1940s Rayon Girl Scout Lapel Pin

I found the most interesting and informative website today called http://www.vintagegirlscout.com/.  They seem to feature every girl scout pin ever made including great photos, extreme details, and specific dating of each.  I have seen many vintage/jewelry websites over the last month while conducting research for this blog, and this site is one of the best.  I wish all the jewelry I researched was featured on a site like this! 

So, this rare pin was made from 1943 thru 1945 and was made for unofficial girl scout wear.  It was often mistakenly referred to as a "silk pin," but is actually made of rayon with a metal backing.  These types of girl scout pins are rarely found in such good condition as the material is often snagged and faded, or the backs rusted. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Vintage Girl Scout. Retrieved 1/31/2011 from http://vintagegirlscout.com/pinfun1.htm

Vintage Avon Painted Floral Brooch

This large Avon brooch is from the 1970s and is goldtone with white and black enamel detailing.  It features two large rhinestones in the center of each polka dotted flower.  Avon was started by succesful door-to-door perfume salesman David Hall McConnell in 1885 in New York.  In 1928, he named the company after Stratford-upon-Avon, England (hometown of William Shakespeare).  Avon began selling jewelry in 1965 with a locket called the Solid Perfume Jewel Pin, adding rings and additional pendants to the collection soon after.  Avon jewelry became official in 1971, when they offered the Precious Pretenders Collection which featured a parure including a pin, necklace, bracelet, and clip earrings.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Vintage Jewelry Cafe. Retrieved 1/30/2011 from http://collect.vintagejewelrycafe.com/?p=11

Vintage Hibiscus Flower Earrings

These pretty earrings are from the mid-twentieth century and their metals clips are marked "Western Germany."  They are made of plastic or celluloid with a pearl at the center of each flower.  The underside of one petal on each earring is marked "Ges.Gesch."  There were so many different ideas about this marking online, one even stating that Ges.Gisch was a German company who was known for making Nazi lapel pins.  But, in my further research, I found that the true meaning of Ges.Gisch on anything German really means "patent approved."  So, although the original information I found about the marking was interesting, it is simply not true.   

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

George's Vintage Pottery. Retrieved 1/29/2011 from http://www.computer-resource.com/ebay/plates/german/german.htm

Worthpoint. Retrieved 1/29/2011 from http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/retro-vintage-hawaiian-flower-earring-brooch-w

Napier Goldtone Bracelet with Large Blue Rhinestones

We know from a previous post that Napier jewelry was manufactured in my hometown of Meriden, CT for many years.  I believe this cool bracelet is from the 60s, but the stones resemble those in jewelry that I had in the 80s.  It could even be a modern retro piece.  Dating some of the jewelry I find is difficult, especially pieces from companies like Napier (or Trifari, Monet,etc.) who are currently mass produced and sold in major department stores. 

Although the gems in this bracelet are clearly not emeralds (rather blue glass) they are done in a faux "emerald" cut.  Emeralds were cut in this fashion to intensify their color and emphasize clarity, but this cut has less sparkle than other facet gem cuts and makes imperfections more visible.  Gem cuts are actually pretty interesting, and I am learning that fake gemstones can be quite obvious in some cases , but very hard to distinguish in others. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Asia Gems. Retrieved 1/28/2011 from http://www.asia-gems.com/jewelry/gem-cut.php

Tiffany Chain Link Sterling Silver Ring

This modern Tiffany ring was quite the find.  It is from the Summerset collection and currently retails through Tiffany for $225.  Tiffany was established on September 18th, 1937 in New York City by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young.  The business started as an emporium of stationary and fancy goods, and they published their first catalogue in 1845 which is still printed today.  Tiffany silver was becoming well-known around the world, and in 1851 they became the first American company to follow the 925/1000 sterling silver standard.  In 1853, Tiffany changed their name to Tiffany & Co. after Charles Tiffany took full control of the company.  Highlights in Tiffany's history range from designing President Lincoln's inaugural pitcher in 1861, to the purchase of the Tiffany Diamond in 1878 (worn in 1961 by Audrey Hepburn in her publicity photos for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's).  Over the years, Tiffany has set metal and gem standards for the jewelry industry that are still followed today, and has established themself as one of the world's premiere jewelers.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Tiffany. Retrieved 1/27/2011 from http://www.tiffany.com/About/Timeline.aspx

