Vintage Lind-Gal Enamel Whale Pin

This cute little goldtone pin is by Lind-Gal NYC, Inc., a company which began producing costume jewelry in 1952.  It measures only about an inch and a half wide and features translucent green and yellow enameling.  I cannot help but think of my beloved Hartford Whalers when I look at this piece (for those of you who did not know me as a teen, I was a huge fan of the Hartford Whalers, a National Hockey League team who disappointedly left Connecticut in the 1990s).  There is very little information available online about Lind-Gal NYC, 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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 2/28/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksl.html

Whiting And Davis Clip Earrings

These clip earrings feature faux pearls in a beautifully ornate silvertone setting.  They were made by Whiting & Davis, a company well-known for their chains, mesh purses, and accessories.  The company was founded by C.W. Whiting who eventually became a partner with William Wade and Edward P. Davis (who ran a local chain manufacturing company started in 1876) in 1907. 

The company used their mesh-producing technical expertise to design high quality jewelry in sterling silver and silver-plated metals, a contrast to most costume jewelry produced by others at that time.  Additionally, Whiting and Davis made cameos, irridescent glass jewelry, and transferred porcelain pieces.  They are also well-known for their reproductions of museum pieces in the 1950s, which are popular and highly collectible.   Whiting and Davis ceased production of jewelry in 1983, but still produce purses and accessories today in Attleboro, MA. 

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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectics. Retrieved 2/27/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners3.html

Sancrest Dangle Clip Earrings

These unique faux turquoise silvertone dangle earrings were made by Sancrest in the 1950s.  Sancrest costume jewelry, produced by Sanford & Co. Inc, Los Angeles, CA, featured Native American designs made with synthetic turquoise and inexpensive metals.  There is very little infomation available online about this company, but it appears they only manufactured items from 1951-1954, making it fairly rare.

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:

Art Fire. Retrieved 2/26/2011 from
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2055624

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 2/26/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarkss.html

Goldette Silvertone Ram Earrings

Another find this week that I love!  These cool "Aries" silvertone earrings were made by Goldette, most likely in the 1960s or 1970s, when their jewelry was extremely popular.  The Circle Jewelry Company marketed this high quality costume jewelry under the trademark name Goldette.  Ben Gartner started this company in 1958 which ceased operation in 1977, making this jewelry a bit rare and quite collectible.

Goldette jewelry was designed and marketed in New York City, but its production was outsourced to a facililty located in our good ole Providence, Rhode Island!  I am convinced that living in New England is ideal for a costume jewelry collector.  I also plan on soon making a trip to some vintage shops in Rhode Island to see what other great items I can find!

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:

Collectics. Retrieved 2/25/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners2.html

Cathedral Pewter Virgo Pendant

Well, this is one of my new favorite pieces!  I found it the other day and was so excited.  As you can see, it features a large Virgo motif in pewter.  I believe this piece is from the 1970s.  It was made by Cathedral Art Metal which is located in none other than Providence, Rhode Island.  They have been in operation since 1920 and still produce inspirational giftware and jewelry today.  Cathedral Art metal currently creates meticulously handcrafted items in their 93,000 square foot facility employing in-house designers, model makers, and sculptors.

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:

Cathedral Art. Retrieved 2/24/2011 from http://www.cathedralart.com/about.html

Van Lou Sterling, Enamel, And Rhinestone Brooch

This seemingly rare pin features blue enamel "feathers" adorned with clear rhinestones and a unique safety clasp.  I believe it dates somewhere between 1950-1970.  It was made by Van Lou, a company led by Lewis Fleishmann in New York since 1949.  Many other jewelry items I have seen by this manufacturer are also marked "Germany," so I assume that Lewis Fleishmann began his career in Germany, possibly arriving here after World War II?  His name is also spelled "Louis Fleischmann" on various websites, so I am unsure of the correct spelling.  There is very little information online about Van Lou jewelry, or Lewis Fleishmann, so please feel free to contact me with any additional information you may have.

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:

Great Vintage Jewelry. Retrieved 2/23/2011 from http://www.greatvintagejewelry.com/inc/sdetail/5671

Swarovski Goldtone And Colored Rhinestone Earrings

These sparkling earrings feature seven rhinestones in red (faux ruby), purple (faux amethyst), and green (faux garnet) within a goldtone setting.  They were made by Swarovski, an Austrian based company that have been making rhinestones, crystals, and beautiful glass items since 1891.  I believe these earrings were made in the late 1980s or early 1990s.  Swarovski Amercan Limited (also known as S.A.L.) opened a facility in Providence, Rhode Island  (yes, another Rhode Island based jewelry manufacturer!) in the 1970s, and their line of costume jewelry began in 1977. 

