's topic, we're looking specifically at diamond/rhinestone bow tie jewelry. These bows had a certain look to them quite specific to this period, but lucky for us, we have had 200-300 years worth of fashion revivals!
First, here are some examples of beautiful bow jewels of the Georgian period...
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| Lang Antiques |
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| Rowan & Rowan, 1770 |
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| E.B. Horn |
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| Mid-18th c. |
So where do you find similar items that don't cost an arm and a leg? Luckily, there was a massive popularity for glittery bow tie costume jewelry in the 1950s, the decade of the demure, and there are literally oodles of these items available on eBay. I bought this one this morning:
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| vintage 20th c. |
Search in the vintage jewelry category for "rhinestone bow brooch" or "pin," as an alternative. Prices run the gamut anywhere from $0.99 to...lots, but most of these puppies will run somewhere around the $10-$15 mark. At risk of losing all my watched auctions to you ladies, here are some others I found last night...
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| eBay seller "myfreerange" - vintage 20th c. buckle/clasp |
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| eBay seller "oldcupboard" |
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| eBay seller "dealerdeb12" |
These are just a few examples. Things to look for:
- a delicate bow tie design
- rhinestones/paste stones
- the more symmetry the better
- silver - avoid garish brass or too-bright gold. Go for an antique look
Look on eBay, Etsy, and any local flea market or antique shop (though the prices may run higher at anything with "antique" in the name, like fairs, malls, or stores)
