A derivative of a flower power pin from the Lenora Dame Studio. The inner layer of this brooch is actually an original flower power pin.
When I first saw this pin I thought it was a four layer flower power pin. In fact, looking closely, I am sure the top yellow daisy pin layer is an authentic flower power pin.
But there are several aspects that disqualify the sum total of layers from being an original socio-political statement.
In other words it is NOT an authentic flower power pin. It is a piece of jewelry, even a work of art. But more about that to come later in this blog post.
This is a collection of Lenora Dame brooches all in the style of flower power pins.
HISTORY
‘The first seeds of this company are planted when Lenora gives up her thriving career as an advertising executive to focus full time on designing jewelry using her personal button collection.’ Note that she also uses a flower power pin as a layer.’ Her sister, Alison Dame, soon takes business operations in hand, and in 2001 Dame Design, LLC and a full accessories collection is born.’
Description “Noted especially for her iconic “haute bohemian” collections of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, designer Lenora Dame has set herself apart with a fearless approach that genetically recombines . . . ” Yahoo.com
Influences There are many creative influences to this jewelry. To understand the group of brooches featured here, visit these two blogpost, Not A Flower Power Pin and Flower Power Pin Mystery.
LENORA DAME BROOCH DESCRIBED IN LAYERS
To me this pieces is a work of art. In this context, I wish to go into a detailed examination of it.
A four layer Lenora Dame brooch in the style of a flower power pin but decorative not socio-political
A. The first layer has intentional holes in it and is sage green with a spray of purple
B. The second layer is copper with brush strokes of navy blue
C. The third layer is light cobalt blue
D. The fourth layer is a pin in itself composed of gold colored metal and green rhinestones
INSPIRATION I do believe that the jewelry at this stage of Lenora Dame’s studio career used flower power pins are her inspiration. But from this layer analysis, I will show why this brooch is not and can not be a flower power pin. It can only be and is derivative of a FPP. The reasons are that they are attributed to her and most likely signed.
Also they are either one-of-a-kind or very limited editions. Clearly some hand work has gone into these pieces rather than mass produced items. None the less they are a delightful addition to the world of vintage costume jewelry.
This Lenora Dame piece is also derivative of a flower power pin. It is four layers plus a gold pin with turquoise rhinestones in the center. The layers are specifically, burgundy, copper and tan, sage, gold leaves.
Traditional stainless steel Celtic knot Kladdagh ring from faire.com
Vintage costume jewelry has always been my preference over precious and even semi-precious stone jewelry.
For example, I am not a fan of the diamond engagement ring. In addition whenever family jewelry needed dividing between siblings, an ordeal followed.
Therefore, I am perfectly happy with what I collect now. In fact, I prefer to make my purchases from the second vintage category for very reasonable prices.
VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY
Most recently I am being creative with a project called ‘The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories’. As part of this project, I am making use of collectible handbags and vintage jewelry. At last I have a way for these things to stop gathering dust. They also are looking rather artistic while still wearable.
English Bone ChinaOrange Laura Ashley straw bag with bone chine brooch decor
I am also learning about various categories of vintage costume jewelry. A very popular vintage category is English bone china brooches.
Since they are so delicate, they tend to have small chips on them. Due to that I do not mind using them as decor on handbags rather than as brooches. Learn more about the history of bone china brooches at this link.
English bone china brooch by Stafforshire (top row second from left belowEnglish bone china brooches from Yahoo
Enameled Metal Another very popular combination of materials is enameled metal or molded steel with enamel paint. The technique and the look are very different from bone china. There is a simplicity and affordability to this jewelry that contrasts previous conservative ornate styles. Most enamel metal brooches are based on a daisy but in very bright, simple colors.(2)
In fact this generation of jewelry is termed ‘flower power’ by beatnick Allen Ginsberg. Designer Mary Quant is the poster girl for this period. Most impressive is the artwork by Andy Warhowl that represents this period, the 1960s. Besides these details there is no documentation of the period’s majority of designers or manufacturers.(1) Instead, as a reference one seller describes them in the following way.
Retro vibrant enameled floral brooch popular in the mid 1900’s is available on ebay.Vibrant colored enamel metal brooches is from mid 1900’s and available on ebay
More about Vintage Costume Jewelry
A simple and very typical enameled metal brooch festoons a light green purse, designer unnamed
At left is an example of an enamel metal brooch on a purse from an unnamed designer.
In fact, this daisy brooch is one of the most popular designs made. It is available in all kinds of color combinations and can be purchased at ebay online(2).
Next are examples of Russian folk art known as Palekh lacquer miniatures. The top one is a rectangular box. Another is a round box. The third is a brooch. Note that the larger box and the brooch are signed and in excellent condition(3).
Below is a purse with a single Russian pin for focus and emphasis.
Handbag with Russian Lacquer PinContrast and complement are shown here of a Stuart Weitzman(4) purse with a lacquered pin
