Trifari Silvertone & Green Plastic Clip Earrings

I have to say Trifari is one of my favorite costume jewelry companies because of their well-made unique designs.  These earrings feature both smooth and textured silvertone metal set with marbelized flat green plastic pieces.  They were made in the late 1950s to early 1960s.  They totally remind me of that era, similiar to the juke boxes and chrome laden cars often seen at that time. 

I found a great timeline of plastic on http://www.thecarrotbox.com/ and here is a lengthy, but extremely informative excerpt:

Celluloid - 1869 The first major plastic, celluloid is discovered in 1869 by American John W. Hyatt. It is manufactured in 1872 during a time of high demand for an ivory replacement.

Galalith - 1897 Two German researchers, trying to create a white chalkboard, mix casein (milk protein) with formaldehyde and create a new plastic called Galalith (from the Greek gala, milk, and lithos, stone). It is also manufactured under the name Erinoid. Casein plastics are still used today, mainly in the production of buttons.

Bakelite - 1909 The first completely synthetic man-made substance, Bakelite is invented in 1909 by independent New York chemist Leo H. Baekeland. The "material of a thousand uses" is used to make everything from car parts to jewellery, but jewellery sales are suspended in 1942 in order to concentrate supplies on the war effort. Bakelite pieces are now valuable collectibles. Andy Warhol was an avid collector and, when he died in 1987, his pieces sold for record prices at Sotheby's.

1920s Plastic enters haute couture when Coco Chanel includes bakelite jewellery in her accessories collection.

Catalin - 1927 When Bakelite's 1910 patent expires in 1927, the Catalin corporation starts making the same substance under the name "Catalin" and adds fifteen new colours to the colour range. 70% of the "bakelite" remaining today is Catalin. Also suspends jewellery sales in 1942 (see above). Plastic is the perfect medium for the Art Deco period, when bold, colourful, geometric designs are popular.

Lucite/Plexiglas/Perspex - 1931 "Lucite" is the brand name of a polyacrylic discovered by DuPont in 1931. Around the same time, an identical polyacrylic is developed by the Rohm & Haas Chemical Company and named "Plexiglas." In the UK and other European nations, it is generally known as "Perspex." DuPont markets Lucite jewellery after the war.

Post WWII Thanks in part to improved technology — i.e., better plastics — Bakelite and Catalin become obsolete.

Lexan - 1953 Daniel Fox, a chemist at General Electric, discovers a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic that looks like acrylic but is much more durable (almost bulletproof). A patent is filed in 1955 and it is given the brand name "Lexan." Familiar products made of Lexan include Apple's iBook and iPod and Naglene water bottles.

1988 After his death in 1987, Andy Warhol's extensive bakelite jewellery collection sells for record prices at Sotheby's.

1998 In May, the bakelite "Philadelphia bracelet" sells for US$17,000 at a Treadway/Toomey auction.

Today Bakelite collecting is still going strong, but this website tries to focus on all the other types of plastic rings out there!

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 5/31/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarkst.html

The Carrot Box. Retrieved 5/31/2011 from http://www.thecarrotbox.com/plastic/index.asp

Vintage Art Deco Sterling Marcasite Pin

No, I am not a gemologist, but I believe this Art Deco pin is the real deal.  It is unmarked and absolutely stunning.  It is done in Sterling Silver marcasite and features a red gemstone, possibly ruby.  Its clasp is an older version of the locking "C" clasp.  I believe it was made around 1920. 

Pin clasps are one way that a collector can date a piece of jewelry, although other features of an item must also be assessed.  Most "C" clasps were used before 1900 and simply feature a piece of metal or plastic in the shape of the letter "C."  Safety clasps became popular around 1910 and feature a "C" clasp with an additional metal piece that "rolls over" the clasp to prevent it from coming undone.  Another type of clasp called the "trombone" clasp was primarily used in Europe starting in 1850 and includes a piece of metal which slides in and out (like a trombone) to secure the pin. 

