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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post: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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post: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