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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post: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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post: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