La Vie Parisienne Locket Pendant With Long Chain

Here we have another gorgeous piece done by La Vie Parisienne (see my April 2nd post).  It features a very long chain donning a hinged rectangular locket with charms (a heart, moon, and sun).  Each individual piece that makes up the pendant is done in "old silver" and has a different texture; from stipes and polka dots to flowers.  Catherine Popesco is the founder of this wonderful contemporary costume jewelry company that uses jewelry molds from designs dating back to the early 1900s in France.  

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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

The Artful Soul. Retrieved 4/30/2011 from http://www.artfulsoul.com/store/pagelv2.html?vm=r

German Silvertone Wrapped Wire Demi Parure

I am astonished at the wide variety of costume jewelry I have seen from Germany.  This set is really pretty, and I believe it is from the 1920s through 1940s.  It looks like sterling silver, but there are no hallmarks other than the word "GERMANY" on each earring clip.  They are possibly made of German Silver, which ironically does not contain any silver at all, rather an alloy of copper with nickel and sometimes zinc.  German Silver can also be referred to as "Nickel Silver", "Nickel Copper", or "Alpaca," and the usual content is as follows:  60% copper, 20% nickel, 20% zinc.

Aside from what this lovely set is made of, I have been feverishly researching its design.  I have not come across any other pieces locally like this, but have seen a few online.  I would like to call it a type of "filigree" work, as it is using metal threads, but unlike filigree, this technique appears to only use wrapping and bending without any soldering.  The artist also used purple thread to decorate a border around each flower petal on both the earrings and the brooch. 

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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Wikipedia. Retrieved 4/29/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_silver

Napier Ajoure Fleur De Lis Clip Earrings

These bold but intricate earrings were made at some point before 1955, as their clasps are marked "Napier Pat. Pend."  This is one way a person is able to date a piece of costume jewelry, along with the help of a great online reference guide like http://www.illusionjewels.com/. There are also hundreds books available on pricing and dating jewerly and antiques, but I like to use the internet.

The earrings are done in goldtone ajoure.  "Ajoure" jewelry is often confused with "filigree" jewelry but they are not the same at all.  The filigree process involves metal threads be twisted and soldered together, while the ajoure process involves punching, cutting, and drilling holes into a once solid sheet of metal. 

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:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 4/28/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksn.html

Vintage Jewelry Lane. Retrieved 4/28/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/filigreejewelry.htm

Vintage Avon Sales Pin

This cute little door knocker lapel pin was given to Avon sales representatives from 1964 through 1983.  The pin is actually moveable, and works like a regular sized knocker.  It features the recognizable catch phrase "Avon Calling" and is made in goldtone metal. 

Avon added jewelry to their already popular fragrance and make-up lines in 1971 (yes, ironically the year I was born!).  David McConnell founded Avon in 1886 (originally called the California Perfume Company until its official name change to Avon in 1939-although products were sold under the name Avon beginning in 1928).  Wow, I never realized Avon was started in that long ago...

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:

Collecting Vingtage Jewelry. Retrieved 4/27/2011 from http://collectingvintagejewelry.blogspot.com/2010/01/todays-featured-vintage-designer-avon.html

Etsy. Retrieved 4/27/2011 from http://www.etsy.com/listing/46585828/avon-calling-doorknocker-pin

Pop Art Rosie The Riveter Dangle Earrings

These earrings are clearly mass-produced, and I do not know who made them, but what is more important is their subject matter.  Rosie the Riveter is an American pop icon.  During World War II, the United States workforce was diminishing due to the enlistment of American men in the service.  One of the many slogans heard at the time included "The more women at work, the sooner we win!"  More than six million women, including mothers, wives, and even schoolgirls began filling the various positions that were vacant.  They helped build the planes, tanks, and weapons that eventually won the war, proving they could do those jobs only previously known as "men's work." 

The first mention of Rosie the Riveter was in 1942, in a song by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb.  The following year, the famous illustrator Norman Rockwell was commissioned by the Saturday Evening Post to create a "Rosie" image (the one you see above on these cool earrings).  This original illustration graced the front cover of the Saturday Evening Post on the Memorial Day Issue, printed May 29, 1943.