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 Jewelry Info. Retrieved 5/29/2011 from http://vintagecostumejewelryinfo.blogspot.com/2009/10/brooch-clasp-types.html

Mexican Sterling Silver Puffy Heart And Neck Wire

More wonderful Sterling Silver from Taxco, Mexico.  This neck wire is marked "TC-106", meaning the piece was made in Taxco after 1979 (when this marking system started) by a silversmith with a last name starting in "C".  The number 106 means that the silversmith was the 106th person to register his mark with the city.  It is also marked "ACS" which are the designers initials (Latinos often have 2 surnames, so the "C" denotes one and the "S" denotes the other.  "A" is of course their first initial).  I believe this is a contemporary piece made in the last 10 to 15 years.

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:

925-1000. Retrieved 5/30/2011 from http://www.925-1000.com/mexican_marks.html#M

Coro Aurora Borealis Floral Brooch

I have featured quite a few pieces by Coro on here, but this one is very special to me.  It was my grandmother's, and she gave it to me a few years ago.  She will celebrate her 90th birthday in August!  I believe this pin is from the 1940s, sometime after Coro became incorporated and shortened their name from "Corocraft" to Coro.  This beautiful brooch features a bouquet of flowers in a light goldtone metal with each flower consisting of a red Aurora Borealis crystal. 

Aurora Borealis is not a color of crystal, it is actually a finish that can be applied to any crystal color.  The coating is a metallic finish that is applied to the crystal using water which results in ehanced brilliance and dramatic color changes.  The resulting finish depends on the individual crystal cut, dimensions, and color choice; and appears differently in various lighting conditions. 

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 5/28/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_coro.html

Ezine Articles. Retrieved 5/28/2011 from http://ezinearticles.com/?Crystal-Aurora-Borealis---Definition&id=849614

Bergere Goldtone Expansion Bracelet

This sleek "stretch link" bracelet was made by Bergere, most likely in the 1950s, when this type of bracelet (known as an "expansion" bracelet) was very popular.  It features links alternating between smooth and cross-hatched goldtone metal.   

Bergere was a high quality line of jewelry consisting of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins; manufactured by L. Erbert & Pohls Inc. NY.  Bergere jewelry was sold in high-end department stores such as Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and Marshall Fields from 1947 through 1979. 

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 5/27/2011 from http://www.collectorsindex.com/brace1.htm

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 5/27/2011 from
http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_A-C.htm

Taxco Mexico Vintage Sterling Silver Ring

Here is another bold and unique piece made in Taxco, Mexico.  I cannot read the full hallmark on the ring, but the letters read "TI," meaning the artist is from Taxco and their last name starts with "I."  I believe this piece is about the same age as the other Taxco items I have previously highlighted here (1980s).  This ring is very heavy and has a nice patina. 

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:

925-1000. Retrieved 5/25/2011 from http://www.925-1000.com/mexican_marks2.html

Kenny Ma Black Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

I recently purchased some exquisite jewelry which I have highlighted in my last few blog posts including this one.  This delicate bracelet is a contempory piece desiged by Kenny Ma of San Francisco.  Kenny Ma handcrafts his jewelry with the finest materials and craftsmanship.  He uses nickel-free brass that is aged through a special process that produces antiqued gold and silver overlays,  which is then adorned with gorgeous Swarovski crystals (just like this bracelet!).    

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:

Anima Boutique. Retrieved 5/25/2011 from http://animaboutique.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=7&chapter=0

John Grinsell & Sons Celtic Silver Brooch

Please help me welcome my new favorite (and possibly oldest) piece of jewelry to my collection.  This brooch was made by John Grinsell & Sons who's maker mark was registered in Birmingham, England in the late 19th century.  It appears to made of Sterling silver and features extremely intricate detailing with a gorgeous patina, along with inlaid green marble (or other stone) in each of  its 3 clovers. 

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:

925-1000. Retrieved 5/24/2011 from http://www.925-1000.com/dlBirmingham4.html#M

Parisian Ajoure Rhinestone Fur Clip

I love this gorgeous antique fur clip!  It is done in what appears to be Sterling Silver ajoure and features gorgeous clear rhinestones.  Ajoure is often confused with filigree work, but they are very different.  Ajoure is actually metal that is punched, drilled, or cut through to make the pattern while filigree uses metal threads to create the design. 

This brooch is marked A-F PARIS Bte. SGDG.  So, what do all those markings mean?  "A-F" is most likely the maker mark, but I could not find any definitive information online about who actually designed/manufactured this piece.  "PARIS" is obviously where the clip came from and "Bte." stands for the French word "Brevete" which means "patented." "SGDG" stands for the French phrase "Sans Garantie du Gouvernenment" which basically means "Without State Guaranty." 

