Mythology tells the tale of The Riddle of the Sphinx.
Before I go any further on that, let me just advise for those in not in the know, I am not talking about the huge sandstone ‘lion’ guarding the Pyramids of Giza.
This was instead, a Greek Sphinx who had the upper body of a woman, lower of a lion. Wings of an eagle and tail of a serpent; sounds delightful, eh?
Out for a Family Meal
She was quite a fearsome beastie who set a riddle to voyagers who wished passage. Get it right and you were allowed to travel on. Get it wrong….. well, you didn’t survive the encounter!
Now I don’t plan on antagonising any mythical beings, but I have been left pondering a different Riddle of the Sphinx.
Vintage lovers may already have guessed that I am talking about a brand of jewellery!
Purple Reign
The Sphinx brand started in the UK in the late 1940’s making statement pieces and continued doing so until the 1990’s.
They are especially known for their range of brooches; some with matching earrings.
Ruby Red
Many of their designs are heavily ‘jewelled’; crystals are embedded in to a metal frame and are very decorative. Others are gilt metal without any bedazzlement.
Of course, I love the pretty sparkly ones and this is where the Riddle comes into play.
Just why do I love them so much?
Jungle Colours
Well one of the main reasons, I think, is that you can get exactly the same design of brooch but in a variety of colours.
Of course, like most addictions, I want one of every brooch in every colour!
I have to admit, I have started to gain quite a collection of these brooches; red, green, blue, brown. I even have a lovely purple one!
Amazing Aqua
Prices are very reasonable. You can get a lovely, well made brooch in good condition starting from £6 or £7. Some of the bigger pieces can go right up into the £80’s and £90’s.
Thankfully the pieces that I have, have been on the lower end of the scale; in fact my cheapest one was £2.10!
What a bargain.
Now, I cannot state that all my brooches are from the forties. Some may indeed be much later into the companies history. But either way, I love them.
Brilliant Blue
I am sure there is a way to tell which era they come from; some will have number stamps and others won’t.
To be honest, I am not that bothered by their age as I love them all.
Sphinx collaborated with the famous Butler & Wilson in later years, who are well known for their jewelled designs. This collaboration was highly successful and I am sure, profitable.
Beautiful browns
So, why do I love this brand so much?
I love how adding a sparkling brooch can really change up an outfit. A plain jacket can be transformed with just one small piece of jewellery, especially in a contrasting colour.
As with any older pieces, these can become a little delicate and I have to admit that I have worn one or two brooches and lost some gemstones.
Passionate Purple
Thankfully this has been helped by the fact that I mistakenly have two of the same brooch which means I can use these for spares.
So far I have around a dozen Sphinx designs and am always looking out for more.
Most of the collection I currently have come from vintage fairs, good old eBay and etsy and I check regularly for new items.
Shiny!
In fact, I have my eyes on one at the moment which fills my heart with joy.
A mermaid coloured beauty in lilacs, pale greens and blues.
Absolutely stunning, I may have to make it mine!
A Matching Set!
Do you have a collection of vintage pretties? Are you a Sphinx lover too?
