Papillion, Liberty


Good Morning,

It is a beautiful day in North Carolina and I have a beautiful new addition to the Nolan Miller pins complete with the original name and paperwork! It is called “The Pretty Papillion Pin”. This design was limited to 2500 pieces. “Papillion” is a French word for butterfly. (Interestingly, it is also the name for a breed of Toy Spaniel dog.)

The pin is marked NM and China. It is not marked limited edition. That information, along with the name, was on the original paperwork.

The Pretty Papillion Pin

I have a challenge for those beginning and intermediate collectors who are reading Chapters one and two of Collecting Costume Jewelry 404.

How many of the following design questions can you answer just from viewing the photographs of “The Pretty Papillion Pin”?

How important is shape in this design?

What role does line play?

Is there a defined color scheme?

In what way(s) is this butterfly design distinctive and innovative in terms of design and/or construction?

Is it symmetrical? asymmetrical? semi-asymmetrical? If asymmetrical, is it well-balanced?

If you can answer any of these questions, you are doing great!

In a total change of subject, the Liberty Antiques Festival in Staley, NC is this weekend, and the weather forecast is favorable! It is held twice a year and often has 400 dealers. I plan to attend and hope to come home with one or two jewelry treasures…well-designed treasures that my “eye” loves! Wish me luck!

Happy Collecting,

Julie Carroll