Jewelry with a Past

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Cincinnati, OH
Jewelry with a Past

Wear a piece of history and art. These unique pieces of handcrafted jewelry, made using Victorian buttons, will start conversations.

Beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry using antique buttons as a centerpiece and strung with gemstones and fresh water pearls. Be sure to find us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ #!/jewelrywithpast

www.jewelrywithapast.com

11/20/2025

This bracelet is named Rainbow, and it shimmers from start to finish!

The Victorian iridescent glass button changes colors with every movement. The bracelet mirrors the button for a glistening effect. If you’ve been finding yourself drawn to rich jewel tones lately, this bracelet is the perfect accessory for you.

Iridescent glass is created by applying a thin layer of metallic salts to the surface of the glass and then reheating it in a reducing atmosphere. This process creates a shimmering, rainbow-like effect that changes depending on the viewing angle and light.

Artists like Louis Comfort Tiffany were inspired by the iridescent effect and developed techniques to create it intentionally.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to discover one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

11/18/2025

One great aspect of artisan markets is the chance to get up close and personal with the craftsmanship, materials and patina of the antique buttons I use in my jewelry pieces.

I’m grateful for the enthusiasm for my work at last weekend’s holiday market at the Cincinnati Art Museum, and I’m looking forward to the Essex Studios open house in Walnut Hills on 5-6 Dec! If you’ve never been to the Essex, I highly recommend this event, featuring behind-the-scenes tours of more than 40 artists’ studios, plus a showcase of 30 guests artists, including me. There will also be live music, local eats, holiday festivities, and more!

Here are some of my brand new necklaces, featuring chunky shapes and earthy tones, with the same attention to detail that goes into every pieces created by Jewelry with a Past.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to see more of my work, with free shipping worldwide!

11/17/2025

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the holiday market at the Cincinnati Art Museum last weekend! It was truly a pleasure to meet so many people, as well as to see some familiar faces. Extra special thanks to the staff for organizing such a lovely event with so many talented artists and artisans working in different media.

For new followers, here's a bit about my work. I use Victorian picture buttons to create one-of-a-kind statement jewelry!

What are picture buttons?

These are miniature works of art from the Victorian era, designed to be both fashionable and meaningful. Unlike the handcrafted buttons of earlier centuries, these were often mass-produced, yet no two feel exactly alike. They were often crafted out of multiple materials and layers, as you can see here.

Each button reflects a moment in time, offering a glimpse into the pop culture, hobbies, and aesthetics that defined the 1800s. Whether someone loved birding, gardening, fairy tales, or classical art, there was a picture button just for them.

Today, these buttons offer the same personalized charm to collectors and jewelry lovers alike.

At Jewelry with a Past, Victorian picture buttons are transformed into beautiful, wearable heirlooms. Every piece is a one-of-a-kind blend of art, history, and craftsmanship—perfect for the vintage soul, the history buff, or anyone looking for jewelry with meaning.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to learn more about my work, and enjoy free shipping worldwide on any purchase.

11/07/2025

In just over a week, I will be at the Holiday Market at the Cincinnati Art Museum! I was very happy to have been selected for juried event, with a percentage of proceeds benefitting CAM. If you’re in or near Cincinnati, I sincerely hope you can make it. This event will bring together almost 30 local artists and artisans in one convenient location on 15-16 Nov!

Here are some of my brand new necklaces, made with the same attention to detail that goes into every pieces created by Jewelry with a Past.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to see more of my work, with free shipping worldwide!

11/05/2025

What are picture buttons?

Picture buttons are miniature works of art from the Victorian era, designed to be both fashionable and meaningful. Unlike the handcrafted buttons of earlier centuries, these were often mass-produced — yet no two feel exactly alike. Each button reflects a moment in time, offering a glimpse into the pop culture, hobbies, and aesthetics that defined the 1800s.

Whether someone loved birding, gardening, fairy tales, or classical art, there was a picture button just for them. This picture button depicts a police officer in strikingly simple geometry!

Today, these buttons offer the same personalized charm to collectors and jewelry lovers alike.

At Jewelry with a Past, we take authentic Victorian picture buttons and transform them into beautiful, wearable heirlooms. Every piece is a one-of-a-kind blend of art, history, and craftsmanship — perfect for the vintage soul, the history buff, or anyone looking for jewelry with meaning.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

11/03/2025

Here’s a closeup of my unique front-opening clasp that fastens easily in the front, right behind the button! The clasp makes any of my necklaces an easy piece of statement jewelry for anyone to put on and take off.

The best way to get a sense of my jewelry is by trying it on. If you’re in or near Cincinnati, you’ve got two upcoming chances to see my work in person.

I’m honored to participate in the upcoming Holiday Market at the Cincinnati Art Museum on 15-16 Nov! I was very happy to have been selected for juried event, with a percentage of proceeds benefitting CAM. I will also be part of the Essex Studios open house in December.

Did you know? I guarantee the quality of my jewelry and am committed to earning your trust. You can return anything to me for a free repair, and exchanges are accepted.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to see more of my work, with free shipping worldwide!

10/31/2025

Chocolate Cake is one of my brand new necklaces! The unique Victorian glass button in the center features a captivating maroon-brown finish with subtle sparkles that catch the light.

Paired with deep red tiger’s eye and shimmering silver crystals, this is a beautiful blend of warmth, elegance, and vintage charm. A one-of-a-kind piece that stands out effortlessly.

Tiger’s eye is a member of the quartz group. Its warm, earthy coloring comes from iron, which oxidizes to form its distinctive color. Some believe that it amplifies our internal strength. Will wearing this necklace make you feel more powerful?

Take note of my unique front-opening clasp that fastens easily in the front, right behind the button, making this an easy piece of statement jewelry for anyone to put on and take off.

Please head to jewelrywithapast.com for this and other one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

10/29/2025

One great aspect of artisan markets is the chance to get up close and personal with the craftsmanship, materials and patina of the antique buttons I use in my jewelry pieces. If you’re in or near Cincinnati, you’ve got two upcoming chances to see my work in person!

I’m honored to participate in the upcoming Holiday Market at the Cincinnati Art Museum on 15-16 Nov! I was very happy to have been selected for juried event, with a percentage of proceeds benefitting CAM. I will also be part of the ESSEX STUDIOS ART WALK "Starry Nights" open house in December!

Here are some of my brand new necklaces, featuring chunky shapes and earthy tones, with the same attention to detail that goes into every pieces created by Jewelry with a Past.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to see more of my work, with free shipping worldwide!

10/27/2025

Sweater weather calls for chunky statement jewelry!

The Sunbeam Radiance necklace features an extraordinary Victorian button that dazzles with a celluloid background, overlaid by a radiant botanical motif of flowers and sunbeams.

This antique button is paired with round and oval feldspar beads and accented with bold diamond-shaped metal details and shimmering gold beads.

This is a fascinating statement piece that captures both nature’s beauty and Victorian elegance.

Please head over to www.jewelrywithapast.com for this and other one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

10/22/2025

Jewelry with a Past creates contemporary jewelry pieces steeped in history by transforming authentic Victorian picture buttons. The back of each piece features of the mark of the marker: Marilyn Richey. That’s me!

I’ve spent countless hours hunting for the perfect antiques to serve as starting points for my statement jewelry. I design every necklace, pendant, bracelet, or pair of earrings around that initial vintage treasure.

Every pair or earrings, necklace, pendant and bracelet is a one-of-a-kind blend of art, history, and craftsmanship—perfect for the vintage soul, the history buff, or anyone looking for unique, meaningful jewelry, wether your personal style leans toward bold shapes or delicate forms.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com for one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

10/21/2025

Jewelry with a Past takes authentic Victorian picture buttons and transforms them into beautiful, wearable heirlooms.

Every pair or earrings, necklace, pendant and bracelet is a one-of-a-kind blend of art, history, and craftsmanship—perfect for the vintage soul, the history buff, or anyone looking for unique, meaningful jewelry, wether your personal style leans toward bold shapes or delicate forms.

Please head to www.jewelrywithapast.com for these and other one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

10/20/2025

Did you know that Cincinnati is home to a Buddhist monastery? Founded in 1999, Gaden Samdrupling Buddhist Monastery is a community center for Buddhist study, practice and culture. Located just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of Colerain Ave., it calls itself “a tiny corner of Tibet transplanted to the West Side of Cincinnati.”

The monastery is a treasure trove of fine materials and high-quality craftsmanship in an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. It’s worth keeping an eye out for the center’s occasional public programs that provide a look inside and an introduction to Buddhist teachings. The annual Taste Of Tibet includes delicious food, too!

If you’ve ever been to the GSL Monastery, I’d love to know your thoughts!

As a jewelry artisan, I love exploring places near and far to inspire my own work. After years of traveling and living in different places in the US and Europe, I’m happy to take in adventures closer to my adopted home in Greater Cincinnati.

I invite you to head to www.jewelrywithapast.com to view and purchase my one-of-a-kind treasures for you or a loved one, with free shipping worldwide!

Address

5090 Observatory Cir
Cincinnati, OH
45208

Website

http://www.jewelrywithapast.com/

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