Monet Silvertone Leaf Brooch

This neat brooch is made my Monet and is quite large, measuring over 3 inches wide.  It is done in textured silvertone metal with thin wires making up one side of the leaf design.  "Vintage Monet" usually refers to their jewelry made between 1930 and 1960.  I find some of their designs from the 1970s to be totally cool, and although less rare than older pieces, are well made and still desirable to collectors.  The general guideline for labeling any item "vintage" is 20 years.  So, that means items made in 1991 and older can be sold as vintage and possibly fetch a pretty penny.

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Vintage Bliss. Retrieved 3/31/2011 from http://www.vintage-bliss.com/Monet-Jewelry.html

Small Glass Micro Mosaic Floral Pin

This is another beautiful micro mosaic pin I have in my collection, most likely from Italy.  I posted about a similar, yet larger piece on 2/15/2011.  This pin is much smaller, unmarked, and features red, white, yellow, black and green oblong glass slivers (known as tesserae) set in goldtone metal.  Some of the best micro mosaic designs actually contain approximately 3,000 to 5,000 pieces of tesserae per square inch!

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.rubylane.com is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Basic Patterns. Retrieved 3/30/2011 from: http://www.basicpatterns.com/Micromosaic/encyclopedia.htm

Saint John's School Of Law Sterling Silver Watch Key Fob

I do not usually collect men's jewelry, or "mantiques," but I do like charms, so here is an interesting sterling silver piece marked "HJ Sterling."  I could not find any information on this maker after extensive online research, but believe it is from the 1930s or 40s.  This item is a fraternal "key fob" that was likely attached to a pocket watch.  These charms were very popular during the Victorian Era of the late 1800s.

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectors Weekly. Retrieved 3/29/2011 from http://www.collectorsweekly.com/pocket-watches/watch-fobs

Matching Black Americana Scatter Pins

These are an identical pair of pins that feature an African American woman motif.  They have a high gloss, soft goldtone finish with matte black enamel on the faces, matte red enamel on the lips, and sparkling green rhinestone eyes.  Black memorabilia is highly collectible and consists of any item that is made in the imagery of a Black person or attributed to a Black artisan.  Collecting these pieces can be very expensive and designs range from early, sometimes offensive slavery items to modern works like the beautiful "Legends" cameo pin by Coreen Simpson featured here on January 20th. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

About. Retrieved 3/28/2011 from http://collectibles.about.com/od/blackmemorabilia/p/blackmemorabila.htm

Miriam Haskell Glass Bead Clip Earrings

These summer inspired clip earrings were made by Miriam Haskell in the 1950s.  They each feature a large white glass bead (most likely imported from France or Italy) set in a unique goldtone pronged setting accented with green glass seed beads.  Like these earrings featured today, Miriam Haskell jewelry was known for its detailing, electroplated gold-finish, and handmade careful wiring. 

In the mid to late 1920s, Miriam Haskell opened a gift shop in New York City which would lead to the creation and sale of some the best costume jewelry ever made.  Frank Hess soon joined Miriam as her lead artistic designer.  He was a master in the latest and most complex jewelry production techniques at that time.  Over the years, Miriam and Frank proved to be a dynamic team, Miriam known for her business skills and Frank known as the actual designer. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Collectics. Retrieved 3/27/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_haskell.html

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 3/27/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/MiriamHaskelljewelry.html

Matisse Copper And Enamel Paint Palette Brooch

This bright, bold brooch makes me happy.  I love the artist motif of course, and as we know from previous blog posts, I love copper and enamel jewelry.  I was so excited to find this piece, as it is the first Matisse piece I have in my collection.  I do have a gorgeous Renoir necklace, made by the same company that I wrote about on my very first blog post on January 1st.  This brooch was made somewhere in the 1950s or 1960s by Renoir of California, but the "Matisse" mark was only used on their designs in copper.



