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Vintage Findings Showcase: Lockets, Metal, Lucite & Chain |
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We all need findings. Theyâre the mechanical glue that holds together your latest creation. If you love a vintage & retro look to your beadwork, often times you may be at a loss as to how to cap off that look with the right clasps and closures. Here are some fantastical finds to help in this weekâs Vintage Showcase.
 Vintage Lucite Buttons & ClaspsWhen youâre working with the bold, bright bombastic-ness that is vintage Lucite beads, itâs hard to finish off that piece with say, a humble little lobster claw clasp. Enter vintage Lucite clasps & buttons as closures. While we have found Lucite clasps made by Best Plastics (the company who originally manufactured most of our vintage Lucite beads), buttons make a nice alternative & are readily available in more colors & sizes. All you do is loop your beading wire or thread through the button shank, using some seed beads on either side to lead into & out of the button. And on the other end, create a âlassoâ or beaded loop of seed beads, crystals, or some other small bead to loop around the button.
 Vintage ChainThe boldness of vintage chain offers rich finishes & link styles, not often found in the contemporary findings market. Pair it with vintage Lucite hoops and work in layers to create some modern looks of today with a retro or vintage inspired edge. Here is one idea that combines vintage chains with vintage Lucite hoops & loops. Most of our vintage chain was manufactured in the US in the 1960âs â early 80âs & made as special orders for companies such as Avon, Coro & Trifari. We found it as unused & uncirculated overstock.
 Vintage Metal LocketsWith the popularity of steampunk & mixed media jewelry, lockets are a great choice to add a bit of heirloom, yesteryear quality to your designs. These lockets are authentically vintage, some with nan imperfect patina that has naturally aged over the years: perfect for that aged and weathered metal look. Most were made in the US and Europe in the 1960âs and 70âs and are in their raw metal form: brass, or basemetal with a subtle if any plated coating. Add a touch of the personal to your next necklace or bracelet & simple dangle a locket charm next to your clasp with your favorite love inside.
Rhinestone Metal Bar & Hook Clasps
Great if you love working with multi-strand creations, these vintage metal clasps pull more than one strand into a nice, neat 1-hook closure. Pair one with chain off the other end and you will have yourself a perfectly retro-styled, adjustable necklace. Please note, these were mostly made in the US using either vintage Swarovski or Austrian crystal stones. Some styles are extremely limited, so first come-first served with these lovelies.
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