The backstory: I had the chance to buy a whole hank of very old, pearl glass drops with a patina that were incredibly beautiful and old. The drops were crackled, faded in spots, but had such a lovely, aged look to them. I got them, and they needed a cleaning--the beauty was still there, but they were duller than I thought. I dipped them in hot water and soap, and...and...and... the pearlized, 80-year old coating came off. Peeled right off. Melted like the Wicked Witch of the West.

So. If I didn't figure out a way to make them cool again, it was going to kill me. I had just ruined antique beads that had survived somewhere for decades until I touched them. Then I had an idea. When I was moving stuff around to set up new photo lights, I found a stack of gold leaf that I had bought a gazillion years ago. So I tried it. And I liked it. I wanted to keep them as old-looking as they are, so the leaf is not on the whole bead, but it is sealed and protected so the leaf will not flake off.

Above the gold leaf beads are vintage, equally as old peacock glass beads that are marvelous. Deep, rich, flashing color. Above those are clear glass drops that I actually didn't wreck but came clear. Also very vintage. You will be able to see the patina on the wire that reveal their age and prove I ain't lyin. Anyway--this was a happy accident, but, if I find more old pearl glass drops, they are not getting anywhere near water. 

•Vintage glass beads; gold leafed, peacock and clear

• Sterling silver chain and earwires

•Drop is an inch and a half

•$3.00 shipping; US only