DIAMONDS ARE A QUEEN'S BEST FRIEND

Her Majesty, the baby
royal.gov.uk

This year marks Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years as the reigning monarch of Great Britain.  Her coronation took place on June 2nd, 1952.  This diamond jubilee year will be full of pomp and circumstance, to coincide nicely with the Summer Olympics to be held later this summer in London, England.

What is it about strong women in Britain?  There was the first Queen Elizabeth, then the virgin Queen Victoria, QE2, then somewhere in there was the iron lady, Margaret Thatcher.

Coronation day
royal.gov.uk

Just think, if "that woman" hadn't come along, QE2 would never have perched on the throne.  It's funny how life has so many twists and turns.  Now they've gone and changed the rules so that a woman can lead if she is first born.  What, are they actually getting with the times?!

Personally I don't hold any strong feelings either way for the British royal family.  I wasn't born in a Commonwealth country.  Growing up in Canada, I just became used to them, like a picture hanging on my wall, or a face on a coin.  Some are real die-hard fans while others have nothing but harsh words for what is essentially a figurehead family, who spends loads of their people's money.

Charles and Diana on their big day
genxtinct.com

I did get caught up in the Charles and Diana wedding.  Then last year, I was all tingly watching William and Kate get wed.  Those feelings have more to do with a girl's natural fantasies of becoming a princess, marrying a dashing prince in uniform, rather than a personal desire to become a Windsor.  Talk about your scary in-laws!!

Husband has a story about a friend who spent a bit of time sipping gin with the Queen Mother on one occasion.  That's a story for another blog!

I suppose now the question is, when will the old girl retire and let Charles have a hand at it?  I do admire the Queen for her longevity and staunch resistance to change and her respect for her position.  Any person who can do one thing with so much authority for such a long time, should be commended for her efforts.

Past jubilee celebrations
royal.gov.uk

This diamond jubilee is a nice occasion for celebration.  Bring on the bubbly, the tea with scones slathered with clotted cream and jam.  You go girl!

Carol

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS VINTAGE...

castnews.us

Thanks to Will and Kate, we're getting excited about the British royal family again.  And on April 29th, the world will witness a new generation of Windsors tying the knot.  Now what about that gorgeous ring, that once belonged to the late Princess Diana?  The vintage sapphire engagement ring is stunning.  Hopefully this time around, this gem will bring better luck. 



antiquevintageengagementrings.com

Now here's a bit of history.  Vintage or vintage inspired rings have been all the rage for quite a long time now.  Victorian era rings are the most popular of vintage rings.  This period was from 1837-1901 when diamonds gained in popularity on yellow gold or silver band settings.  Other precious stones were used as well, such as sapphires or rubies.  The Edwardian period was next which ran from 1901-1920.  The trend at that time was platinum to replace gold and silver.  Precious stones were more popular with small diamonds surrounding them.  The Art Deco period was the next era which was from 1920-1930.  Engagement rings from that time were oddly shaped, such as square or geometric and covered in small diamonds.  Their bands were predominantly made of platinum.

 

I think we love vintage engagement rings because of their unique designs and because they allow us to feel somehow connected to history.  Who originally wore that ring?  Who was the handsome bridegroom that presented it to his lady?  It's all a bit romantic.



On the morning of April 29th, I will be glued to the television to watch this historic event, much in the same way when 30 years ago, I was a girl who watched a Lady become a Queen back in 1981.

Here are some gorgeous gems....

La Vintage Shades of Green Serendipity Ring size 7



Vintage Sterling Silver Black & White Rhinstone Ring





Vintage Sterling Silver Royston Turquoise Ring Size 8



Wallflower Vintage Presents: Ode to Kate Middleton Part 1

Stop in and shop your era at Wallflower Vintage.

Wallflower Vintage Presents: Kopy Kate

Go ahead say it: "BANDWAGON"

Any who - I'm soooo happy Kate wears hats 'cuz I LOVE hats! Keep checking in for a line-up of amazing vintage hats - just in time for Christmas. In the meantime - shop accessories at Wallflower Vintage.