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

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

Wikipedia. Retrieved 5/23/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filigree

Ebay. Retrieved 5/23/2011 from http://reviews.ebay.com/Depose-and-Deponiert-and-other-French-and-German-marks_W0QQugidZ10000000002158707http://www.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Kenneth Lane Goldtone Pear Brooch

This juicy pear brooch is so cool!  It's huge, measuring 2 3/4 inches tall, and was made by Kenneth Lane in the 1960s or 1970s for Saks Fifth Avenue.  Kenneth J. Lane began his career as a shoe designer for Delman and Christian Dior.  He designed dramatic, well-made jewelry in his free time which was an instant success at Saks Fifth Avenue (its entire initial inventory sold out in one day!).  Vintage Kenneth Lane jewelry is highly collectible and is sold today at Christie's, Sotheby's, and Doyle New York.   

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 5/22/2011 from http://www.antiquingonline.com/Designers/KennethJLane.htm

The Celebrity Jewelry. Retrieved 5/22/2011 from http://thecelebrityjewelry.com/archives/kenneth-jay-lane

Napier Clip Earrings With Faux Pearls

Another interesting design from Napier, the reknown costume jewelry company that manufactured beautiful pieces from 1890 until 1999 in Meriden, Connecticut (my home town!).  These clip earrings are marked patent pending (made before 1955, most likely in the 1940s) and each feature faux pearls in the middle of the "crinkly" goldtone metal that resembles fabric.  Napier is considered the oldest costume jewelry company in the United States. 

Napier began as the silver manufacturer Whitney & Rice in Attleboro, MA in 1875.  They were sold in 1882 to Carpenter and Bliss.  They rapidly expanded in 1890, moving to Meriden, CT.  After WWII, the company changed their production focus from silver to costume jewelry.  Napier costume jewelry was mass produced and sold in major department stores, but many of their vintage pieces are highly collectible.  Jewelry featuring the Napier brand is currently sold today and marketed by the The Jones Group Inc. who purchased the name in 2000. 
 
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:

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 5/21/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_M-O.htm

Ebay. Retrieved 5/21/2011 from http://forums.ebay.com/db1/topic/Jewelry-Gemstones/Napier-Patent-Pending/510313493&

The Jones Group. Retrieved 5/21/2011 from http://www.jonesgroupinc.com/brands

European 800 Silver Floral Filigree Clip Earrings

These darling clip earrings are made of 800 silver, meaning they contain 800 parts pure silver and 200 parts other metals.  This type of silver was used to make jewelry in Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and is also referred to as "coin silver."  These earrings are simply stamped "800" and each feature three intricately designed filigree flowers. 

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 5/20/2011 from http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/800_silver

Corocraft Goldtone Bracelet With Rhinestones

This ornate bracelet was made by Corocraft in the 1940s.  It features twenty, highly detailed, "leafy" links that each have a blue rhinestone on one side, a round faux turquoise blue stone on the other, with a clear rhinestone in the middle.  Corocraft jewelry was a higher-end line of jewelry made by Coro after WWII, from 1944 thru 1947.  This is the first piece of Corocraft jewelry I have owned (it is a much rarer mark than "Coro"), but I have featured several of my Coro pieces on previous blog posts. 

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 5/19/2011 from http://www.antiquingonline.com/designers.htm

Orna Lalo Bird Stick Pin

This fun contemporary stick pin was designed by Orna Lalo, an artist who creates synthetic resin jewelry inspired by nature.  Orna studied fine arts and fashion design, graduating from the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Isreal.  Orna Lalo jewelry is currently produced by skilled artisans in Bulgaria.  The jewelry is still assembled by hand and her collections are produced in limited editions.

Orna Lalo uses synthetic resin in her designs, an inexpensive and versatile material which is more natural looking than plastic.  I actually thought this pin was made of glass when I first saw it.  Resin can assume a variety of textures, from the sparkle of glass to the opaqueness of stone, depending on the powdery fillers added to it.  Molds are first used to shape the resin piece, then filings, perforations, colorants, and lacquer are added by hand to finish the design. 

