Chinese Charm Bracelet

American fascination with China began in the 1920s and 30s. Slinky silk dresses, lacquer furniture, chopstick hairpins, embroidered shawls, Chinatowns and Pearl S. Buck kept the intrigue alive into the 50s. Chunky charm bracelets owned the day.

Charms of genuine vintage circa create the nostalgia of this retro 1950s style. Treasures include old jadeite glass Buddha, floral hexagon and whimsical miniatures accented in colored lacquers and crystal. Look for your fortune inside the cookie; insert photos in the pagoda locket. There’s even a tiny "poison" flask. Featured on the front page of fashion section of The Arizona Republic. Toggle and ring closure. Metal finish is silver. Click to see matching earrings in green or jet. Signed and copyrighted Sweet Romance USA.

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Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!

Who doesn't like to unwrap a present, have that moment of suspense followed by excitement and surprise leaving you smiling from ear to ear? It's gift-giving time and Sweet Romance has your answer to gift-giving ideas.

Cross 3 people off your list with the Victoria and Elizabeth Sets of 3 Victorian Sweetheart Bracelet sets. Just like the originals of the early 20th century, our Sweetheart bracelets may be worn alone, or stacked in multiples of different designs. They can be shared and exchanged among friends or for a sweetheart gift.

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Jewels for your Hair

This gold Victorian style features an oversized cameo framed with green enamel leaves and crystal. The Cameo & Marcasites Barrette adds the perfect touch of romanticism to your hair. Wear it with an updo for that special night out or for that casual get to gether with the girls.

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Charming Fall Details

The Large Jewel Charms Bracelet features dangling oversized jewels in dramatic colors of topaz, amethyst, aquamarine and sapphire. The honey bronze double link chain adds the perfect touch of warmth for fall's golden tones against a backdrop of theatrical color. Who says fall has to be boring?
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The Forties are Fabulous Once Again

1940s Jewelry

Slip on that bombshell technicolor dress, baby doll pumps, pageboy hairstyle, cherry red lipstick and plan a night out of swing dancing till your toes go numb because the Forties are back in style!

The Swing era was a tumultuous period of unexpected change in lifestyle with the onset of WWII. Opulence and luxury remained on screen reserved for glamorous Hollywood movie stars and the wealthy elite. The need for war materials to build planes, etc put the production of goods to a halt, forcing families to ration and women to sacrifice the extravagances of fashion. Silk stockings were no longer available due to the manufacture of silk parachutes and other war materials. Women went through great lengths to avoid going out with bare legs and often drew seam lines on the back of their legs with an eyebrow pencil to create the illusion of wearing silk stockings.

The American jewelry market emerged during WWII when the use of platinum, gold, and silver diverted to the war industry. Colored gold in yellow, pink, and green were combined with colored pieces and patriotic gemstones of rubies, sapphires and diamonds that were often recycled from older jewelry. Pieces from the 1940s can be distinguished by its use of ribbons, bows, and folds to create 3-dimensional and sculptural like effects. Jewelry transitioned from romantic to militaristic to mirror the moods of the time.

Victory (which would not have been possible without women’s wartime efforts ♀) gave rise to fast paced changes at the end of the 1940s fueling a wave of patriotism and optimism that would lead to the prosperity of the 1950s. Now that the war was over, women could once again indulge in the luxuries of fashion. Dior’s “New Look” replaced the earlier Military Suit silhouette with natural shoulders, a small waist to accentuate the bust, and full skirt- the image of classic femininity. Lucille Ball was among the many women who adored “The New Look” which can be seen in the clothes she wore on the I Love Lucy TV series.

Above: Deco Cascade Necklace (N699) Deco Cascade Earrings (E699)

Fall 2009 Fashion Trend: BROOCHES

What is the most inexpensive way to change up your wardrobe? ACCESSORIES!

Thank you Coco Chanel for making costume jewelry socially acceptable. Before Chanel, costume jewelry was marketed to those who couldn't afford the "real thing" and jewelry served as a major symbol of wealth. So you can imagine the predicament these women were in! In the 1930s, costume jewelry gained even more popularity allowing the ordinary woman to own a piece of Hollywood glamour with imitation pieces. Who needs the real stuff anyway?
Fall Color Trends
Fall jewelry trends are almost a mirror image of summer's big and bold accessories. The only difference is the color palette. For Fall, go for darker muted hues like plum, mustard yellow, deep red, burgundy, gold, etc. Vintage is always fashionable and never fails to makes its way to the trends forecast. This fall, brooches are the must have item to add a touch of retro chic to your outfit.
How to Wear a Brooch

Brooches are great because they are so versatile and anyone can wear them. Remember, it's all about the details. Add some excitement to a boring jacket, use it to secure a scarf, pin it on a necklace, or make that simple black dress not so simple. Get creative! If you need ideas on how to wear a brooch, First Lady Michelle Obama is a great example (Afterall, it is her signature accessory!).

Spice up your wardrobe with Sweet Romance Pins & Brooches

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Baby on Board

Did you know most babies in the United States are born in the late summer and early fall months from July to September? So don't be surprised by all those baby shower invitations!

Pink dresses, rattles, mobiles, and diapers are all too common of gifts for the new baby girl so give something out of the ordinary that can be remembered and treasured! Here's a great gift idea that moms and baby girls alike will adore, the Baby Trinket Box with Jewelry. As a girl, I remember my fascination with my mom's sense of style-her elaborate dresses and beautiful jewelry, memories I'm sure many can relate to.

This box tells the story of the Victorians' love for their babies. Once a toddler was able to walk confidently, he or she was dressed in the miniature version of adult clothing. Girls wore petticoats, bustles, capes, and gloves just like their mothers. Their costumes were often accented with jewelry. Old photographs document the wearing of a delicate gold bangle or locket pendant. Jewelry intended for children and babies was commonly set with tiny seed pearls and chip diamonds. As featured in a previous post, the 1940s inspired Baby Things Charm Bracelet is another unique baby shower gift that captures all the delights of childhood.

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