Monika Knutsson’s The Gilded Lace collection is really quite fascinating. She uses vintage lace dipped in sterling silver or gold. Her web site notes, “Monika finds the lace at flea markets in Paris, Berlin and New York. The lace is often hand-made and mostly comes from petticoats, corset covers, and the bottoms of bloomers. “I want to add value to old, forgotten lace that once was made by very skilled women. It is a way to honor the craftsmanship of the lace makers and to create modern and beautiful pieces that will last for a long time.” Her inspiration for the designs comes from studying the way lace was fitted on men’s and women’s clothing during the first half of the 20^th century. For example, her designs include cuff bracelets, faux-handkerchiefs brooches, and necktie necklaces. The pieces are eye-catching and graphic.

The jewelry pieces are named after Early Broadway Girls, such as Clara (Bow) and Tallulah (Bankhead), who sported lace undergarments.”

The Hedwig necklace is a limited edition piece, signed and numbered, It is made from black German mourning lace from the early 1900s, dipped in silver and then gunmetal plated. It is available for USD $450.