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:

Artful Soul. Retrieved 5/18/2011 from http://www.artfulsoul.com/store/pagello2.html

Isreal21c
. Retrieved 5/18/2011 from http://www.israel21c.org/people/an-israeli-treasure-chest-of-jewels

Rune Tennesmed Pewter Viking Ship Pin

Well, well, well...First, I love this small Viking ship pin made by Rune Tennesmed of Sweden, as I am a huge fan of Scandinavian jewelry (yes, I know I mention that often!).  Second, this appears to be a modern piece, still available for purchase today. 

Rune Tennesmed has taught me alot about researching and dating costume jewelry.  There is so much misinformation online about this designer, which has made me more careful everday about where I get my jewelry information and its accuracy.  I have seen people online claiming Rune Tennesmed is a person, but it seems that it is actually a pewter manufacturer (he may very well have started the company, but it is hard to say with the limited accurate information I could find).  Also, since R Tennesmed designs are similar to pieces produced in the United States in the 1960s, many people online are selling Rune Tennesmed jewelry as "vintage," when it is actually contemporary and still available for purchase online.  See http://www.pewterjewel.com/ for details.

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:

Pewter Jewel. Retrieved 5/17/2011 from http://pewterjewel.com/

Danecraft Sterling Silver Poodle Pin

This adorable poodle pin was made by Danecraft, a Providence based Sterling silver jewelry manufacturer.  The brooch is very well-made (customary of Danecraft designs) with intricate detailing and features a dog tag dangling from the pooches neck that reads "Danecraft Sterling."  The company was officially formed in 1934, with roots dating back centuries in Italy to the Primavera family.  In Italy, "one of the jewelry artisans would go directly into the home of a patron to design and reproduce a cherished object of art into jewelry," according to http://www.danecraft.com/.  Danecraft is still in business today, so I am unsure of the age of this piece, although I believe it is pre-1990.   
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 5/16/2011 from http://www.danecraft.com/index_files/Page459.htm

Giant Modernist Silvertone Ring

This bold modernist ring is super chic and I have owned it for a few years.  It is one of my first pieces and still one of my favorites.  It is not marked, but is very well-made.  I believe it is most likely from the 1960s or 1970s.  This ring is done in a modernist style, meaning it was created as "wearable art." 

The true Modernist movement in jewelry took place from the 1930s throught the 1960s in the United States (from New York City to Baltimore to San Franciso) and throughout Scandinavia.  According to http://www.collectorsweekly.com/, "Victorian jewelry was dismissed as too decorative, Art Nouveau pieces were deemed too fussy, and the Art Deco aesthetic was considered excessively rigid," and thus the Modernist movement was born.

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 5/15/2011 from http://www.collectorsweekly.com/fine-jewelry/modernist

Huge Coro Goldtone Floral Brooch

This stunning brooch was made by Coro, most likely in the 1920s according to its mark.  It is almost 3 inches in diameter and features a blooming textured flower in both shiny and frosted goldtone metals.  Coro started manufacturing jewelry around 1900, and over the years, their jewelry was signed and tagged with many different names and markings.  Some of the marks include: Coro Craft, Coro in script (like this pin, although there are many different versions of the script signature), a pegasus emblem, etc.  Their "top of the line" jewelry was eventually sold under the name "Vendome."  Coro ceased operations in 1979 after 80 years of producing popular and well-made costume 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:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 5/14/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarkscoro.html

Collectors Index. Retrieved 5/14/2011 from http://www.collectorsindex.com/coro.htm

Modernist Sterling And Black Onyx Earrings

These modernist pierced earrings feature beautiful black onyx stones set in Sterling silver.  They are hinged with the large bottom sections of each earring moving freely front to back.  They are marked "ND 925."  I believe they are Mexican made, but I am unsure.  Norway Design could also be the maker of these retro dangles, but I believe their hallmarks and maker marks are much more detailed.  I absolutely love Scandinavian Sterling jewelry, but unfortunately it is much rarer than Mexican Sterling, and therefore quite expensive.

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:

Effie Graa. Retrieved 5/13/2011 from http://www.effie-graa.com/egc/jewelry/pen.htm

Silvertone Simplon Alpine Pin

This cute pin features a Tyrolean hiking hat attached to a pick with a dangling pair of hiking boots.  The banner on the hat reads "Simplon," a famous pass located between the Pennine Alps and Lepontine Alps, both located in Switzerland which leads to Italy.  I have seen this type of pin before, but was shocked at what little information there was available online about it.  I thought there would be a website devoted to collectors of this type of tourist jewelry.  If anyone happens to know about such a website, please let me know.