Daniel Swarovski created a machine in Austria in 1891 which cut faceted glass in a very short period of time, thus revolutionizing the jewelry manufacturing business.  His rhinestones were, and still are, recognized as the best in the industry, with over 80% of American-made crystal jewelry using them 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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

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

Vintage Costume Jewelry. Retrieved 2/22/2011 from http://www.vintagecostumejewelry4u.com/Swarovski.htm

Glam For Less. Retrieved 2/22/2011 from http://www.glamforless.com/History.htm

Vintage United Nations Souvenir Pendant

 

This cool pendant is an example of "souvenir" jewelry, meaning a person would purchase this piece as a rememberance of their trip somewhere.  I am not sure how old this pendant is, but my guess is that it is from the 1970s or 1980s.  Another name for this type of item is "organizational" jewelry.  This pin's raised silver image is encased in thick clear plastic and mounted on a solid goldtone setting. 

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:

Tias. Retrieved 2/21/2011 from http://www.tias.com/692/InventoryPage/1852248/1.html

Sarah Coventry Goldtone Demi Parure

This is an interesting set from Sarah Coventry, a very popular costume jewelry company I highlighted here last month.  This set was sold in 1976 and features a goldtone brooch and matching clip earrings, with large clear center rhinestones.  Sarah Coventry produced many parures (a jewelry set with 3 or more matching pieces) from 1949 through 1984, when still owned by its founders. 

The "golden age" of costume jewelry ran from the late 1930s to mid 1950s, when new innovations in less expensive materials and design techniques came along.  These innovations gave talented designers freedom to work with less precious resources and therefore let their creativity prevail and flourish.  Designing costume jewelry was an art form (and still can be) and it was often so well-made and beautiflly designed, that it was mistaken for fine jewelry.  Costume jewelry did not really exist prior to the 20th century, but the movement started in Paris at the turn of the century, when fashion designers Gabrille 'Coco' Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli commissioned artists to create handmade jewelry to complement their clothing designs. 

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:

Guyot Brothers. Retrieved 2/20/2011 from http://www.guyotbrothers.com/jewelry-history/american-costume-jewelry.htm

Ruby Lane. Retrieved 220/2011 from http://www.rubylane.com/item/641330-MJS-RS14/Sarah-Coventry-Starburst-Demi-Parure

Wells Gold Over Sterling Silver Cameo Clip Earrings

These sweet cameo screw back earrings were made by Wells, a company founded in 1922 by Raymond L. Wells.  I believe these earrings are from the 1940s.  The silhouette is made of mother-of-pearl which is adhered to a green background made of glass, or another semi-precious stone.  Wells, Inc. manufactured jewelry in Attleboro, MA, and were known for producing movable charms and other jewelry.  Wells ceased the production of jewelry in 1978. 

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:

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 2/19/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/wells.html

Ekelund Sterling Silver And Rhinestone Leaf Pin

Yet another jewelry manufacturer from Providence, Rhode Island.  This rare pin was made by Ekelund Brothers, a company who designed gold and sterling jewelry.  Collectors can often find rings made by this company, but pins are harder to come by. 

So, what is the difference between a pin and a brooch?  According to the blog http://www.gildedelegance.blogspot.com/:  "Today, many industry experts distiguish the two by size and application. Most large, heavily embellished or boldly designed pieces that are worn for the purposes of personal decoration are referred to as "brooches." Comparatively, "pins" are usually less fantastic in nature and size. Many of them serve a more functional purpose such as securing lingerie, hats, etc."

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:

Amazing Adornments. Retrieved 2/18/2011 from http://www.amazingadornments.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=E3844EKSTER&Category_Code=STVIN

Gilded Elegance. Retrieved 2/18/2011 from http://gildedelegance.blogspot.com/2010/02/history-of-pins-and-brooches.html

Viva Beads 'Black Lace' Pebble Ring

This chic ring is made of black and white polymer clay set in a nickel-free silvertone band.  It is from the Viva Bead Spring 2010 'Black Lace' collection.  Lori Mottlowitz and Jill Manzara started this handmade clay bead jewelry company in 2001.  The artistic technique they use is called "caning" which is applied to polymer clay creating an endless array of unique designs.  