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:

US History. Retrieved 4/26/2011 from http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1656.html

Folk Art Sterling Silver Unicorn Pendant

Well, there is little known about this student or studio made unicorn pendant.  It features an illegible cursive signature on its backside and appears to made of Sterling silver.  I am eventually going to test its silver content, but I have been afraid to ruin it.  It is very large and heavy, and a bit primitive, which adds to its whimsical charm.  I believe this piece is from the early eighties, when the unicorn motif was hugely popular (remember friendship pins, Jordache jeans, rollerskating, and Pacman?).  It could also be a more modern piece simply made by a dreamer.  If anyone recognizes this pendant, I would love to know more about it.    


The website www.magicstables.com mentions the following about the unicorn myth: "The unicorn is a legendary animal commonly portrayed as a white horse with a goat's beard and a large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead.  First mentioned by the ancient Greeks, it became the most important imaginary animal of the middle ages and Renaissance when it was commonly described as an extremely wild woodland creature, a symbol of purity and grace, which could only be captured by a virgin.  In the encyclopedias its horn was said to have the power to render poisoned water potable and to heal sickness. Until the 19th century, belief in unicorns was widespread among historians, alchemists, writers, poets, naturalists, physicians, and theologians."


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:


Magic Stables. Retrieved 4/25/2011 from http://www.magicstables.com/TheUnicornMyth.html

Miriam Haskell Goldtone Necklace With Murano Glass Beads

This chic long necklace is from the 1950s, by Miriam Haskell.  It features green glass beads along a gold gilt chain amongst 4 larger rectangular links (very Art Deco!).  I highlighted an interesting pair of clip earrings by Miriam Haskell here on 3/26/2011.  In my research, I am seeing that Miriam Haskell jewelry is quite collectible, and some ornate vintage pieces can bring several hundred dollars or more.  They began selling their extremely high quality, intricate hand crafted jewelry in Manhattan in 1926.  Designs prior to 1947 were rarely marked, so be on the look out for misrepresented "fakes."

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:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 4/24/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksh.html

Morning Glory Jewelry. Retrieved 4/24/2011 from http://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/miriam-haskell-jewelry-aid-7.html

Vintage Japanese Ivory Dangle Earrings

These beautiful earrings were handcrafted in Japan, according to the original card they still dangle from.  They are sadly made from the ivory of an elephant's tusk and feature silvertone ear wires with yellow coloring and attached silvertone (possibly sterling) "stamen" in the center of each earring.  I have no idea how old these earrings are, but they appear to be tourist jewelry from the 1940s through 1970s.  I could not find another similar item online. 

I would like my readers to know that I do not condone the use of ivory to make jewelry, or any other item for that matter.  It is even illegal to sell ivory on Ebay.  Although it is illegal to import ivory into the United States, it is legal to sell "antique" ivory here, as long as it is proven to be over 100 years old.  For more information on this subject, please visit http://www.humanesociety.org/

This piece is not for sale.  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:

Green Answers. Retrieved 4/23/2011 from http://greenanswers.com/q/42147/products-shopping/it-legal-buy-and-sell-ivory-united-states

The Humane Society. Retrieved 4/23/2011 from http://www.humanesociety.org/search/search.jsp?query=ivory

Gold Over Sterling Crystal Screw Back Earrings

I come across pieces that I like quite often, but sometimes I find something that really speaks to me.  I think these Sterling silver screw back earrings are absolutely wonderful, and unique (I have seen a LOT of jewelry!).  I am guessing these are pretty old (most likely the 1920s Art Deco Era), and they each feature a long stem with 5 enamelized green leaves attached.  At the end of each stem is one round cut green crystal and one square cut amber color crystal representing flowers.  Lacy, feminine designs and strong geometrical patterns are typical of Art Deco jewelry.   