Ehow. Retrieved 1/27/2011 from http://www.ehow.com/about_5084442_tiffany-company-history.html

Unsigned Retro Demi-Parure

This funky unsigned set consists of a pair of pierced earrings and a large brooch.  The goldtone base metal appears to be painted, with the smaller triangles being made of a frosted goldtone metal.  All the parts on each piece are completely moveable.  I believe this set was handmade by an artist and dates from the late eighties to early nineties, similar to the demi-parure I listed by Idnar this past Sunday.  Any information on these items would be greatly appreciated. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Kirks Folly Goldtone Fairie Pin

The best thing about writing this blog is everything that I am learning about jewelry.  It is also reaffirming my passion for jewelry, design, and art in general.  So, with that said, this whimsical pin is by Kirk's Folly and was made in the last decade.  Kirks Folly began in 1979 by two Kirk sisters, Helen and Jenniefer (yes, she spells it with an extra "i"), who began designing and selling hair accessories in New York called "glitter sticks."  When their business started growing, they recruited sister Elizabeth and brother George to the team.  In 1992, QVC began selling their jewelry, and the business continues to grow every year with new creative and captivating designs.  From my research, this pin likely retailed for approximately $36-$58. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on www.etsy.com is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Kirks Folly. Retrieved 1/25/2011 from http://www.kirksfolly.com/thekirks.html

Kurteff Bariloche Copper Cuff Bracelet

I absolutely love this bracelet and it seems to be very rare.  I could not find any jewelry quite like it listed online, but I did figure out where it was made, and by whom.  Jorge Kurteff, a Bulgarian artist, arrived in Argentina after World War II, and began creating pieces in copper, iron, bronze, and nickel silver.  Bariloche is actually a city in Argentina.  The Kurteff Museum, located in the province of San Luis in Argentina, houses a full collection of 90 metal sculptures by Jorge Kurteff.  I am still continuing to enthusiastically research this piece.



Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Gobierno de San Luis.  Retrieved 1/24/2011 from http://ministerios.sanluis.gov.ar/notas.asp?idcanal=5842&id=5293

Copper Demi-Parure by Unknown Artist Idnar

This sets screams late eighties or early nineties and consists of a large brooch and a pair of pierced earrings.  I cannot find ANY information online about these particular pieces, or their maker.  Each item is stamped with the name "Idmar" in cursive letters.  This hallmark looks like a profressional marking as it is uniform, crisp, and not etched. 

Enamel is a glass powder/paste which is applied and then fused to a metal surface (most commonly bronze, copper, or gold) under very high temperatures to create a decorative design.  Some enamels are translucent, while others are opaque, depending on the metal oxide content of the glass and its temperature at the time of cohesion.  The first true enamel  was used in Greek gold jewelry dating from the 4th century BC. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

About.  Retrieved 1/23/2011 from http://jewelry.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=jewelry&cdn=style&tm=19&gps=247_347_1276_577&f=10&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.biddingtons.com/content/pedigreeenamel.html

Sterling Silver SIlpada Necklace

This lovely little Silpada necklace was made in the last decade.  Silpada started creating their designs in the late nineties.  Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh met, and eventually became close friends, after two of their children started the first grade together.  They both shared a love of sterling silver and began creating and selling their own designs.  After hosting several home parties together, they officially launched Silpada Designs in 1997.  Today, their basement-born business is thriving with thousands of independent representatives selling their product.

I am no Silpada expert, and shockingly, I have never even been to one of their home parties.  But...I find their jewelry to be well made and of superior quality to much of the sterling silver jewelry you see retailing today.  I have seen their catalog (and many of their pieces firsthand) and although a bit pricey, you definitely get what you pay for.   