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:

Wikipedia. Retrieved 5/12/2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplon_Pass

Russian Hand Painted Floral Brooch

This lovely feminine brooch was made in Russia.  I believe this pin is fairly old, as it features an older style "c" clasp.  It is also signed by the artist, but I was unable to figure out his/her name from the unique signature.  This jewelry is still being made today and is extremely popular, so dating pieces is not very easy. 

This jewelry originated in the villages of Palekh, Kholui, Fedoskino, and Mstera in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with designs stemming from a centuries-old Russian painting style called Zhostovo.  The process of creating this type of pin begins with an artist hand painting in oils on paper-mache (remember, no two items are alike, as they are all done free-hand), then finished with a glossy lacquer.  The Zhostovo painting technique includes bright paints, wide brush strokes, and contrasting shadows.    

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:

Russian Crafts. Retrieved 5/11/2011 from http://russian-crafts.com/painted-brooches/flower-brooch.html

Z Net. Retrieved 5/11/2011 from http://www.znetshows.com/gemshow/retail/group5.asp?ProductCode=SCFPD-17&vendorkey=4&NavbarFlag=1

Roget Long Goldtone Necklace

This retro necklace was most likely made in the 1970s.  It features a triangular pendant with dangling triangles attached to a uniquely designed goldtone chain.  The back of the pendant is marked "Roget,"   a jewelry line trademarked by Sears Canada in 1973.  This jewelry was sold in Sears stores both in Canada and the United States.  There is very little information online about this line, so any information would 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.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

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

Ebay. Retrieved 5/10/2011 from http://forums.ebay.com/db1/topic/Jewelry-Gemstones/Has-Anybody-Heard/510219182

Wide Tortoise Shell Cuff Bracelet

I believe this gorgeous cuff bracelet is made of genuine unpolished tortoise shell.  There are no markings on the bracelet, so I really have no idea who made it, where it came from, or how old it is.  I have seen similar polished bracelets online that were made in the 1940s.  It is hand carved, and may actually be an African or island tribal piece. 

Tortoise shell jewelry comes from the outer blades of the upper shell of Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles.  It is an ideal jewelry material (popular in Ancient Rome as well as the Victorian Era) as it can be shaped easily when heated. The color of tortoise shell ranges from dark brown to almost clear, with translucent golden yellow with brown markings being considered the finest. 

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 5/9/2011 from http://www.antique-vintage-costume-jewelry.com/Jewelry_Information/tortoise_horn.htm

Lang Antiques. Retrieved 5/9/2011 http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Tortoise_Shell

Etsy. Retrieved 5/9/2011 from http://www.etsy.com/listing/22400737/art-deco-tortoise-shell-cuff-bracelet

Contemporary Darlene Neck Cuff

This sleek neck cuff is done in smooth goldtone metal with a textured silvertone decorative end (which can be worn in front or back).  It is marked "Darlene" along the back of the silvertone piece.  I am a bit perplexed about who actually made this piece, as there are two companies named Darlene that currently produce costume jewelry.  One is the "Darlene Jewelry Manufacturing Company" located in New York City, and the other is the "Darlene Group" located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  They may actually be one in the same, but I am not sure with the lack of online information.  Please let me know if anyone has any information regarding this company name.

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

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

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 5/8/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksd.html

Vintage Weiss Rhinestone Clip Earrings

Ahhh, my first pair of Weiss earrings which were most likely made in the 1940s or 1950s.  These clip earrings feature beautiful Austrian crystals in purple and dark pink.  Weiss is a very collectible line of vintage costume jewelry which prospered in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Albert Weiss founded the Albert Weiss & Company Inc. in 1942 in New York City.  He was a jewelry designer and manufacturer who had previously worked for Coro.  Weiss jewelry is known for its exceptional quality and clarity, featuring Austrian crystal rhinestones (clear, colored, and aurora borealis) and faux pearls set in antique goldtone, silvertone, or Japanned (gun metal in color) metal settings.  The company ceased operations in 1971.