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:

Sylvia's Antiques. Retrieved 4/22/2011 from http://www.sylviasantiques.com/antique-jewelry/art-deco-jewelry

Jolaine Sterling Silver Cat Pin

This adorable Sterling silver cat pin is made by Jolaine.  I believe it is fairly modern and it features a really nice, almost "celtic" pattern, of which I am a huge fan.  I could not find any information on Jolaine jewelry online other than a few similar pieces being sold.  The maker mark on this pin features a "J" followed by a heart representing the "O" followed by "laine."  The pin is also marked "STERLING."  Any additional information from my readers would be greatly appreciated. 

Cat jewelry was popular as far back as ancient Egypt, where cats were worshipped.  The cat motif in jewelry is still very popluar today.  Throughout the world, animals are believed to be loyal and courageous, offering strength, protection, and healing to their owners.  Wearing animal or "cat" jewelry can symbolize these ideas.  Cats are also believed by some (and by me) to have a strong connection the spirit world (think of the witches and the black cat!). 

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:

Cat Lovers Gifts Guide. Retrieved 4/21//2011 from http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com/cat-jewelry.html

Tortolani Pewter Tennis Player Brooch

This playful pin was made by Tortolani in the 1970s.  It features a female tennis player as tennis was extremely popular during that time period.  Frank Tortolani, Italian immigrant and second generation jeweler created jewelry in hand-cast pewter from 1950-1976.  This piece is plated in Sterling silver and hand-polished like all Tortolani designs (some designs were plated in real gold rather than silver of course!).  

Tortolani Jewelry began as the Mastercraft Jewelry Company in Providence, Rhode Island.  After WWII, Mr. Tortolani moved his company to Los Angeles and changed the name to Tortolani Jewelry.  He won many awards for his exquisite work over the years and passed away in 1997 at the age of 90.
 
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:

Tortolani. Retrieved 4/20/2011 from http://tortolani.com/about.html

Edgar Berebi Stainless Steel Pierced Earrings

These giant retro earrings were designed by Edgar Berebi sometime between 1983 and 1993.  They are made of stainless steel and feature bright aqua colored inlays with interesting cut-out center designs.  They measure over 2 inches in length but are fairly lightweight. 

Edgar Berebi is a reknown contemporary designer who currently specializes in architectural hardware and home decor.  He began designing and selling jewelry in Brooklyn, NY in 1981 which he sold on television from 1997 through 1999.  He stopped making jewelry in 2001. 

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:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 4/19/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksb.html

Edgar Berebi. Retrieved 4/19/2011 from http://edgarberebi.com/

Vintage Handstitched Hat And Booties Plastic Pin

I adore this delicate hat and booties pin even though I do not know much about it.  I did extensive online research, with very little luck.  It appears to be very old (pre-1940s) and possibly Native American, Mexican, or Asian.  The hat is made of a natural creme colored textured plastic (most likely celluloid) that is very thin and brittle (I am actually surprised it never got damaged over the years).  The brim features two flowers done in pink, red, white, and green, that are attached with thread of the same color.  The brim of the hat is handstitched with red thread, and the top of the hat and booties are done with white thread.  The pin clasp is just a simple small safety pin that is connected to the back of the hat through a plastic loop, and the booties dangle from a plastic ribbon that is handsewn to the back of the hat with white thread.

This pin appears to made of celluloid, an early plastic developed in 1860 that was often used in making jewelry from 1890 throught 1930.  Early celluloid can be extremely flammable, and like this piece, tends to be thin, brittle, and lightweight.  Occupied Japan produced many celluloid designs during World War II.

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:

Antique Vintage Costume Jewelry. Retrieved 4/18/2011 from http://www.antique-vintage-costume-jewelry.com/Jewelry_Information/bakelite_plastic.htm

Kim Yellow Enamel Dangle Earrings

These cool earrings were made by Kim Craftsmen Ltd. who started producing jewelry in 1956 in New York City.  The are most likely from the 1960s or 1970s and feature goldtone screwback posts.  Since I could not find much information on Kim costume jewelry and I have featured them once before, I have decided to share with you some information on the history of earrings.

Earrings origated in the Middle East with the oldest pair discovered at the royal graves in Iraq dating from approximately 2600 BC!  Years later, earrings went in and out of fashion.  For example, earrings were not popular during the Renaissance Era in Europe (14th-17th centuries), as wigs and high collars were worn to obscure the ears.  When women began wearing their hair back in the 17th century, earrings came back into fashion.  In the beginning of 18th century, women wore bonnets with wide ribbons which again hid their ears and made earrings obsolete.  Hairstyles were worn up again in the late 18th century, making earrings popular again, which has continued until present day.

