Pink Rose Vintage: My first vintage brooch

Almost 14 years ago, my mom and dad came from Colorado to Florida to visit my family for Christmas. We had our 4th child earlier that year.

During that visit my mom gave me this brooch -

Pretty, isn't it?!?!

Well, I have to admit that I didn't really like it that much. It was 1997 and vintage style jewelry was not popular. I thought it was old fashioned and ugly!! I certainly never saw myself wearing it. I hope I was gracious enough that she did not sense my thoughts. I did appreciate that it was something that she had worn and loved over the years. I could tell it was a nice quality piece of jewelry and put it away in my jewelry box.

Many years passed and I began to notice vintage inspired, costume jewelry for sale in my favorite department stores. And, what do you think? I loved it! I thought it was beautiful:) Suddenly, I could not resist sparkly, elaborate, rhinestone jewelry. I wonder what changed? I don't really know, but I did purchase a few vintage looking, sparkly, brooches like these--

Best of all, I remembered my mother's brooch and dug it out of my jewelry box and began to wear it with pride (always receiving compliments).

It looks very nice on my denim blazer!

She had passed away a couple of years before and wearing her brooch helped me feel a connection to her (it still does).

About my brooch:

it measures 2 1/4" in diameter
it has 14 navette cut (marquise) moonstones
the center is an aurora borealis rhinestone as well and the accents
it is unsigned
it looks to date from the 1950s

I wish I had asked my mom about the details of her brooch. When and where did she get it? When and where did she wear it? But I did not know to ask those questions at the time :(
If you have a mom with vintage jewelry or accessories, be sure to ask her about them while you have the chance!

About my mom

Elizabeth Irene Ohlmacher

in 1978

I don't have many photos from before I left home.

Actually, I could not begin to say everything I would like to about her right now on my blog. So, here are just a few things for now:

She was smart and hardworking. She got a college degree when most women did not (1940s)
she was a loving and devoted mother
she went back to school later and got a master's degree, again when most women did not (1950s)
she was an elementary school teacher
she loved God, church and taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ
she was a wonderful grandmother to my daughters who called her "Honey"