Claire's bringing back the brooch with her win!

Random acts of kindness are powerful.  Spontaneous, kind gestures are a positive way to lead your life and inspire others to do the same.  So often we walk with our heads down, our faces shoved into a device, living our lives on the go...  We all need to slow down, take care of our souls, shift the balance, and show you care by giving back when you can, even with the smallest gesture of a smile.  Hold a door, help a friend, volunteer your time, participate in a charity, or give something away that no longer brings you joy.

You are probably wondering what this has to do with jewelry, so I will tell you... 

Jewelry is a placeholder for your emotions, and your stories.  One visual of your beloved piece and it brings you directly back to the moment of when you first saw it.  Your mind will replay stories of your favorite times wearing it, bringing you joy and happiness all over again.  However, when unwanted, unworn jewelry sits in a box, that story is never replayed, and the joy is gone.

Recently on Instagram, I spontaneously decided to giveaway a few items from my jewelry box that I no longer wanted.  I had planned to convert some antique pins and lockets into modern-day treasures, but in the end, I felt it was not truly my style.  I did consider selling them, trading them, or even melting for scrap to return my investment, but then I decided the emotional investment of happiness when giving them to new, loving homes far outweighed the time and effort.  

One post and their new homes found them.

Antique treasures from my jewelry box

I am very pleased to say everyone was thrilled with their new-to-them treasures and sent me images, which made me so happy!  I love knowing they now reside with collectors that will love and adore them, instead of selling to someone with an uncertain fate. 

The winners were announced on Instagram

Jennifer won the Star Pique Brooch, I was going to convert into a ring...

Cindy won this fabulously old turquoise star pendant, with a hidden locket in the back!

Just one of Cindy's jewelry box displays....

I can only hope these winnings serve as a reminder to participate in more random acts of kindness inside and outside of our community.  I was so inspired by all of the responses, I am going to do it one last time.  I have just a few more items I was going to convert, so in the spirit of random acts of kindness, you can look forward to round two ;)

Do you have a random act of kindness jewelry story to share?  I'd love to hear it.  You can either contact me, or a leave a message below!

When I am looking for the ultimate treasure hunting adventure, I head to the Brimfield Antique Show in Brimfield, Massachusetts - no question!  Brimfield, located in southeastern Massachusetts, is the largest antique show in New England, with three shows per year, and over 5,000 dealers from all over the country spread out in acres of booths.  The dealers' tents stretch on for at least a mile, lining both both sides of Route 20. Anticipation is high, because I never know what I will find at Brimfield, but I know that when I do find something, it will be good.  I am always on the prowl for beautiful vintage jewelry that inspires and complements my collection, but I am equally open to finding that one thing (or things) that will complement our home in personality and style.

Antique Jewelry Factory Molds

This year, my husband and I joined forces with Danielle Miele of Gem Gossip and her fiance Matt on our fun-filled 24 hour Brimfield adventure. After corresponding electronically for a while, it was a thrill to finally meet Danielle in person, join in her 30th birthday celebration, try on her gorgeous engagement ring (it fit me!) and watch her slip on one of my bangles from my upcoming fine jewelry line (it fit her!) and swap lots of jewelry/puppy/family stories.  If you've had the pleasure of meeting Gem Gossip in person, I'm sure you have come to know how truly sweet and genuine Danielle is - a treasure in the jewelry industry!

Bright and early in the morning, we scoured the general fields for jewelry deals, (the one known for jewelry wasn't quite open yet) and although we didn't find anything that fancied us, we bonded and laughed over the many interesting items the myriad dealers were hawking.  We did, however purchase a few "ice breakers" to bring us treasure hunting luck.  We traveled and sweated our way down many an aisle on more than half of the fields throughout this blistering day before parting our separate ways with hopes of connecting again in the near future for more adventures.

I realized after the fact, we never took any pictures together!  I was too busy getting to know Danielle and having fun, which is fine by me, because I'm all about enjoying life, living in the present and savoring the moment.

Brimfield is a great source of inspiration not only for home decor, DIY projects, industrial and antique findings, it is also a unique setting to converse and connect with like-minded treasure hunters, dealers and artisans, which provides countless opportunities for re-defining (or strengthening) your personal style.

Antique and estate jewelry provided by Fancy Flea Antiques and Jewelry

Every jewelry collector has a weakness - something they just can't get enough of - and mine is bracelets. I had the pleasure of stacking some of our diamond and gold bangles (from our upcoming collection) with some gorgeous antique, diamond and Victorian pearl bracelets from Fancy Flea Antiques. For me, I can't justify investing in a new bracelet if it doesn't match or compliment at least two of those I already own.  Mixing yellow and white gold with diamonds is a classic choice and can be easily done.  Normally pearls would not suit me, but I might be having a change of heart!

I recommend when shopping for vintage and estate jewelry to remember what you already own, and bring your favorite items with you. I like that I can add or subtract to make a loud or quiet statement.  It is more interesting and always personal when mixing estate jewelry with modern jewelry.  If carefully curated, it will guarantee no one else will have what you feel represents your unique personal style.

Hands and fingers are the style makers in a conversation, choose wisely what they say about you.

To see more antique jewelry from Fancy Flea Antiques read our story posted on Gem Gossip.