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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Em City. Retrieved 3/26/2011 from http://emcity.com/renoir.htm

Japanese Glass Bead Clip Earrings

These cluster clip earrings were made in Japan in the 1950s.  They consist of opalesque gold, opaque orange, and translucent brown glass beads that are attached to the earring base with both pins and stringing material.  Japanese costume jewelry from this time period was very well-made and comparable to American fashion jewelry from manufacturers such as Coro, Trifari, Lisner, and even Miriam Haskell.  Most vintage Japanese jewelry, like the earrings above, was hand-strung in unique designs.  The Japanese designers were known to be extremely talented and this jewelry is highly sought after by collectors 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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Vintage Costume Jewels. Retrieved 3/25/2011 from http://vintagecostumejewels.com/Jewels/Japanese_Vintage_Jewelry.htm

German Green Plastic Flower Clip Earrings

I love these plastic clip earrings marked "Germany."  These earrings were either  made before WWII (before the split of East and West Germany) or much later, after the re-unification of the country.  I have come across many clips earrings of this size, with similar clasps, and they are usually marked "West Germany," "Japan," or "Taiwan."   Many of these earrings are made of plastic or glass beads that are clustered together with string, while these are made of one piece of molded white plastic that was painted green.


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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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


Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 3/24/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/westgermany.html

Coro Screwback Bell Earrings

These adorable bell earrings were made by Coro in the 1940s or 50s.  They are made in goldtone metal and actually chime sweetly.  This is the third blog post I have done on a Coro piece, as they have many unique designs that I like and have luckily come across in my journeys.  Bells have many uses in society, aside from being a cute jewelry motif.


Bells can symbolize beginnings and endings such as when they are rung at weddings and funerals.  Church bells are used to gather people, doorbells announce someone's arrival, and alarm clocks wake us.  Railroad bells warn us, while tinkling chimes can relax us.  Bells are often used in spiritual practices around the world for protection, prosperity, and in meditation and dance.  Bells also symbolize the Christmas holiday with the Salvation Army "Bell Ringers," and in various songs such as "Silver Bells" and "Jingle Bells."


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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.


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


Bella Online. Retrieved 3/23/2011 from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art18816.asp

Marcel Boucher Sterling Vermeil Ribbon Brooch With Rhinestones

This ornate brooch is an early piece done by designer Marcel Boucher in the 1930s or 1940s.  It is done in Sterling vermeil (Sterling silver that is plated with gold) and features 44 clear rhinestones.  His jewelry is considered "high end" and is very collectible.  Boucher was born in Paris in 1898 and relocated to the United States in the 1920s to work for Cartier's New York City division.

In 1937, Boucher started his own costume jewelry company which was located in Manhattan on 304 East 23rd Street.  His workshop was 10,000 square feet and the production floor was partitioned with wire mesh so he could see and manage everything from his office.


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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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


Antiquing Online. Retrieved 3/22/2011 from http://www.antiquingonline.com/jewelry-designers.htm

Guyot Brothers. Retrieved 3/22/2011 from http://www.guyotbrothers.com/jewelry-history/jewelry-hall-of-fame/marcel-sandra-boucher/Boucher1.htm

Sterling Silver Matador Brooch

This detailed figural pin is extremely well-made and marked "Hecho en Mexico" (which means "Made in Mexico").  The artisan mark on this piece is "H.R.S.," more than likely the artist's initials, but I could not find the name of this particular designer in my research.  Sometimes Mexican jewelry is marked with the city in which it was made, often Taxco, but this piece is not.

Taxco, Mexico began receiving the benefits of its silver mines in 1929 when American born William Spratling moved to town.  Mr. Spratling was a professor of architecture at Tulane University in New Orleans, and decided to move to Taxco after visiting there several times.  He never planned on becoming a silversmith, but he wanted a job that would allow him to settle in Taxco.  He started a small silver shop called Las Delicias, and realized the local Taxco people could improve their standard of living (mostly extreme poverty) by producing silver items that could be sold.  He soon hired two recognized silversmiths to teach himself and others the trade.  The workshop and school created by Spratling is one reason Taxco is still recognized as the world capital of silver 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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Mexical Sterling Silver Jewelry. Retrieved 3/21/2011 from http://mexicansterlingsilverjewelry.com/spratling.html

Deauville Double Strand Crystal Beaded Choker

This stunning necklace was made in the 1970s by Deauville, a jewelry line produced by JR Wood & Sons.  It consists of white and clear aurora crystal glass beads with an adjustable length closure.  John R. Wood founded The JR Wood & Sons Company in Brooklyn, NY in 1850, manufacturing wedding rings.  The company eventually employed hundreds of workers throughout the 20th century, and designed and produced bracelets, brooches, necklaces, cuff links, pocket watches, etc.  They were recognized in 1919 for their skills in ring making, diamond cutting, and fine gold and platinum production.  In 1970, they merged into Lennox, Inc., which became Art-Carved in 1975 (at which time the Deauville jewelry line began being made).  Art-Carved is still in business today which you may remember as the company who designed your high school or college class ring. 