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Silpada. Retrieved 1/22/2011 from http://silpada.com/public/aboutSilpada/index.jsf

Krementz Gold Plated Rose Parure

This delicate 3 piece parure was made by Krementz in the 1950s.  The set is overlayed in rose and yellow gold, which Krementz was famous for.  Krementz was started by a group of investors in New Jersey in 1884, who wanted to produce a line of "fine" jewelry.  They began producing men's stud and collar buttons, then moved to women's jewelry in the early 1930s.  Their costume jewelry was made to look like the real thing, is of very high quality, and therefore very recognizable to collectors.  Krementz is currently owned by the Colibri Group of Providence, RI, and is still being made today. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 1/21/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/krementz.html

The Legends Cameo Pin/Pendant by Coreen Simpson

This giant "black" cameo pin measures 3 inches high by 2 1/2 inches wide.  This is actually a contemporary piece of costume jewelry and currently retails online for $80.  In 1982, Coreen Simpson, a world reknown photojournalist, began making jewelry for herself that she could not find in stores.  Her unique designs became a sensation with fashion editors and designers, and after a client request for a cameo depicting a woman of color in 1989, Coreen launched her signature piece, The Black Cameo, in 1990. 

The cameo was first created in the earliest civilizations of Egypt and Asia Minor, with the Greeks and Romans refining the art form.  Cameos became an accessory staple in Europe where the earliest known "black" cameo, the Blackmoor Cameo Habille, was made in England in 1850.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

The Black Cameo Collection. Retrieved 1/20/2011 from http://theblackcameocollection.com/theblackcameo.html

Bick & Son 14kt Gold Scarab Bracelet

Ah, the lovely scarab.  My mother had a bracelet very similar to this when I was growing up.  As a matter of fact, I think she may still have it, so it is time to raid her jewelry box!  This pretty bracelet was made somewhere between in the late 1940s through 1960 by Bick & Son (also known as Bickson).  It has more "scarab" stones (eleven in total) than many similar bracelets I have seen from this time period, but each stone is a bit smaller than those in the other designs I have seen.  The Harry S. Bick & Son Jewelry Company produced high-end fashion jewelry in New York City from the 1940s through the 1980s. 

The scarab beetle is a symbol of rebirth and has been a symbolic motif in Egyptian jewelry (rings, pendants, and bracelets) for thousands of years.  Wearing scarab jewelry was thought to bring luck, protection, and vitality to those who wore it.  Egyptian soldiers were given scarabs to protect them in battle, and the women were given scarabs for fertility.  Scarab jewelry was made from a variety of materials including wood, clay, bone, glass, soapstone, and semi-precious gemstones.  The color of the scarabs were symbolic and plain stones were often glazed in bright colors.  In the last 100 years, scarab jewelry has been made from gemstones, enameled materials, and precious metals. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Decotini. Retrieved 1/19/2011 from http://www.decotini.com/catalog/item/4512877/4563731.htm

Ezine Articles. Retrieved 1/19/2011 from http://ezinearticles.com/?Egyptian-Scarab-Jewelry---Symbolism-and-History&id=3680720http://www.scarabjewelry.org/

Hobe Sterling Silver Floral Bracelet

Did I tell you that I love sterling silver?  This beautiful floral bracelet was made by Hobe in the 1940s.  It could use a good cleaning, but I like the patina, and will leave the decision to remove it to the person who may eventually purchase the piece.  Hobe jewelry was always handmade, using many fine jewelry techniques, and was of extremely high quality (especially in their early years from 1935-55).  It was also created using the finest stones along with sterling silver, gold, and platinum plated metals.

French immigrant William Hobe founded Hobe in the 1930s in New York City.  William's family included well-known jewelry makers, and his father Jacques (a master goldsmith and designer) started a company of the same name in Paris, France in 1887.  American Hobe jewelry was sold in upscale department stores, but really took off after William Hobe approached theatrical producer Florence Ziegfeld, and was contracted to create exotic costume jewelry for showgirls.  It is also said that the term "costume jewelry" was actually coined by Florence Ziegfeld when referring to the items Hobe created for his productions.  Hobe ceased operations in 1992. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectics. Retrieved 1/18/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners2.html

Sterling Silver Folk Art Earrings

These tri-toned pierced earrings are quite large and look to be from the late eighties or early nineties.  The etched signature on the back of each earring reads "Maresa."  There is no 925 stamp on these earrings to denote that they are Sterling (Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, hence the 925 mark), but that is fairly common on jewelry made by smaller artists.  Precious metals must be stamped with a quality mark in many foreign countries, but The National Gold and Silver Marketing Act in the USA does not require quality marks.  If a quality mark is used, it must be accompanied by a trademarked manufacturer's hallmark.  Since registering a trademark costs over $1000, many independent artists and Native American silversmiths rarely mark their work.  I will be testing these earrings prior to selling them as Sterling Silver of course! 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Many Horses.  Retrieved 1/17/2011 from http://www.manyhorses.com/sterling_silver_quality.htm