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:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 4/17/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksk.html

Annie Sherman. Retrieved 4/17/2011 from http://www.anniesherman.com/earringshistory.html

Alicia 950 Silver Dangle Earrings

These modernist earrings were made by Alicia in the 1980s.  They feature all moveable parts; the large discs spin, and the small squares at the top are removeable and can be worn alone.  They are made of 950 silver, meaning they contain 95 percent pure silver.  Alicia Cuevas de Ortiz founded one of the first silver stores in Taxco, Mexico called "Plateria Alicia" in 1960.  Her company is now called Alicia Plata, and is a wholesale jewelry supplier still located in Taxco. 

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:

Alicia Plata. Retrieved 4/16/2011 from http://www.aliciaplata.com/en/quienes.html

Antique Silver Filigree Butterfly Brooch

This ornate pin is most likely from the 1920s when filigree jewelry was extremely popular (the Art Deco Era).  It is unmarked, but made of 800 or 925 (Sterling) silver and has a rich patina.  It has an very old style "C" clasp, which helps denote its age. 

Filigree jewelry resembles lace and was popular in France in the 1660s through present day worldwide.  The term filigree comes from the latin words "filum" meaning thread and "granum" meaning grain. The process of creating filigree jewelry includes intertwining and bending fine metal wires (threads) to create intricate swirling 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 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 4/15/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/filigreejewelry.htm

Mexican Sterling Silver Ring With Red Turquoise Stone

I love this chunky Sterling silver ring which is marked "ATI" on the inside.  It features a beautiful red turquoise stone, most likely hardened and enhanced with a coloring agent.  I believe this ring is a modern piece, but it is absolutely stunning.  There was no information online about the maker mark, so any additional information would be greatly appreciated. 

So, let's look at the mineral turquoise.  Turquoise is a hydrous basic phosphate of copper and aluminum.  According to http://www.nevada-outback-gems.com/, turquoise is "formed when water of the right chemistry trickles through a host stone over many, many centuries, gradually leaving behind a turquoise deposit." Turquoise comes in a variety of colors, but the turquoise stones we see in various jewelry are not all created equally. 

Types of turquoise include: natural (all natural and the most desirable!), stabilized (natural turquoise that is infused with plastic resin to make it stronger), color-treated (natural turquoise that is injected with dye to enhance its color), reconstituted (natural turquoise chips and powder that are mixed with plastic and dyes to form a compressed stone), and imitation (made of pure plastic, sometimes infused with other minerals like pyrite to look like genuine turquoise). 

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:

Nevada Outback Gems. Retrieved 4/14/2011 from http://nevada-outback-gems.com/turq_info_pages/Turquoise_inf_colors.htm

Engel Brothers Gold Filled Bracelet With Red Crystals

This gorgeous bracelet is marked 1/20-10K Gold Filled and was made by Engel Brothers in the 1930s.  It is an Art Deco piece with golden rectangular links and round red crystals.  Art Deco jewelry often featured circles, squares, rectangles, and arcs, influenced by the Cubist painters at the time.  Many designes also showcased Asian, Egyptian, and African themes.  Art Deco jewelry included bold rings, long necklaces, and the wearing of multiple bracelets (think "Flapper") and reflected the flamboyant attitude of Hollywood and the Jazz Era.

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:

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

Danecraft 12KT Gold-filled Flower Brooch

This stylized flower brooch was made by Danecraft, most likely in the 1950s.  It features swirling petals in a textured gold-filled metal.  Danecraft was officially started in 1934 by Victor Primavera Sr., but its roots stem from the designs of Victor and his father in Italy.  Danecraft produced high quality sterling, vermeil, and gold-filled jewelry over the years and they are currently located in Providence, Rhode Island, the costume jewelry capitol of the United States. 

