The Inspirational Beauty Of Vintage Sterling Silver

Have you ever had that deja vous feeling, where you enter a place and you feel like you’ve been there before and can recollect every moment of an existence that you cannot prove? It’s bizarre but true that each one of us has experienced this inexplicable phenomenon. I think it really comes down to the fact that every thing in space and time is connected and somehow if we are able to transcend the physical realm, we can in fact access an alternate life as we don’t know it. As a witness, much like watching a movie!

Ooh okay! Was transcending myself beyond this post there, for a bit (giggle)

So I get this deja vous feeling every time I see something from a certain era. I find I’m so attracted to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau time…..particularly when I see articles of silver. It’s like I know that tea set, I have touched that decanter or vase. It’s strange but astonishingly true. So, as possible as it is in this era, I have leveraged the limitless energy of Internet to collect all the beautiful articles of Sterling Silver that I like, to pin on my virtual board of Pinterest and to subconsciously connect to that alternate world of deja vous. Here are a few of my favorites!!

Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Match Safe by Howard & Co of New York. Circa 1900.

The depiction of a pair of Storks emerging from and framing a lady’s face is stunning. Typical of the 20’s design lines of floral and fauna knotted into curves of perfect symmetry, this small yet impeccably crafted ornament is for finders keepers. I love the three dimensionality and realism portrayed in this fascinating piece. I only wonder however who this woman on the match safe was and what the silversmith was imagining as he carved the peculiarly haunting expression in her face!

Cup with Cover of German Brunswick Mounts Circa 1655

When I came across this pin, I couldn’t help but wonder that it reminds me of my ‘Gempencil’ earring (designed in 2008) that eventually became part of my debut collection. Originally the design was inspired by a 1920’s black enamel & gold decanter. I then translated it into the beauty of rock crystal, black rhodium dipped Sterling silver and a drizzling of zircon. Though there are 4 centuries between the two entities there is a subliminal connection to the two designs, at least I like to know that my inspiration is drawn from vintage soul. Made of glass and silver, the cup looks striking with the regal stance of a stallion peaking the ornately clad coloumn.

19th Century Tea Urn  by P.B. Silversmiths of Paris, France

Standing over a foot at 15.5 inches, this French Tea Urn must have looked sensational in a foyer or kitchen of an equally, if not more sensational French Renaissance style mansion. I like to fancy that I might have had a small role to play in an alternate universe to this most lovely and unique piece. Perhaps I might have been a head maid or since I’m only imagining why not the Lady of the House. But then as a Lady one might have had the privilege of only, owning and being served the tea, as opposed to actually handling this exquisite urn. The symmetry, magnificent size and craftsmanship is captured by the skilled French silversmith who had perhaps fallen in love with the piece while he was crafting it. No wonder anyone who lays eyes upon it falls for the romance encased in the design. Some of my humble sketches of swan inspired designs alongside.

Art Nouveau Style Claret Jug

I tried to find the source of this jug and the only authentic information I found was for a green water jug similar to this one. I just loved the shape, the pink glass and the swirly silver ornamentation featuring a lady gazing in profile. The handle is so stylized and the entire design screams Art nouveau! Oh I wish I was born then! In this lifetime though, I managed to put a saree ensemble together inspired by this ultra elegant claret jug.

Sterling Silver Thimble Case  

At just one inch high this petite thimble case has been crafted with much love and artistry  by the silversmith. The honeycomb mesh and scroll design marks it’s delicate beauty. Though I was not able to find it’s details of date, makers and hallmark it did make a stupendous inspiration for styling a saree coming up next in a blogpost.

So you see how, Sterling silver through the centuries has been crafted for it’s durability and felxibility in design. From majestic tea urns to dainty thimbles one can marvel at not only the craftsmanship but the precious quality that lets it stand in all it’s glory even today. It is a vintage yet modern metal to learn more of, to value it exactly as it is, that is precious. I shall continue  my love affair and fascination with silver and if you too are a lover of it’s beauty, join me in my alternate universe on Pinterest of all things Silver and Vintage

Have a Sterling day and shine on!!