Sarah Coventry 'Simply Elegant' Bracelet

This Sarah Coventry bracelet is silvertone, chunky, and super-cool (see my blog post from 1/7/2011 for details on the history of Sarah Coventry jewelry).  It was made in the 1960s and was part of the 'Simply Elegant' collection.  It is also referred to by collectors as the 'Pineapple Bracelet.'  I do not believe the designer's original intent was to have this piece resemble pineapples, but it definitely does. 

Pineapples are known as a symbol of hospitality, stemming from the Carib people, where on the island of Guadalupe, Christopher Colombus and his men first discovered the fruit in 1493.  According to Mindspring.com, "the Spaniards soon learned they were welcome if a pineapple was placed by the entrance to a village. This symbolism spread to Europe, then to Colonial North America, where it became the custom to carve the shape of a pineapple into the columns at the entrance of a plantation."


Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Ruby Lane. Retrieved 1/16/2011 from http://www.rubylane.com/item/589439-JEW004/Simply-Elegant-bracelet-Sarah-Coventry

Mindspring. Retrieved 1/16/2011 from http://www.mindspring.com/~sixcatpack/pineappl.htm

Trifari Goldtone Brooch

Trifari is one of the most collectible costume jewelry today, with pieces pre-dating 1947 being the most sought after.  This pristine brooch is from the 1950s-1960s.  I am personally a huge fan of Trifari pendants made in the 1960s-1970s which will of course be featured here in the future!  Trifari began as "Trifari and Trifari" in 1910, founded by Gustavo Trifari and his uncle.  Gustavo's uncle left a few years later, and the company became "Trifari."  In 1917 Leo Krussman joined the team, followed by Carl Fishel as head of sales in 1925, and Trifari was renamed Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel (KTF). 

What really lead Trifari to greatness was the outside designer Alfred Philippe, who became Trifari's head designer in 1930.  He had worked for high-end firms such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arples, but due to the depression, his creativity was stifled at these organizations due to the rough economic times.  After joining Trifari, he was able to freely create designs in less expensive metals, and Trifari (also struggling financially at this time) became a huge success.   

Alfred Philippe retired from Trifari in 1968, where he started as head designer and eventually became president.  He is attributed with making Trifari a leader in the costume jewelry industry.  Trifari was purchased by the Hallmark Jewelry Company in 1975, then by Crystal Brands in 1988.  A division of the Monet Group purchased Trifari in 1994 (The Monet Group was purchased by Liz Claiborne in 2000).  Today, like Monet jewelry, Trifari jewelry is now mass produced and available in department stores under its original name. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collector's Index. Retrieved on 1/15/2001 from http://www.collectorsindex.com/information/trifarijewelryhistory.html

Estate Jewelry International. Retrieved on 1/15/2011 from http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/articles/article/1633100/23027.htm

Rune Tennesmed Pewter Pin

Like yesterday's post, here is another example of beautiful pewter, also from a "floral" collection. This pin was made in the 60s by Swedish artist and highly skilled metalworker Rune Tennesmed.  His studio is located in Kalmar, Sweden, and he is know for his modernist designs.  I could not find any other historical or biographical information on Mr. Tennesmed, so any additional information would be greatly appreciated. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Ruby Lane.  Retrieved 1/14/2011 from http://www.rubylane.com/item/375912-2386-x20Runex20Tennx2ex20Swedenx20Pin/Rune-Tennesmed-Sweden-Modernist-Pewter

Kirk Steiff Pewter Floral Bracelet

This cool bracelet is engraved with crysanthemums and made of pewter.  It is the November bracelet from the "Flower of the Month" collection by Kirk Steiff.  Charles Clinton Steiff bought out his partners of the Baltimore Sterling Silver Company in 1904 and changed the name to the Steiff Company.  Steiff was known for producing beautiful, yet moderately priced, hand chased and Repousse pieces of very high quality.  Repousse (or repoussage) is the shaping of metal by hammering its reverse side, and chasing is the opposite of repousse (also known as embossing).  The Steiff Company became Kirk Stieff in 1980, after aquiring Samuel Kirk & Son, Inc. the previous year.

