Classic Blue Cameo & Lace Necklaces

by Tamara Summers.
(Sarnia, Ontario, Canada)

The inspiration for these necklaces is a ladies’ clothing store near where I live. It specializes in retro-inspired clothing from the 30s to the 60s.

Classic Blue Square Cameo and Lace Necklace

I’m planning on showing her some of my jewellery. I was thinking that cameo pieces would be one nice addition to the accessories she carries.

The same day that I had that thought, I was in a second-hand store, and found these ceramic royal blue cameos. The colour immediately caught my eye! I believe they were probably made by someone, because they had pin backs messily glued on.

I decided I could probably do something to showcase these lovely cameos better. Cameos have a vintage feel to them naturally, but I also wanted them to look fresh and colourful, in keeping with my style.

Classic Blue Oval Cameo and Lace Necklace

I ended up mounting them on ovals of lace that I cut from a larger piece. The larger oval pendant also features shaded blue glass petals that I had on-hand from taking apart an oriental-looking glass flower arrangement. I had bought it at a thrift shop for that very purpose.

For the necklace with the square cameo, I included sapphire-coloured crystal beads and vintage light blue glass beads. Both necklaces include tiny glass pearls and seed beads.

I have developed a real love for beaded memory wire (plus I have a ton of it from a sale purchase!). I find that the structure of it compliments my pendants well, and simple seed beading can be an elegant accompaniment to them (a little monotonous at times, but oh well!).

I was working on these at the time the latest Pantone colours came out. When I saw the Classic Blue I thought of my cameos. So it’s nice that they’re in a popular colour for right now.

Tamara Summers
Pink Pearls and Potpourri