So, what exactly is polymer clay?  According to http://www.polyclay.com/:  "Polymer clay is a synthetic modeling material, not an earth clay. It is formulated from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), dyes or pigments and plasticizer to keep it soft until heat cured.  There are many brands of polymer clay available in the United States. They have been individually tested and certified as non-toxic art materials. Brands vary in how hard or soft they feel at the beginning of use and the softer clays are more brittle when cured, and the firm clays are more durable after they are heat cured."

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:

Viva Beads. Retrieved 2/17/2011 from http://vivabeads.com/flipbook.html

Poly Clay. Retrieved 2/17/2011 from http://polyclay.com/PolymerFAQ.htm

Talleres De Los Ballesteros Sterling Silver Abalone Shell Pin

This pin was made by sometime after 1950 by Miguel Alonzo, a jewelry designer for Talleres de los Ballesteros located in the historic silver mining city of Taxco, Mexico.  Talleres de los Ballesteros was founded by Lebanese immigrant and silver trader Jalil Majul Ballesteros in 1937.  This world reknown company continues to design high quality silver items and jewelry today. 

Abalone, a marine mollusk, is an edible delicacy, and its shell is also used for decorative purposes.  The pin above is a great example of how this shimmering shell (which comes in colors such as red, black, green, and white) is used in the design of personal adornments and jewelry.  Many people believe that abalone and mother-of-pearl are the same thing, but they are not.  Mother-of-pearl is actually iridescent "nacre," a layer found predominately in the shells of the abalone, but also in other mollusks such as oysters and the nautilus.

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:

Ehow. Retrieved 2/16/2011 from http://www.ehow.com/about_5057161_abalone-jewelry.html

Ballesteros. Retrieved 2/16/2011 from http://ballesteros.net/

Texas Woman's University. Retrieved 2/16/2011 from http://www.twu.edu/som/Mexico_website/som/Mexico_website/ballesteros.html

Colorful Italian Micro Mosaic Pin

I have seen these highly detailed Italian pins at various shops, and was excited to find this one.  It is goldtone and I love the coloring and details.  It is a "micro mosaic" pin which is a complex and patterned style made up of small glass mosaic pieces known as tesserae.  This pin has a maker's mark stamped on the back that I cannot find online.  It is marked "Italy" with a triangle above it, filled with lettering that is difficult to decipher. 

Micro mosaic jewelry was most popular in the mid-nineteenth to mid-twentieth century, but pieces have been found dating back to the 3rd century BC!  Micro mosaics are still sold today in Italy, especially to touists.  Tourist designs are much less valuable and artistically cruder than earlier pieces made prior to the twentieth century.  Delicacy of the design, overall condition, and unique subject matter are three factors that also influence the value of a micro mosaic item.

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 Lane. Retrieved 2/15/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/micromosaics.htm

Judith Jack Sterling Silver Marcasite Pierced Earrings

Judith Jack jewelry is always made of Sterling silver Marcasite, just like these ornate earrings pictured above.  Judith and Jack Rosenberg started the Judith Jack jewelry line in 1969, when they realized there was very little marcarsite estate jewelry available.  They had been selling antique pieces, and they could not keep up with the demand for this beautiful victorian-inspired jewelry from their buyers.  Judith Rosenberg is actually known as the "Queen of Marcasite" in the United States.

So, what exactly is marcasite?  Most jewelry sold as "marcasite" is actually made of pyrite.  Pyrite is much harder than marcasite which is brittle, lightweight, and easily broken.  The Swiss began using marcasite in the 1700s as a replacement for diamonds (due to its metallic luster and diamond-like shine) and it was also very popular during the Victorian Era (1837-1901).

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:

The Vault Jewelry. Retrieved 2/14/2011 from http://thevaultjewelry.com/viva/jewelry/judithjack.php

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 2/14/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_J-L.htm

Ehow. Retrieved 2/14/2011 from http://www.ehow.com/about_6610230_marcasite-jewelry_.html?ref=Track2

Carl Art Gold Over Sterling Flex Bracelet

Yes, Carl Art is another great jewelry company that was founded in Providence, Rhode Island.  Carl Art was started by German immigrant Carl Schraysshuen and American businessman Authur Loercher.  They manufactured gold, gold-filled, and Sterling silver jewelry from 1936 until 1976.  Half of the company was sold in 1953, after Schraysshuen's death.  In 1981, Carl Art, Inc. merged with Vargas Manufacturing and was eventually acquired by the Uncas Company in 1996. 