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

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 3/20/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_D-F.htmFeel 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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Beaucraft Sterling Silver Double Link Charm Bracelet

Ah, the "charming" charm bracelet.  This high quality piece was made by Beaucraft, a company we know from a previous blog post who produced sterling silver in Providence, RI from 1947 through 2004.  This piece does not have any charms attached to it, but it was definitely made to hold charms.

Charms have a long history, dating back to the Neolithic era when someone would find a unique stone or piece of wood and carry it with him to ward off enemies.  Thousands of years later, the first recognizable charm bracelets, anklets, and necklaces appeared in the preparation process of Ancient Egypt.  From the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages, amulets and charms where worn for protection, and by the superstitious.  Over the years, the role of the charm was also to identify social status, political or religious standing, family of origin, and profession. 

The actual charm bracelet was made popular by Queen Victoria in the early twentieth century and its popularity carries on today, with the Pandora bracelet (and an array of other copycat manufacturers) who created a new system for charm collecting in 2002. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

 Jewelers. Retrieved 3/19/2011 from http://www.lewisjewelers.com/news-and-articles/the-history-of-the-charm-bracelet/35

Colorful Copper And Enamel Brooch

So we know by now that I love copper and enamel jewelry.  This piece was done in a bright pallette of colors that work well together; orange, yellow, green, black, and white.  It could have very well been made at home as a craft project.  This brooch is done in the "arts & crafts" style, but was not made at the actual time of the Arts & Crafts movement (1890-1914).

The Arts & Crafts movement favored good craftsmanship and exceptional design to industrialism and mass-production.  It featured high-quality handmade jewelry in abstract or symbolic designs, often derived from nature.  Arts & Crafts jewelry was often made from humble materials such as brass, copper, or enamel, and less-expensive silver was used over gold.  Simplistic cabochons and bezel-sets were chosen over intricate faceted stones, as the actual value of the materials used in this style of jewelry was of secondary importance. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Lang Antiques. Retrieved 3/18/2011 from http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Arts_and_crafts_jewelry

Sterling Silver Pendant With Dark Opals

This unique pendant/necklace appears to be handwrought with a maker's mark of "TL" in script.  I have had no luck finding a similar design online, any information on this specific piece or its artist/manufacturer.  Any information from my readers would be greatly appreciated! 

Types of opals include:  Precious, Black/Dark, Fire, Boulder, Jelly, Crystal, and White.  This pendant features 3 beautiful little opals which appear to be "dark" opals.  A dark or black opal describes an opal that often has a dark blue or green body color, sometimes dark grey or even black. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Geology. Retrieved 3/17/2011 from http://geology.com/gemstones/opal/

Coro Goldtone Choker Necklace

This simple yet dramatic "egyptian inspired" link necklace was made by Coro in the 1950s (after 1956 according to the maker mark).  It features an adjustable chain link style closure and can be worn as a choker or a bit longer.  It is done in a textured cross-hatched goldtone.  I wrote another post on a Coro "aurora borealis" brooch in February. 

Coro jewelry was made in a wide range of styles and materials, but their "Duette" pieces are highly collectible. I have to add one to my collection.  A "Duette" is a type of brooch patented by Coro which features two separate pieces of jewelry that fit into a  frame, which are then worn together as one larger piece.  The items can be worn alone, but once separated from the frame and mismatched, they are worth much less to collectors. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Costume Jewelry Online. Retrieved 3/16/2011 from http://www.costume-jewelry-online.com/signed-costume-jewelry/coro-costume-jewelry-and-vendome/

Image Event. Retrieved 3/16/2011 from http://imageevent.com/clios_vintage_jewelry/coropatents

