I collect old costume jewelry. (notice I call myself magpie?) About once a year I sort through it and decide on quite a few pieces to share with my husband's two favorite Aunts. One is Mary Jo or Jo, the other is Norma. And today is the day, because I have two boxes ready to mail. Mary Jo, like me, wants rhinestones. So I chose some Coro, Sarah Coventry, and other gorgeous pieces that I know she will love.
Norma has worked in an art gallery since ~ 1964. She is so cool you wouldn't believe, steady as a rock, and sweet as can be. She lived in the same apartment until just a few years ago, the top floor in a century old brick home. She has had the same job and the same boyfriend all her life. Every Saturday night they would go on their date, and ONLY on Sat. night. Norma has never driven, and takes a bus everywhere she goes, or she walks. She walks 2,3,4 miles a day and has really all her life. Though she is past retirement age, she still works at that gallery.
Norma has been exposed to so many artists and beautiful works, that her style is much more sophisticated than many, and I don't have a lot of jewelry she would like (I don't think), but I try to send her unusual pieces. The above print is from a Miriam Haskell ad, and is how I picture Aunt Jo and Aunt Norma back in the 30's or 40's.