Schraysshuen had originally worked for Speidel and was credited with creating the twist-o-flex watch band.  He also patented 42 designs (all which expired in 1992), including many floral creations similar to the one on the bracelet above.  This unique bracelet also features a cool, twist-o-flex style band. 

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:

Charm Chatter. Retrieved 2/13/2011 from http://charmchatter.com/the-carl-art-jewelry-company-of-providence-ri

Jewel Art Sterling Silver Feather Pin

Jewel Art manufactured sterling silver jewelry in East Providence, Rhode Island in the 1940s.  The company was established in 1946 following World War II.  There is very little infomation online about this company, but I am still astonished by how many great costume jewelry companies were started in New England.  Of course, my collection is compromised of pieces mainly purchased in the Northeast, so to have so much jewelry manufactured in this region of the country makes sense.  I decided to research this coincidence and here is what I found on the extremely informative website http://www.guyotbrothers.com/:

"The development of several important technologies during the nineteenth century helped Providence and Attleboro establish themselves as the leading American centers for inexpensive jewelry production.  But what originally brought silversmiths and jewelers to the area?  Several factors came together at the end of the eighteenth century that created the correct environment for the first jewelers to set up shop in the growing port city.  Alfred Weisberg, one of the founders of the Providence Jewelry Museum, hypothesizes that wealthy Rhode Island ship captains, after accumulating considerable wealth from the Triangle trade, had their silver coins fashioned into plate for protection and storage.  The need for this silver ware, engraved with identifying marks to help prevent theft, encouraged silversmiths to settle in the colony.  Many silversmiths of this period also made jewelry.  Therefore, it seems likely that the as the colony grew, and more wealthy captains moved into the city with their wives and daughters, there would be a need for jewelry.  Traditionally, silversmiths worked out of their home, dedicating a large, ground floor room to their workshop and an adjacent room to their retail shop. A significant, in fact larger than expected, number of silversmiths founded premises on North Main Street in Providence."   

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:

Broadwater Rose Jewels. Retrieved 2/12/2011 from http://www.broadwaterrosejewels.com/Jewel%20Art%20Sterling%20Page.htm

Guyot Brothers. Retrieved 2/12/2011 from http://www.guyotbrothers.com/jewelry-history/american-costume-jewelry.htm

Jill Rosenwald Ceramic "Blue Lady" Pin

This rare pin is an early jewelry piece by ceramic artist Jill Rosenwald.  It is from the 1980s (which anyone who lived through the 80s can clearly see!), when Jill began her career selling jewelry on the streets of SoHo in New York City.  She then started selling clay earrings at Urban Outfitters and other funky boutiques where she could barely keep up with the demand.  Soon after, she relocated to Boston (where her studio is still located today), where she started focusing on creating home accessories.  Her sought after designs now sell at high end stores including Barney's, Neiman Marcus, and Gumps.  She is a world reknown ceramicist and her work is sold worldwide throughout the US, England, Africa, Japan, and Austrailia. 

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:

Dapper Frog. Retrieved 2/11/2011 from http://www.admin.dapperfrog.com/artists/Jill+Rosenwald.aspx

Stuff Magazine. Retrieved 2/11/2011 from http://stuffboston.com/good/archive/2009/09/07/ceramics-designer-jill-rosenwald-has-once-again-found-her-niche.aspx

Trifari Goldtone Brooch

Trifari costume jewelry is one of my favorites because I really love their modernist designs from the 60s and 70s, and they are especially well-made.  From my research and knowledge, I believe this pin is from the 1960s.  I really don't have much to say about this pin today other than "I love it!"
 
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.

Monet Sterling Silver Vermeil Brooch With Rose And Yellow Gold Wash

This huge two-tone brooch was made by Monet in the mid-1940s.  Like most jewelry made by Monet at this time, the base metal is Sterling Silver.  When Sterling Silver is plated wth gold it is called "vermeil" (pronounced "vermay"). 

Costume jewelry made during the 1940s was still influenced by the art deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, but had softer lines with more feminine curves and movment.  Designs where now also much bolder, made to be noticed, and often made for evening wear.  Cocktail parties were a very popular form of entertainment during this time, and the term "cocktail jewelry" came from such gatherings.  Jewelry motifs at this time included animals, clowns, ballerinas, knots, and of course, bows.