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:

Danecraft. Retrieved 4/12/2011 from http://www.danecraft.com/index_files/Page459.htm

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 4/12/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/danecraft.html

Wild Bryde Partridge Brooch

Here is another pretty natural design by Wild Bryde.  This brooch features a partridge and her two babies in hand-hammered 14kt gold plate.  Wild Bryde jewelry is light, durable, and made entirely in the USA.  Each piece is designed from an original sketch by artist/owner Mike Warner and their jewelry line includes motifs of over 5,000 different species of plants and animals. 

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:

Treasured Gifts Collectibles. Retrieved 4/11/2011 from http://www.treasuredgiftscollectibles.com/servlet/the-Wild-Bryde-Jewelry-cln-Earrings/Categories

Jonette Jewelry 1988 Santa Fe Pin

This fun pin was made by Jonette Jewelry (their jewelry is marked "JJ") and was from their Southwestern line produced in 1988.  I come across their pieces quite often, as they produced jewelry up until 2006, when they sadly closed their doors due to global competition and market conditions.  This is one of my favorite pins I have seen by them as I like its simplicity, design, and resemblance to sterling silver. 

Abraham Lisker started this company in 1935 as the Providence Jewelry Company.  The name changed to Lisker and Lisker in 1937 when his brother joined the company.  After WWII, the brothers decided to rename the company "Jonette Jewelry Company" after their mother and father John and Etta.  Jonette manufactured various accessories from a single location in East Providence, Rhode Island, but are best known for their whimsical pins/brooches.   
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:

JJ Pins. Retrieved 4/10/2011 from http://www.jjpins.com/p/about-jj-jonette-jewelry.html

Spanish Damascene Fan Pendant/Brooch

This is another beautiful damascene piece made in Spain, most likely Toldedo.  It is stamped Spain and features moveable blades, with red, white and black coloring.  Damascene is the process of decorating non-precious metals with 18-24 karat gold which dates back to the middle ages.  Although still collectible, this pendant is considered to be "faux" or "tourist" damascene, and is most likely mass-produced.  Genuine damascene has a similiar, but distinguishable look, is hand-made, and always features precious metals in its detailing.

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:

Vintage Jewelry Lane. Retrieved 4/8/2011 from http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/Damasceneinformation.htm

Trifari Goldtone Mushroom Pin

This cute little mushroom pin was a "must have" when I saw it.  It was made by Trifari, most likely in the 1960s or 70s, as the mushroom motif was extremely popluar during that time.  I highlighted a small mushroom charm by Sarah Coventry last month (March 8th to be exact!), but that piece was quite different, as far as its design, coloring, and texture. 

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:

Bonanza. Retrieved 4/7/2011 from http://www.bonanza.com/booths/pidley/items/Vintage_Crown_Trifari_Mushroom_Pin_Original_Tag

Mexican 980 Silver Rose Brooch

This delicate brooch is marked 980, meaning it is made of 98 percent pure silver.  As we know from previous posts, Sterling silver only consists of 92.5 percent pure silver.  This piece has a beautiful patina (a color change resulting from age which can add value to an item).  I believe it was made in the 1930s. 

I was hoping this brooch was made by William Spratling, the famous silversmith who worked and lived in Taxco, Mexico, as he used often used 980 silver.  The hallmark on this pin matches one of his tertiary marks (a mark that denotes silver content).  Unfortunately, other silversmiths used the exact "980" hallmark as Spratling, and this piece did not have a primary mark Spratling insisted was placed on the pieces he designed. 

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:

Modern Silver. Retrieved 4/7/2011 from http://www.modernsilver.com/Williamspratlinghallmarks.htm

Your Dictionary. Retrieved 4/7/2011 from http://www.yourdictionary.com/patina

Boston Museum Of Fine Arts Lotus Blossom Earrings

I absolutely love these sweet lotus blossom earrings done in Sterling silver with dangling purple pearls.  These earrings are marked "MFA" and are made by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and sold at their exclusive gift shop.  Current MFA designs can also be purchased through their online store.  I may have to keep these for myself!

According to http://www.holisticaroma.com/, "The lotus was of great significance to many ancient cultures, and in particular to the Eastern religions.  From ancestral times, the lotus regularly appears as a symbol of purity, peace, transendence, enlightenment, rebirth, beauty, and fertility."     

