I think I was a bit of a gloomy-Gus yesterday.  Prepping for my research trip keeps reminding me how behind I am.  Especially as I keep unearthing (and returning) unread library book after unread library book.  But I’m in high spirits today because I am almost 100% done preparing for the trip – and that includes packing!  So far, I’m (just barely) meeting my goal of one suitcase + carry-on.  I plan to share all the details about what I packed and how it works out.  But for now, I’m trying to pick a few, small, accessories to add.  Given that I have jewellery on the brain today, I thought it would be a good time to share some recent pirate-worthy treasures from my treasure hunting exploits – jewellery! 

This adorable acorn-themed sterling silver brooch was claimed by you-know-who (*cough*Mom*cough) before I could even try it on.  She pinned it on a chic t-shirt, so the curve of the brooch followed the curve of the crew neck and it looked amazing.  She deserves it for her ingenuity.

I have a modest collection of vintage rhinestone jewellery, even some Sherman stunners, but they are sooo dressy I find it hard to wear them regularly.  When I spotted this cheery yellow brooch with the tiniest sprinkle of green/grey rhinestones, I knew it would be much more wearable.  Picture it on a grey cardigan for fall . . . 

I bought this one for the same reason: a little sparkle, but not too much.

I’ve been on a brooch kick, I guess, because I also found two pairs of these Lucite bird pins, signed Buch and Deichmann, for $5.00 per pin.  It was perfect because Mom loves the warm brown pair and I heart the cranberry hued ones.  I already have a large, red parrot brooch (like this one) by the same Danish company, so I sense a collection forming.   

If I’m being honest, I actually didn’t realize they were birds until Mom pointed it out.  I thought they were abstract-y swirly things and had planned on wearing them like this:

What a maroon.  But I’m now wearing them the right way:

Last but not least, a couple of shop-bound items for when we re-open.  We only sold one piece of jewellery (!) in our few weeks – none of the amber ended up selling.  But I think the timing needs to be different – maybe around the holidays might be a good time for jewellery sales.  I know once we’re open permanently, we’ll be able to sell more jewellery so I haven’t been deterred from buying jewellery for the shop.  These two gorgeous, rhinestone necklaces would be perfect for weddings.  The second one is something old and something blue. 

Does anyone else find looking at sparkly/shiny things very relaxing? I think the calming effect explains my lifelong fascination with rocks and jewellery.  Looking at things that sparkle is my yoga.