Hoffman Butterfly Wing Screw Back Sterling Silver Earrings

These dainty sterling silver screw back earrings are actually made from butterfly wings!  Yes, making jewelry from insects dates back to ancient times, and butterfly wing jewelry is still made today.  These earrings were made by Hoffman in approximately the 1940s.  Hoffman still manufactures this type of jewelry today that sells in the Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Like the earrings featured today, the wing of the butterfly is used to make the vibrant blue background in most butterfly jewelry (sky and ocean above), with an artist reverse painting a foreground on the wing to complete the scene (palm trees and sandy beach above). 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Vintage Jewelry Lane. Retrieved 3/15/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/butterflywingjewelry.htm

ART Silvertone Multiple Chain Necklace

This chic 7-strand necklace was made by ART somewhere between 1955 and the 1970s.  I posted a blog highlighting a Renaissance Revival piece from ART back in January.  This piece is obviously quite different.  ART jewelry (also known as ModeArt Jewelry Creations) was founded in the late 1940s by Arthur Pepper in New York City.  Their jewelry was mass-produced and moderately priced, including whimsical pieces with interesting stones, enamling, and unique color combinations.  Their Christmas pins are extremely collectible.  This necklace, although quite simple, is well-made, lightweight, and very dramatic when worn. 

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Vintage Jewelry Lane. Retrieved 3/14/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/designerwords/artweekword.htm

Lisner Goldtone Feather Brooch

This large "feathery" pin was made in the 1950s or 1960s by Lisner.  It is done in textured goldtone and features one moveable section in the center of the larger feather cluster.  Lisner jewelry was most popular at the time this pin was made.  They offered a vast line of low to mid-priced well-made costume jewelry.  Their designs featured organic or geometric shapes in chrome or silver plate, often set with rhinestones and molded plastic shapes.

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Collectiing Costume Jewely. Retrieved 3/13/2011 from http://collectingcj.com/lisner.htm

Celebrity Clip Dangle Earrings

These are one of the most unique pairs of clip earrings I have come across since I have been collecting jewelry.  They are goldtone (likely gold or rhodium plate) and were made by Celebrity, a "home party" business located in New York City that began producing jewelry in the 1950s.  They went out of business in the late 1970s.  Their pieces were fairly expensive, consisting of high quality sets done in silver, gold and rhodium plate.

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Collectors Index. Retrieved 3/12/2011 from http://www.collectorsindex.com/celebrity.htm

Playbird Enamel And Copper Egyptian Brooch

I love this egyptian inspired pin done in red and yellow enamel on copper.  It is marked "Handmade by PLAYBIRD" on the back, but I could not find any historical information on this maker anywhere.  I believe this pin was made between 1950 and 1980.  I am a big fan of copper and enamel jewelry, and have several pieces in my collection. 

Copper was a valueable mined mineral by the ancient Egyptians.  They began producing crowns, headdresses, and copper jewelry in 2500 BC and it became a status symbol for those who possessed or wore it.  Copper was also an important part of Egyptian rituals, including mummification.  From Ancient Egypt to today, copper is believed to improve health and have several healing properties.  One article listed on an Ebay review gave the following list of those properties:

• Overcomes Fatique
• Raises Energy Levels
• Improves Communication
• Improves Concentration
• Raises Self-Esteem
• Relieves Stress
• Aids in Bone Formation & Healing
• Relieves Arthritis & Rheumatoid Diseases
• Improves Blood Circulation & Oxygenation
• Detoxification
• Reduces Swelling
• Stabilizes Metabolism
• Aids in Skin Healing

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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Ebay. Retrieved 3/11/2011 from http://reviews.ebay.com/Copper-Jewelry-History-Health-amp-Healing_W0QQugidZ10000000000912515

911 Sterling Silver Commemorative Lapel Pin

This is a really neat commemorative pin made in honor of the Twin Tower attack on September 11, 2001 in New York City.  It is made of Sterling silver and features an American flag on the right tower, with the towers joined in the middle by a ribbon motif.  What I like about this pin is that it looks handmade (which it may be) and its styling is rather primitive.

Through my research, I learned that lapel pins are the most popular form  of commemorative jewelry.  Commemorative jewelry is made to acknowledge historic events and advancements, and is often gender neutral, so anyone can wear 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.

