In Betsy's words, "I can't be sure how it all started. Maybe it was the summers spent
rifling through my grandmother's attic, or the piles of floral bedsheets
in my mother's linen closet, begging to be cut apart and made into
something new. That, or my father's habit of finding clever uses for
things otherwise meant for the trash. Something from my past stirred up a
fondness for rescuing old things and prompted an avocation.
I'm in love with the idea that these bits of paper and scraps of fabric
had stories of their own before reaching my hands. And it tickles me to
imagine that people who wear my work are reminded of events from their own
storied pasts.
I began using these materials in my artwork as a studio arts student at
the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. Several years after
finishing my degree I began studying silversmithing at Arrowmont School of
Craft in Gatlinburg, TN. The jewelry I make now draws from both of these
experiences.
My jewelry line, foundling, incorporates pages from old books, vintage
patterned fabrics, timeworn beads, illustrations and recycled silver.
Silver mining takes a sad toll on the environment. I'm happy to have a
source for silver recycled from the world's existing supply and I use it
as much as possible.
In addition to limited edition work, I produce a wholesale line of vintage
papers and fabrics set in oxidized silver bezels. The graphic text,
softly colored maps and sweet vintage florals combine vintage goodness
with modern sensibility in necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are
wearable conversation pieces."
Reference Points
Handmade of oxidized, recycled sterling silver, these delicate earrings feature paper from vintage maps and dictionaries from all over the world.
Handmade in North Carolina by Betsy Carr.
Each is one-of-a-kind and will vary; sorry no choice of words or language.
Click here to
view information about our jewelry bags.
Handmade
Recycled
Made in the USA
Made from
silver
Measurements
1" L x 0.5" dia
Notes
earwire is oxidized silver
sterling silver weight: 0.1 oz
Item ID
17966
Still haven't found the details you're looking for? Check out our Product Q&A!
Most of our items are in stock and will ship quickly. Orders for in-stock items placed before 5pm ET Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, will ship:
Economy shipping:
within 8 days, arriving no later than the 9th business day after the order was placed.
Standard shipping:
within 4 days, arriving 5 business days after the order was placed.
Preferred shipping:
within 2 days, arriving 3 business days after the order was placed.
Expedited shipping:
within 1 day, arriving 2 business days after the order was placed.
Express shipping:
will ship the same day and arrive 1 business day later.
Only the Map Earrings (pictured left) are still available, other styles have sold out.
We love seeing our goods in your world. Tag them with #myuncommongoods
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsVintage Map and Dictionary Earrings
(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good quality (16)
- Good length (10)
- Unique (10)
- Stylish (8)
- Beautiful (5)
Cons
No Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday (13)
- Casual dresser (7)
- Office (6)
- Travel (4)
- Business (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Comfort-oriented (11), Practical (11), Classic style (9), Stylish (6), Modern (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes (8), No (7)
Reviewed by 17 customers
Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Creative
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Anytime
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
I bought the map earrings for myself just a little while ago, and I love them! they were absolutely perfect. The map is a little hard to match because it's pale green, but that could go with anything!
- Was this a gift?:
- No, No
- Who was the recipient of this product?:
- Self
- For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
- Other
Pros
- Comfortable
- Dazzles
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Business
- Casual
- Everyday
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
Great Christmas gifts. I bought the map earrings for my sister (the world traveler) and the dictionary earrings for my wife (the voracious reader). Both were big hits!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
I bought these for my friend's birthday. She loved them. They are very unique looking, yet go with almost any outfit.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Dazzles
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Business
- Casual
- Everyday
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
I bought these as a gift for my world-traveling friend. They are perfect! She loved them! So unique and lovely quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual
- Everyday
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
The vintage dictionary earrings were a gift for my sister, who is an editor at a major university publishing house. She was delighted because they are funky and clever, and are a wink & a nod to her profession while being cool at the same time. She says the quality is good and the design looks great.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
Bought these for my mom, who's working on a mapping project. What a hit! They are quite unique, and the perfect gift.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Quality
- Stunning
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
Gorgeous and quirky.
Service and delivery comments:
Arrived very promptly and in perfect condition.
Pros
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
Best Uses
- Casual
- Everyday
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
I got these for my 20ish daughter and she just loves them!
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Unique
Cons
- Too Small
Best Uses
- Business
- Casual
- Everyday
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
Good Conversation Piece
Pros
- Beautiful
- Good Length
- Good Quality
- Stylish
- Versatile
Cons
- Too Heavy
Best Uses
- Everyday
- Office
Comments about Vintage Map and Dictionary Earrings:
Beautiful and unique; I like the fact these use recycled materials. Workmanship and quality seem high.
Service and delivery comments:
Very prompt delivery!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Displaying reviews 1-10
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Merchant response:We're happy every time we hear that a recipient loves one of our gifts. Thanks for letting us know!