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:

Jackson Jewels. Retrieved 5/7/2011 from http://www.jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_U-Z.htm

Vintage Gold Filled Brooch With Pearl

This cute vintage brooch is marked 12KT G.F. but I cannot figure out who made it.  It features a faux pearl in the middle and has a maker mark on the back that has a shield with letters/images I cannot read inside.  If anyone has any information on this piece, please let me know.  Gold filled jewelry has been made for years, by various designers, and is still popular 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:

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 5/6/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/goldfilled.html

Florenza Renaissance Revival Pendant On Goldtone Double Chain Necklace

Sometimes I find a great piece and do not realize what I have found.  This necklace features a double goldtone chain (both done in different link styles), a large intricately carved green stone in the middle (made to resemble jade), with a dangling natural tear drop stone, and double chains dangling from the sides of the pendant.

I am continuing to learn about costume jewelry, and this gorgeous design was made in the 1950s by Florenza.  Florenza was a trademark used by manufacturer Dan Kasoff Inc., of New York City.  The company was founded in 1937 and produced jewelry from 1950 through 1981.  Florenza jewelry featured Renaissance Revival (like this necklace/pendant) and Victorian designs, often finished in antique gold with unique pastel stones using very high quality materials.

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 5/5/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners.html

Napier Silvertone Asian Fish Scarf Clip

I try to stick with jewelry, but I love this silvertone scarf clip that I found made by Napier.  It features two Asian-looking fish with faces that resemble Foo Dogs.  I do not believe this piece is very old, as Napier jewelry is still currently being manufactured and unfortunately mass-produced overseas for large department store chains. 

The Foo Dog (also spelled Fu Dog) or Lion Dog, dates back in Chinese Art to 208 B.C., and is a very prominent motif in the Buddhist religion and culture.  These creatures resemble lions (the master of the feline race), and signify protection and the defense of law.  Like this pin, they are usually seen in a male/female pair. 

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:

Asian Art Mall. Retrieved 5/4/2011 from http://www.asianartmall.com/foodogarticle.htm?vm=r

Antique Horn Clip Earrings

Ok, I am stumped.  These are some of the strangest, yet most interesting earrings I have come across over the years.  I am not sure what they are made of, but it appears to be animal horn, bone, or teeth.  They feature goldtone clips with attached round "horn" discs and dangling "horn" spheres.  They are hand-carved and set, as each part is uniquely shaped.  Did you know that animal horns and bones have been used in making jewelry since 38,000 B.C.!  Please let me know if anyone has any information about these earrings.  I could not find any similar pieces anywhere.

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:

Beads by Mail. Retrieved 5/3/2011 from http://beadsbymail.com/bone_details.htm?vm=r

Ceramic Flapper Brooch

I adore this ceramic studio made brooch.  It is approximately 3 inches tall and signed on the back by the artist (one curved line followed by two straight lines so I cannot make out a name).  It is glazed on the front of the brooch, except where you see the gray background (which actually looks like hair, but is not). 

This pin sure looks like a "flapper" to me, with her short hair and reds lips. The website http://www.suite101.com/ describes what it was to be flapper:  "The image of the "Flapper" is almost synonymous with the Roaring Twenties. Short skirts, bobbed hair, and "bee stung lips" immediately come to mind.  The Flapper was young, independent, smoking cigarettes and drinking illegal liquor. Indeed, the younger generation was embracing a lifestyle that was completely foreign to their parents and grandparents."

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:

Suite 101. Retrieved 5/2/2011 from http://www.suite101.com/content/the-flapper-a84845

Spoontiques Pewter Birdhouse Brooch

This whimsical brooch by Spoontiques is made of pewter (one of my favorite jewelry materials next to sterling of course!) and features a picket fence shadowed by three bird houses and an attached bird (uniquely placed as if in the foreground).  Spoontiques is located in Stoughton, Massachusetts and has been in business for over 30 years.  They manufacture a wide variety of giftware including a jewelry line that offers bold, yet inexpensive figural jewelry, with designs made of pewter (some designs feature copper and brass accents).   

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:

Sowers Gifts. Retrieved 5/1/2011 from http://www.sowers-gifts.com/spoontiques.html?vm=r

One Source Sales. Retrieved 5/1/2011 from http://onesourcesales.com/free/Spoontiques-Inc/Company/Profile/44451745