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

Guyot Brothers. Retrieved 3/10/2011 from http://www.guyotbrothers.com/uses/commemorative-jewelry.htm

Joan Rivers Silvertone And Enamel Clip Earrings

These polished button earrings are from the Joan Rivers Classics Collection.  The fashionable entertainment icon has been selling high quality costume jewelry on QVC since 1990.  I am unsure of the age of these earrings as the collection seems to have used many of the same materials over the last 20 years, and each yearly collection seems to cover a wide range of tastes containing style elements from the last two decades. 

Joan's collection quickly became a bestseller and she recieved an ACE Award in 1997 from the Accessories Council, honoring her costume jewelry line.  Her collection continues its success today, and has generated over 750 million dollars in sales since its inception. 

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:

QVC. Retrieved 3/9/2011 from http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=class|1652

Joan Rivers. Retrieved 3/9/2011 from http://www.joan.co/AllAboutJoan/default.asp

Sarah Coventry Goldtone Mushroom Pendant

This is my fourth blog post about a Sarah Coventry piece.  Their jewelry was mass produced and very popular, so I come across it quite often.  I really like some of their designs, including this cute little toad stool pendant (it only measures about an inch tall) from their 1975 collection.   

Toad stools, also known as Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms, are known as symbols of good luck and finding one in the forest is considered to be a prediction of fortunate times ahead (remember those little "Smurf" homes, or scenes from "Alice In Wonderland" or other fairy tales?).  These mushrooms have also been noted over the last 4,000 years in history, used in magical practices and to induce mystical visions.  Mushroom jewelry, including the piece I have listed today, is often worn as a lucky charm. 

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 Vintage Jewelry. Retrieved 3/8/2011 from http://www.amazingvintagejewelry.com/sarah_page_29.htm

Good Luck Creations. Retrieved 3/8/2011 from http://www.goodluckcreations.com/mushroomcharms.html

Beaucraft Sterling Silver Musical Note Screw Back Earrings

These whimsical little musical note earrings were made by Beaucraft in the 1950s-1960s.  This company is another of the wonderful American jewelry companies based in Providence, Rhode Island, the "heart of the jewelry manufacturing world."  Beaucraft produced fine sterling silver pieces for over fifty years, from 1947 through 2004 (when the owners decided to retire).  Beaucraft jewelry is highly collectable and is known for its uniqueness and impeccable craftsmanship. 

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:

Amsco Online. Retrieved 3/7/2011 from http://www.amscoonline.com/home/aco2/page_2549/more_about_beaucraft_....html

Sterling Silver Mermaid In Shell Clip Earrings

These are one of my favorite pairs of earrings that I currently own.  I actually acquired these several years ago, but I cannot remember where.  They are marked "925S OJO" and I cannot find out any information about them anywhere!  I believe they are handmade by an artist from either the Southwestern United States or Mexico.  Any additional information from my readers would be greatly appreciated. 

According to http://www.katieojewelry.com/: "The mermaid with the body of a woman and the tail of a fish is a symbol for fertility, eternal grace and beauty.  As with many water creatures she is associated with the moon, mystery, and the unconscious.  Residing in the cosmic ocean from which all life has emerged and into which it must eventually return, the mermaid also represents  renewal, purification, wisdom, and infinity."

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:

Katie O. Jewelry. Retrieved 3/6/2011 from http://katieojewelry.com/jewelry-resources/amulet-symbol-meanings/mythical-creature-symbology-in-jewelry-design/mermaid-symbols-in-jewelry-design.html

Lisner Rhinestone Flower Screwback Earrings

These rare silvertone earrings were made by Lisner in the mid-twentieth century.  They each feature a rhinestone center and leaf, along with 5 petals made of a high quality plastic which are often referred to as "jelly leaves."  Lisner used expensive materials such as lucite and Austrian rhintestones in their extremely popular jewelry from the 1950s.  The company name was changed to Lisner-Richelieu Corporation in 1978. 

After emmigrating to the United States from central Germany in 1864, David Lisner began selling "fancy goods" along with his brothers and father in New York City in 1869.  David Lisner founded the D. Lisner company in 1904.  They imported much of their pieces from Europe until the 1930s, then contracted a company in Providence, Rhode Island to begin making their jewelry new line. 

