Basket of Costume Pearls

I love old costume pearl jewelry, the kind that shows wear and has that warm, faded look.

You know when when they were new the costume pearls were probably very white.

But over time, with wearing and sunlight, being kept in old boxes, they get a warm cream patina.



I put a whole bunch of bright, brand new, pure white pearls into the dyebath and let them sit for almost a week.

When they came out they had this luscious lustre, just the warm cream color I was hoping for.

They're not exactly the same from bead to bead, like you'd expect real vintage pearls to vary in color and wear.



Here's a whole basket full of them.

Feels like I found a whole treasure chest full of old, worn luscious costume pearl beads.

Ready to string and add to a bracelet or necklace.

Long strings of pearls, draped around neck and head. If you want some, I listed them in the Etsy shop.