The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

With Easter just around the corner, our inspiration is taken from an illustration featured in 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady,' by Edith Holden. The book, penned in 1906, records in meticulous detail personal observations of flora and fauna of the English countryside with illustrations, anecdotes and writings.

For many years, Holden's diary passed through the family of her husband Ernest until it was inherited by her great niece Rowena Stott. While a student at Exeter in the 1970s, Stott took the diary to a local publisher, Webb & Bower, who were instantly enamored by the delicate watercolours of flowers and nature. It was first published by the company in 1977 and subsequently became a Sunday Times best seller, where it stayed for a record breaking 63 weeks earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Holden's charming illustrations also became fashionable during this period, adorning hugely successful ranges of ceramics, stationery, and home furnishings. 

In honour of 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady', we have put together a selection of Easter themed vintage costume jewellery, based on Holden's "April" illustration.

April, 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' by Edith Holden

A selection of "April" inspired jewellery - see descriptions below

White flower earrings (in egg box), 1950s; Purple aurora borealis 1950s glass earrings; Green beaded vintage necklace, c1940; Green circle confetti earrings; Vintage ceramic floral brooch; Vintage yellow and amber glass necklace, all offered by Arabella Bianco.

Celluloid egg jewellery box, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery.

Rabbit brooch by Erstwilder, offered by Unicorn.

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

Spring Fashion

It's almost that time, when the skies turn a wondrous shade of blue, the flowers bloom, the birds chirp merrily and the animals and insects come out to play. Spring is a delightful time of rebirth and rejuvenation and this does not only apply to nature, but also to our wardrobe! We have put together a joyous selection of Spring themed vintage costume jewellery and fashion. So go on, buy vintage and put a spring in your step!

First Row: 1960s yellow silk flower brooch, Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery;  John Marks 1960s jacket , June Victor; 1930s celluloid flower pendant necklace, Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery; Vintage coral pink glass flower earrings, Arabella Bianco.

Second Row: Vintage gold plated green rhinestone necklace by Trifari, Arabella Bianco; Vintage sterling flower brooch by Bond Boyd, Arabella Bianco; Gilt metal ladybird clip-on earrings, Unicorn; 1960s Lilac flower clip-on earrings, Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery.

Third Row: Léa Stein rabbit brooch; Green & gold metallic effect clip-on earrings; Gilt metal black and turquoise tip flower brooch; Celluloid metal butterfly brooch, Mid Century, all offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery.

Fourth Row: Gold tone insect brooch with faux pearls, c1980s, Unicorn; 1960s metal flower brooch, 1950s Reverse painted bird brooch, Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery; Painted velvet skirt and matching belt, 1960s, June Victor.

Fifth Row: Marcel Fenez floral & check print dress, June Victor; 1950s Glass flower & leaves clip-ons, Mid century white floral necklace, Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery; Gilt metal and white enamel flower brooch, Unicorn.

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk