Exquisite Beaded Purses : The Collection of Barbara Jones

    I have been collecting these beauties for many years now. Some I won on Ebay, (including Germany and France Ebay), and others I found in antique shops. Most of them needed some type of repair and I was lucky enough to have a best friend who was an antique purse restorer. I fell in love with purses during the many times I would be visiting in her home as she was opening large boxes received from Big League purse collectors, that had been sent to her for restoration. She was a great teacher and helped me understand all the fine nuances of each individual purse, the repairs needed, the resale value, as well as how important the frames are when it came to complementing the purse as well as adding value to it.


    I will never forget this phenomenal purse I was so fortunate to see. It had been sent to her from The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC for repair (she was THAT good!), and displayed the major players signing The Declaration of Independence, all done in beads the size of grains of sand!! That purse was insured for (at that time), $5,000.00 I can assure you it would be worth much more today. Some items never decrease in value! Unfortunately, my friend developed arthritis in her thumbs and within several years was out of the restoration business. Consequently, my collecting has been limited somewhat,  to those that need only minor repair. I possess many more purses which have not been shown, some in various need of repair, and yes, I do have referral names and info. if anyone should need them.


    Looking back I really believe it was the jeweled purse frames, that created my fascination with “jewels” and catapulted me into the world of VCJ, and I must admit I never looked back.  I went through a period of high drama and glitz (think D&E), and some years later began drifting towards those truly creative masterpieces which came from Czechoslovakia (more of that to come)!!


    In the meantime, I wish to thank Judi and her helpers for all the work they do and for asking me to be featured for this particular JR Fashion category… Now, let’s bring on the hats!!!!!!

    Barbara Jones
    http://www.rubylane.com/shop/myfinestthings
    & Private Collector

Many thanks to Barbara for sharing her collection and it's history with us. Here a few more examples:

Flowers, Bees and Beehive antique beaded purse. Barbara Jones Collection

A gift from a friend in Germany - Reticule purse. Barbara Jones Collection

Antique Asian theme micro-beaded purse with jeweled, raised clasp. 

Barbara Jones Collection.

Micro beaded bird w/grapes motif. Notice the ends of the frame are also of similar theme.
Barbara Jones Collection

Lovely micro bead, bird purse. Barbara Jones Collection.

Micro bead scenic reticule, altered to fit the frame.
Barbara Jones Collection

Antique micro bead floral. My largest purse at 14 1/2 inches!
Barbara Jones Collection