I happen to love the look of pewter and it is not a cheap substitute for Sterling silver as many people think.  Pewter has been around for centuries and has its own qualities that make it special, and many designers work with it today (see http://www.ramshornstudio.com/).  Pewter is an alloy consisting mainly of tin mixed with various metals in diverse proportions.  Pewter often contained lead in the past, which caused tarnishing problems and obvious health risks, but now it is available lead-free. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Wikipedia. Retrieved on 1/13/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repouss%C3%A9_and_chasing and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stieff_Silver

Rams Horn Studio. Retrieved on 1/13/2011 from http://www.ramshornstudio.com/pewter.htm

Boucher Ivory Rose Demi-Parure

I was wondering the same thing, what is a parure?  Well, the word parure is derived from the old french verb for "adorn," and refers to an entire suite of jewelry, often designed to be worn all at once.  Today, a true parure is a set of jewelry consisting of at least 3 matching items.  A set with only 2 matching items, like the one pictured above, is called a demi-parure. 

This clip earring and pin set was made in the 1950s/60s by renowned American jewelry designer Marcel Boucher. Boucher was born in France where he honed his jewelry skills working for Cartier.  He began designing jewelry in New York City for the Mazer company in the 1930s, after emigrating to the United States.  In 1937, he started his own company, creating unique jewelry never seen before on the market, using various materials including faux pearls and the finest rhinestones.  Today, his jewelry with animal and bird motifs are particularly collectible.  After his passing in 1966, his wife continued the company until 1979, when it was acquired by D'Orlan.  D'Orlan still produces high quality pieces today, even using some of Boucher's original molds, but his imaginative creations are sadly missed.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectors Weekly.  Retrieved on 1/12/2011 from http://www.collectorsweekly.com/costume-jewelry/parure

Class Option.  Retrieved on 1/12/2011 from http://www.classyoption.com/jewelry/MarcelBoucherJewelry1.html

Vintage Monet Link Bracelet

This chunky goldtone bracelet is from 1955-60 and made by Monet.  I think every woman in the modern world has heard of Monet jewelry!  I am learning from writing this blog that much of the most popular american costume jewelry has been made in the Northeast at some point.  Monet began as Monocraft in 1929 and was manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island.  Brothers Michael and Jay Chernow started this business producing gold-plated monograms for handbags.  After building a good reputation, they began manufacturing Monet jewelry from approximately 1937 through 1960. 

Besides producing high quality and affordable products, Monet was also an innovator in jewelry technology, inventing both the friction ear clip (an adjustable earring clip that fit firmly but caused less pressure on the ear lobe) and the pierced earring barrel clutch (an alternative to the well-known butterfly clutch).  Monet switched ownership several times since the late 60s, with Liz Claiborne purchasing the Monet jewelry line in 2000.  Several major department stores still carry Monet today.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on www.etsy.com is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 1/11/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/monet.html

Ehow.  Retrieved 1/11/2011 from http://www.ehow.com/how_2190220_collect-vintage-monet-jewelry.html

Napier Sterling Silver Fur Clip

I flipped when I saw this double pronged brooch the other day and I just had to have it!  It is a huge piece, measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches wide x 3 1/4 inches tall, and weighs 1.4 ounces.  It was made by Napier in the 1940s, a company known as the oldest fashion jewelry house in the United States who manufactured jewely in my hometown of Meriden, CT from 1890 until 1999! 

In 1875, Napier began as a silver product manufacturer named Whitney & Rice in Attleboro, MA.  The business was sold in 1882 and the name was changed to Carpenter and Bliss, then shortly thereafter to E.A. Bliss and Company.  The company shifted focus from silver products to modern/costume jewelry after WWI, then became the Napier-Bliss Company in 1920, being renamed after James Napier, the company president from 1920-1960.  Finally in 1922, the name was changed to the Napier Company, as it is still known today, and is currently owned and operated by the Jones Apparel Group.  Napier jewelry is now mass produced and available in major department stores.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Jackson Jewels.  Retrieved on 1/10/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_M-O.htm

Antiquing Online.  Retrieved on 1/10/2011 from
http://www.antiquingonline.com/jewelry-designers2.htm

Retro Avon Silvertone Pendant and Chain

Yes, I sold Avon in the nineties and I was never a huge fan of their jewelry.  However, I am a big fan of their jewelry that was produced in the seventies (like this necklace I am blogging about today).   Avon introduced jewelry into their product line in 1971 (the year I was born!).  This pendant is what you would call "retro," which according to Wikipedia is defined as follows:

"Retro" is a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall postmodern past, that has since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again.  It generally implies a vintage of at least 15 or 20 years.  Today (in the 2010s), retro is used as an adjective to refer to styles of the 1970s and 1980s."