       

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:

MFA Shop. Retrieved 4/6/2011 from http://www.mfashop.com/earrings.html

Holistic Aroma. Retrieved 4/6/2011 from http://www.holisticaroma.co.uk/shp/TheSacredLotus.htm

Plastic Owl Pin

Well, I do not know much about this tiny pin other than I adore it!  I am a big fan of the owl motif.  There are no marks on this piece, but my feelings is that it is from the 1970s, when the owl motif was extremely popular.  It may be made from bakelite (the first synthetic plastic invented in 1907 which is highly collectible today) but I am not exactly sure.  If anyone has additional information on this piece I would greatly appreciate 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 www.rubylane.com is coming soon.

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

Home Jewelry Business Success Tips. Retrieved 4/5/2011 from http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/bakelite.html

Alicia De La Paz 950 Mexican Silver And Onyx Bracelet

This chunky link bracelet was made in the 1980s in Taxco, Mexico, by Alicia De La Paz.  It is marked TD-27 on the clasp.  Mexico began using this hallmark system in 1979, with the "T" signifying the city of Taxco, the "D" representing the last initial of the artist who made the item, and the "27" signifying that the artist is the 27th person to register as a silversmith.  This heavy bracelet has six 950 Silver links inlaid with black onyx.  950 Silver is actually more pure than Sterling, containing 95 percent pure silver, as opposed to Sterling's 92.5 percent. 

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:

925-1000. Retrieved 4/4/2011 from http://www.925-1000.com/mexican_marks.html

Moon Glow Vintage Jewelry. Retrieved 4/4/2011 from http://www.moonglowvintagejewelry.com/Jewelry/Silver/silver.htm

Van Dell 12kt Gold Filled Pink Plastic Flower Earrings

These sweet, deep pink rose earrings were made by Van Dell in the 1940s or 50s.  They feature 12kt gold filled screwback posts with painted plastic roses.  The Van Dell Corporation was founded in 1943 in Providence, RI (yes, more costume jewelry that originated in Rhode Island!).  Their well-made vintage jewelry is highly collectible and includes designs in sterling silver and gold-filled and plated metals.  They often used simulation gemstones, faux pearls, and rhinestones which resembled fine jewelry.  Van Dell jewelry is still made today, although they were sold to Hallmark in 1970, then to Colibri in 1998. 

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:

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 4/3/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_U-Z.htm

Catherine Popesco Art Deco Brooch

All I can say is "Wow!"  I came across this modern piece and knew nothing about its maker.  It is signed Catherine Popesco France.  Catherine, a Paris native, is the creator and owner of La Vie Parisienne, an international accessory and jewelry company.  Their jewelry is made of "old silver" (a French process of layering Sterling silver over copper), finished with enamel and set with Austrian crystals.

Catherine's designs are made from original stampings found in the old factories and workshops of Paris.  Many of these templates are over 200 years old and were originally designed by celebrated artists such as Lalique, Mucha, Galle, and Picasso.  La Vie Parisienne's elegant jewelry is made in the style of France's Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.

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:

La Vie Parisienne. Retrieved 4/2/2011 from http://lavieparisienne.com/about/catherine.html

Oleet Goldtone Charm Bracelet

This awesome bracelet was made by the Oleet Jewelry Manufacturing Company in the 1960s.  It features a goldtone chain link bracelet with the following 13 charms: telephone, game spinner, drink shaker, chalice, scissors, cup, heart with key, bowling pin, roller, spool, key, sundae cup, and a diary. 

Oleet was known for their jewelry made for various political campaigns, often featuring elephant and donkey motifs.  Three brothers:  Harold, Irving, and William Oleet owned this New York City business, but I was unable to find any other information about this interesting company online. 

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: 

Ruby Lane. Retrieved 4/1/2011 from http://www.rubylane.com/shop/vintagevault/ilist/,cs=Antique+%26+Vintage+Jewelry:Vintage:Charms.html

Leagle. Retrieved 4/1/201 from http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?xmldoc=1955592133FSupp459_1506.xml&docbase=CSLWAR1-1950-1985