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:

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 2/9/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/monet.html

Mainely Urns. Retrieved 2/9/2011 from http://www.mainelyurns.com/gold-vermeil-sterling-silver.html

Antiques Avenue. Retrieved 2/9/2011 from http://www.antiquesavenue.com/vintage-costume-jewellery-history-the-1940s/2009/07/

Abalone Cameo Brooch/Pendant Set In Sterling Silver

Ah, the cameo.  This pin is set in Sterling silver (marcasite to be exact; more on that in a future blog post) with a mother-of- pearl background, and an abalone carved silouette.  There is no maker mark on the piece other than the 925 Sterling silver hallmark on the setting.  As far as cameos go, I would say this hand-carved piece is a bit crude, but still very well-made and pretty. 

Cameos can be made of many materials including shell, agate, "poured" agate, turquoise, molded resin, glass, and even painted porcelain.  The most popular and collectible cameos are made of shell and agate. The cameo above was carved in relief, meaning the surrounding material was "cut away" to produce the image.  In contrast, a cameo that is carved in intaglio is created by carving "into" a material to produce an image.  

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:

Espy Jewelry. Retrieved 2/8/2011 from http://www.espyjewelry.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/6455

Accessocraft NYC Double Strand Silvertone Cross Necklace

I love this gothic necklace from the 1960s.  It was made by Accessocraft Products Company, NYC, who produced well made costume jewelry from 1930 thru 1998.  Edgar Rodelheimer and Theodore Steinman founded this company whose designs featured unique stones in antique goldtone and bronzed metals.  Their interesting jewelry was often made in the following art period styles:  Victorian (approximately 1880-1910), Art Nouveau (approximately 1880-1905), and Art Deco (approximately 1920-1939). 

Victorian jewelry was made in various designs and motifs, often reflecting historical images (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Middle Ages, and Renaissance).  It featured semi-precious stones such as garnets, amethysts, and opals.  It was very sentimental and symbolic, and was named after the well-known incurable romantic, Queen Victoria. 

Art Nouveau Jewelry was less somber and heavy than Victorian jewelry, but it did also use historical themes, often from the Middle Ages.  Popular motifs included nymphs, mermaids, dragonflies, and waterlilies with flowing lines and soft colors in both silver and goldtone metals.  One interesting fact about Art Nouveau jewelry is that women jewelers played a much larger part in its design than in previous jewelry movements, and they often deliberately used green, white, and violet color schemes to represent the phrase "Give Women the Vote." 

Art Deco Jewely reflected the modern age. It contrasted the Art Nouveau style with bold lines, geometric styles, and bright colors.  Designers were often inspired by architecture, and pieces were often made in precious metals with large centerpiece stones.   
.

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:

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 2/7/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_A-C.htm

Love to Know. Retrieved 2/7/2011 from http://jewelry.lovetoknow.com/Vintage_Jewelry

Aunt Judy's Attic. Retrieved 2/7/2011 from http://www.auntjudysattic.com/About_Antique_Jewelery.htm

Gold Filled Sterling Silver Floral Brooch

This beautifully detailed pin is marked Sterling 1/20 12K GF, meaning that its base metal is Sterling Silver which is fused with 12 karat gold.  Gold filled jewelry became extremely popular during the Great Depression (1929-1940), when precious metal jewelry was no longer affordable.  This pin was made in the World War II era, somewhere between 1939 and 1945.  

I never understood the term "gold filled."  I always pictured something like a twinkie, with the cake representing the less expensive metal, and the luscious cream filling being the gold.  But "gold filled" jewelry is always gold in color, so it made no sense.  The website http://www.milkywayjewels.com/ does a great job in explaining gold filling and similar processes: 

"Gold filled jewelry is made from karat gold which has been bonded to the surface of a supporting base metal through a process of fusing and rolling. It is always marked with the karat designation and an indication that it meets the legal standard. Look for marks such as 1/20 12K G.F. or 12 Kt. Gold Filled. Rolled gold plate is also made by fusing and rolling gold onto base metal, but the plating is significantly thinner. Rolled gold plate may be marked 12 Kt. R.G.P. or 1/40 12K R.G.P. Another mark you will sometimes encounter is G.E., or gold electroplate. This is the thinnest of all gold plating techniques. The gold or gold alloy is not fused and rolled onto the base metal beneath, but rather plated in solution using an electrical charge to make the bond. By law, gold electroplate must be at least 7/1,000,000-inch thick, but this is extremely thin when compared with gold filled."

