Antique finds for some jewelry

While we were in NC I stopped by plenty of galleries, antiques stores, and flea markets.  These were all found in different places.  One shop was a wealth of coins and old chandelier parts.  I regret not buying a large jailers key I saw.  They had a basket full of those (about 5-8 inches long and heavy!).  There was also an interesting basket of old lead bullets shot during the civil war.  They were incredible and I just couldn't think of when I'd get to designing a setting so I didn't get any - but should have.  There were boxes and boxes of these old photos but these two just tickled me - and I could have chosen dozens more.  So, my haul was limited to two crystal pieces which I was going to use the tops for some large mixed up earrings - the coins (soviet in nature - I think), the photos which I should scan and reprint before using them, and an old Trifari necklace which I was going to cannibalize for earring and necklace parts.  I could have come home with a suitcase full but was so trying hard to behave.  Currently I'm working on a small batch of earrings I'm calling "Summer Snipets".  As soon as they are assembled I'll get pictures for you. 

(((Hugs))) - Sharon

Purple almost finished.

From the beads I showed in the previous post a decision was made on the bead for the center of the purple tin earrings.  I just couldn't help the choice - the red and teal were the best by far.  I made smaller rivets in silver for the corners and a large bronze rivet for attaching the lampwork bead.  My first thought was to put a centered hole and just dangle it from an earring wire but that seemed a little naked.  It's a pretty light piece for what is going on (and its size) so I decided on a wrapped wire for the top, brass with an overlay of silver.  It swings on that very freely.  I like earrings that have the ability to move effortlessly.  To what you see I will add the earring wire and then I'll oxidize the entire piece.   Almost finished...

ready to oxidize and get an earring wire.