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 3/5/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners2.html

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 3/5/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/Lisner_jewelry.html

Ultracraft Goldtone Star Brooch

This goldtone brooch is very pretty and well-made.  It was manufactured by Ultracraft Company Inc., a company founded by Luigi Guadagno who was born in Alife, Caseta, Italy in 1936.  I could not find any significant historical information online about this company.  This piece appears to be fairly contemporary, but may date back to the late 1980s.  Please feel free to contact me with any additional information you may have. 

I like star motifs, so I decided to look into the history of the star.  According to http://www.wikipedia.com/, 5-pointed stars have the following significance:

"The five-pointed star, if drawn with points of equal length and angles of 36° at each point, is sometimes termed a golden five pointed star.  If the colinear edges are joined together a pentagram is produced, which is the simplest of the unicursal star polygons, and a symbol of mystical and magical significance. Originally, the five-pointed star (pentangle), forming a pentagram within it, represented the ten tribes of Israel that broke away from the ruling class of Judah, Benjamin, and the Priests. There are ten "Vav" or "man" that form the five points. Later, satanists turned the star upside down to form the face of a dragon (or goat) which gave the symbol an evil demented meaning (the representation of Satan). A circle was also added around the Israelite Star because it was the letter "Samek" meaning, "death". Today's modern Pagans tend to use all three symbols, rather than making any distinction. The golden five-pointed star is a very common ideogram in the western world, and has particularly strong associations with military power and war. Many communist countries (such as China and Vietnam) and symbols (the hammer and sickle) also incorporate five-pointed stars."

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 3/4/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksu.html

Find A Grave. Retrieved 3/4/2011 from http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6584478

Wikipedia. Retrieved 3/4/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_(symbol)

Sutton Lucite Watch Necklace

I am guessing this cool watch is from the late eighties.  The back of the watch is also clear, showing all of the inner workings of the watch which are in red, white, blue, silver, and gold.  It reminds me of a Swatch Watch from back in the day!  This watch is made by Sutton, a division of the E. Gluck Corporation which was established in the 1980s to produce name-brand watches for sale in department stores.  This watch is unique because it was sold as a Sutton watch (not made and branded for another company) and it is also marked on the back "E. Gluck Trading Company." 

This watch is totally encased in lucite.  Lucite was developed in 1928 by the Rohm and Haas Company under the trademark "Plexiglass." It is a shatter-resistant transparent thermoplastic often used as an alternative to glass.  It is easy to handle, inexpensive, does not contain harmful BPAs, but it can be brittle under certain conditions and is more prone to scratching than glass. 

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:

Wikipedia. Retrieved 3/3/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly(methyl_methacrylate)

E. Gluck. Retrieved 3/3/2011 from http://www.egluck.com/default.asp

Sarah Coventry "Golden Cluster" Bracelet

Another sweet design by Sarah Coventry, with each link consisting of a black painted leaf alongside a goldtone bunch of grapes.  This bracelet is from their "Golden Cluster" collection which also includes clip earrings and a brooch/pendant (which I, unfortunately, do not own).  Through my research, this bracelet appears to be from the 1960s.  Sarah Coventry almost always made their jewelry in a parure, meaning each collection had 3 or more matching pieces. 

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 Vintage Jewels. Retrieved 3/2/2011 from http://www.amazingvintagejewelry.com/sarah_page_30.htm#GOLDEN CLUSTER

Reinad Silvertone Clip Earrings

These simple, but well-made earrings were produced by the Reinad Novelty Co, Inc. of New York City, somewhere between the early 1940s through the mid-1950s.  I was immediately drawn to them because they look like pewter (one of my favorite jewelry materials!) but I am unsure what they are actually made of.  Reinad jewelry is extremely rare, and was manufactured between 1922-1954.  They produced few pieces under their own name (hence the rarity of signed Reinad designs!) and were, for the most part, a wholesale facility which produced jewelry for many high end companies such as Boucher, Carnegie, and Eisenberg.

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:

House of Francheska. Retrieved 3/1/2011 from http://www.house-of-francheska.co.uk/vintagereinad.htm

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 3/1/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksr.html