Although Avon jewelry was mass produced, many pieces from the 70s through 90s are highly collectible, especially items produced in lesser quantities and those created in collaboration with featured designers such as Kenneth Jay Lane and actress Elizabeth Taylor.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Ehow. Retrieved on 1/9/2011 from http://www.ehow.com/about_6164221_value-avon-jewelry.html

Wikipedia. Retrieved on 1/9/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retro_style

Japanese Damascene Sterling Silver Brooch

This dramatic brooch is an example of Japanese Damascene and was made in Amita, Japan.  Damascene is the process of inlaying steel with precious metals such as gold or silver, with the name originating from the city of Damascus.  The largest producer of Damascene today is Toledo, Spain, and those pieces actually look quite different than this one. 

There are major differences in the quality, origin, design, and technique of jewelry that is labeled "Damascene."  Some Damascene jewelry on the market today is actually considered "Faux Damascene," as it has the appearance of genuine black and gold Damascene jewelry, but often the gold is not real and it is mass produced, usually in Spain or the far east. This piece is actually solid sterling silver, and the geometric designs (common in Japanese Damascene) seem to have been etched onto the blackened surface with a sharp tool. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on www.etsy.com is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Vintage Jewelry Lane. Retrieved 1/8/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/Damasceneinformation.htm

Sarah Coventry Goldtone Cuff Bracelet

This funky bracelet was made somewhere in the 70s or 80s by Sarah Coventry.  I thought Sarah Coventry was an actual jewelry designer, but in fact, this company was founded in 1949 by Charles H. Stuart, who simply named the line after his granddaughter.  Mr. Stuart also founded Emmons Home Fashion in 1948, which along with Sarah Coventry jewelry, was marketed through home fashion shows until 1984.  Yes, it was sold through home parties!  Sarah Coventry actually purhcased their designs, and they were produced by a jewelry manufacturer near Providence, RI.  The enterprise was sold to a Chicago based firm in 1984 who continued manufacturing jewelry for a Canandian company using the Sarah Coventry name, but they discontinued the direct sales marketing plan. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.etsy.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collector's Index.  Retrieved 1/7/2011 from http://www.collectorsindex.com/sarahc.htm

Givenchy Rhinestone Star Pin circa 1978

This little silvertone pin is bedecked with 35 rhinestones and marked 1978 on the back.  When I think of the name Givenchy, I think of fashion.  I did not realize Givenchy designed jewelry, and I always thought "Givenchy" was a brand name rather than an actual person.  I was unable to find any substantial information regarding the specifics of Givenchy jewelry, and this pin is the only piece of Givenchy jewelry I have come across since I started collecting. 

The well-known designer Givenchy was born Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy in 1927 in France.  He opened a fashion design house in Paris in 1952 and in 1954 became the first high fashion designer to produce a ready-to-wear line.  Over the years, Givenchy designed costumes for Audrey Hepburn in her films, as well as designs for her personal wardrobe.  He was a favorite designer of many other famous fashionistas including Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and the Duchess of Windsor.  Givenchy was even knighted a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur and retired from fashion in 1995. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Vintage Designer Clothing.  Retrieved 1/6/2011 from http://www.vintagedesignerclothing.com/givenchy.html

Sandor Silvertone Clip Earrings

Clip-on earrings are not just for Grandma anymore!  Did you know that in the United States in the early 20th century, ear piercing was considered "uncivilized?!"  Clip-on and screw back earrings were invented around 1930 and remained popular through 1970, when ear piercing became a fad, and eventually the new norm.