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:

Milky Way Jewels. Retrieved 2/6/2011 from http://www.milkywayjewels.com/gf_figs/gold_fill_article.html

Wild Bryde Gold Plated Bear Necklace with Garnet Beads

This playful necklace/choker is made by Wild Bryde, a wildlife jewelry company started in Richmond, California by Mike Warner in 1980.  New pieces similar to this one retail for approximately $60 on their website.  Mike studied art and botany, was always an avid naturalist, and finds inspiration in his designs throughout the state of his native California.  Wild Bryde's jewelry is entirely made in the USA and  their line includes over 5,000 species-specific animal, plant, and nature themes.  Wild Bryde jewelry is currently sold online and in gift shops worldwide at zoos, aquariums, wildlife refugees, museums, and various tourist destinations.  Mike works on custom jewelry projects and also designs 3-dimensional custom ornaments for various organizations.  Wild Bryde's studio is currently located near San Francisco, in El Sobrante, CA. 



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:

Wild Bryde. Retrieved 2/5/2011 from http://www.wildbryde.com/aboutus.html

Coro Aurora Borealis Rhinestone brooch

This sweet brooch was made in the 1950s by Coro with 'Aurora Borealis' rhinestones.  So, what actually is a rhinestone?  A rhinestone is a diamond substitute, originally derived from natural crystals from the bottom of the River Rhine in Germany.  Rhinestones come in a variety of  colors and are made of glass, paste, with the very best coming from quartz crystal (remember: higher quality = more sparkle).  Aurora Borealis rhinestones, named after the Northern Lights astronomical phenomena, have a special coating (developed in 1955) which cause them to shine in a rainbow of colors. 

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:

Annie Herman. Retrieved 2/4/2011 from http://www.anniesherman.com/rhinestone.html

Amy Kahn Russell Copper Cuff Bracelet

Connecticut artist, Amy Kahn Russell designed this feminine cuff bracelet out of copper, but she often works in sterling silver and gold, with natural minerals, pearls, fossils, and semi-precious stones.  Amy's jewelry is extremely popular, unique, and considered museum quality because she painstakingly designs each piece of jewelry herself.  Another part of her philosopy is offering high quality jewelry at affordable prices.  Her one-of-a-kind pieces have been worn by Halle Berry to Madonna, been featured in both magazines and motion pictures, and are displayed in several museums. 

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:

Amy Kahn Russell. Retrieved 2/3/2011 from http://amykahnrussell.com/       

Dutch 835 Silver Filigree Delft Screw Back Earrings

There is a lot to learn from these earrings today!  These vintage Delft filigree earrings are made of 835 silver which is the purity hallmark of European silver, meaning it consists of 83.5 percent pure silver (the remaining 16.5 percent consists of copper).  In jewelry, filigree is the delicate art of interweaving precious metals to create beautifully intricate designs, and has been used since ancient times in Greece, Egypt, India and Europe. 

Finally, Delft is a style blue and white, tin glazed pottery (although it can come in a variety of bright colors) made since the 17th century by several companies throughout Holland, England, Germany, and even Asia.  Royal Delft, located in Delft, Holland, is the last of the traditional producers of Delft porcelain today, and they have been in business since 1653, started by David Anthonisz van der Pieth. 

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:

WikiAnswers. Retrieved 2/2/2011 from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_835_silver_means

Silver Filigree. Retrieved 2/2/2011 from http://silverfiligree.co.uk/filligree.aspx

Just Glass Online. Retrieved 2/2/2011 from http://www.justglass-online.com/collectibles/royal-delft-collectibles.html

Baked Beads Bright Enamel Dangle Earrings

These sassy modern earrings were made by Baked Beads, a business located in Waitsfield, VT.  David Cohen started this wholesale jewelry business while living in Manhattan's East Village in 1991.  He moved to Vermont later that same year, travelling between both locations making sales calls.  For those of you who know me, NYC and Vermont are two of my favorite places on earth.  I knew I liked these earrings the minute I saw them!

Baked Beads jewelry can be purchased online through their website, and at selected retailers nationwide.  The prices of their current line of earrings range from approximately $15 to $20 per pair.  Baked Beads is still growing, and currently sells colorful, well-made jewelry and accessories at reasonable prices.

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:

Baked Beads. Retrieved 2/1/2011 from http://www.bakedbeads.com/about.asp