Posted 6 years ago
Parrotbeak
(39 items)
These are two fruit-shaped brooches signed "Handmade Tiel 94% Tin". Tiel is located a little to the south of the center of the Netherlands. Since the late 19th Century, it's been home to some notable industries, among which tin smithing and fruit farming. These brooches reference those industries and that, while I can't find anything on them, makes me think they're (vintage or modern) tourist jewelry. The use of the English word "handmade" also points in that direction.
I bought the apple one about a year ago at a flea market for 50 cents. The pear one is a recent purchase at a flea market that had been a bust up to that point. Too long a travel and too high the prices. So when I laid my eyes on the pear brooch I knew I had to have it but I also knew there was a good chance it would be out of my budget and that I'd end up in a particularly sour mood. As luck would have it, the seller was one of few with acceptable to cheap prices. His jewelry was 1 euro a piece and there was some more that also caught my interest so I got five for five.
I've worn them together since then, the pear a little under the apple, and I like how they enhance each other. If I can get more and find a top A.) with no pattern of its own and B.) made from a sturdy fabric able to hold the weight, I'd love to wear a whole column of them.