Penny Finnie

When I gain a little weight—let's call it winter-hibernation weight—and am less inclined to buy clothes, I turn to accessories to cheer me up. I will plumb my...See more » When I gain a little weight—let's call it winter-hibernation weight—and am less inclined to buy clothes, I turn to accessories to cheer me up. I will plumb my scarves box and see which ones need to come out and brighten a neckline, and organize my jewelry box to see what gems I've literally been overlooking. Most years, I sigh at all the cool brooches my mother has given me—the dragon with the diamond-chip eyes, the huge gold tassel that in my mind only Diana Vreeland could pull off, the ancient carved bone stag bas-relief that might look better as a buckle—for I know they will just lie there at the dusty velvet bottom, neglected and unused, for another year. One day last month I strolled into Pippin Vintage Jewelers—an excellent store with affordable gems run and owned by folks who really know their stuff, like the difference between carnelian and red agate—and discovered these brooch converters. They come in silver- or gold-tone, and work for horizontal or vertical pins—you slip on these converters, loop a chain through, and voila: You have a seriously bitchin' necklace. Steve Cooper, the owner, said the fashion girls have been snatching them up since big brooches were hot, hot, hot a couple of seasons ago but big statement necklaces are all the rage now. Note: To purchase directly, click here. Converters start at $2.30. And if you're in New York City, it is always a pleasure to browse the wonderful jewelry at Pippin's on 112 West 17th Street in Chelsea; 212-206-0008.See less »