These earrings are marked Sandor on their clasp and I would date them between 1950 and 1970.  When I found these earrings, I thought they were really cool.  I love their nordic feel since we all know I am a huge fan of both Scandinavian and Celtic jewelry.  Sandor produced floral and figural designs until 1972 and was founded by Sandor Goldberger in 1938.  Sandor jewelry was often done in sterling silver and enamel.  There are no silver marks on these earrings, so I am assuming they are not sterling.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Annie Sherman.  Retrieved 1/5/2011 from http://www.anniesherman.com/earringshistory.html

Collectics. Retrieved 1/5/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners3.html

ART Renaissance Revival Bracelet

I love this bracelet!  It is silvertone with black and milky green glass stones.  The green stones have a spartan image etched on them which are unfortunately hard to see in the picture above. 


The underside of each  black stone segment of the bracelet is stamped with the ART trademark.  ART was owned by Arthur Pepper and was in business from approximately the late 1940s through 1980.  ART jewelry is of high quality, usually combining filigree or stampled metalwork with unique stones, brightly colored enamels, and interesting color combinations.  Many people see similarities between ART jewelry and pieces made by Florenza and Hollycraft. 


Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop is coming soon. 

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post: 

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 1/4/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/art.html

BC Treasure Trove. Retrieved 1/4/2011 from http://www.bctreasuretrove.com/category_51/ART.htm

Finn Jensen Sterling and Enamel Guilloche Butterfly Pin



I actually purchased this pin earlier this evening at an auction in my hometown of Meriden, CT.  I absolutely love anything Scandinavian as my grandmother was 100% Norwegian.  I have yet to visit there myself, but my mother and uncle made the trip in 2008, visiting both Norway and Finland via plane, train, automobile, and boat.    

There was very little biographical or historical information online regarding Finn Jensen.  According to Scandinavian.co.uk, Jensen designed and manufactured high quality jewelry during the mid-twentienth century.  He was inspired by the designs of David Andersen, another famous Norwegian jewelry designer, and made mostly vermeil guilloche enamel pieces.  Vermeil is a combination of sterling silver, gold and/or other precious metals.  Enamel Guilloche is a technique in which translucent enamel is applied over a surface that has been engraved with a detailed, repeated pattern.  During his career, many of Jensen's designs were exported to the United States.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions and comments are also encouraged and appreciated.  My online shop is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for a portion of the content of this blog post:

Scandivian Silver. Retrieved 1/3/2011 from http://www.scandinaviansilver.co.uk/names/45

Wikipedia. Retrieved 1/3/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermeil

Vintage Jewelry Lane. Retrieved 1/3/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/weekwords/guillocheweekword.htm



Coro Silvertone Brooch

I cannot remember where I discovered this pretty Coro pin.  It dates between 1955 - 1970.  It is in mint condition and measures approximately 2 inches in diameter. 

In 1901, Emanuel Cohn and Carl Rosenberger opened an accessories boutique in New York City called Cohn & Rosenberger.  These two businessmen had a good eye for the arts and hired many talented jewelry designers who were given creative freedom in their designs.  The company incorporated in 1943 and changed its name to "Coro, Inc.".  Coro made a wide variety of jewelry styles ranging from figural to floral, and developed lines marketed at different price ranges without ever compromising quality.  Coro also filed many patents over the years for various mechanisms used in their jewelry such as a double clip closure patented in 1931.  Despite the well-known list of designers who worked for Coro over the years, most Coro jewelry is only marked with the company name, rather than including the original name of the artist. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  My online shop is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectics. Retrieved 1/2/20011, from http://www.collectics.com/education_coro.html

Renoir Sauteur Necklace

I was so excited when I discovered and purchased this gorgeous sterling silver modernist necklace at a local thrift store.  It was produced in the mid-nineteen fifties by Renoir of California, Inc.  Jerry Fels started this company in 1946 with his brother-in-law and another friend under the original name "Renoir of Hollywood."  Through 1964, they produced beautiful jewelry in copper, sterling silver, gold-plate, and enamel under the names "Renoir" and "Mattisse."  Renoir of California jewelry is highly collectable today, and despite its age, shows very little signs of wear because of the clear enamal coating they developed to prevent tarnish and discoloration.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  My online shop is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website for the historical content of this blog post:

Bonnie & Clyde's Treasure Trove. Retrieved 1/1/2011, from http://www.bctreasuretrove.com/contact.htm.