Paquette Goldtone Dove Pin

One thing I have been enjoying about writing this blog is how much I have really learned about costume jewelry.  I am learning why some pieces are more collectible than others, and all about the various metals, stones, and techniques used in creating them.  Often, I see something that I have a hunch about (whether good or bad), and learn that my hunch was right!  Sometimes (not too often thankfully), I find a signed piece that I think may be valuable, and find out it is not. 

This sweet contemporary piece is stamped "Paquette."  It features the outline of a dove holding an olive branch which is a universal symbol of peace.  There is almost no information online about Paquette jewelry, which signifies to me that they most likely import inexpensive, mass-produced  items from Asia.  This does not mean that this pin has no value, it is just not too collectible at this point in time.

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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Manta. Retrieved 6/7/2011 from http://www.manta.com/c/mmczt9d/paquette-jewelry

Goldette Victorian Revival Slide Charm Bracelet

This charming bracelet was made by Goldette in the 1950s.  It is reminescent of Victorian jewelry made in the early nineteen hundreds.  The Victorian era last from 1837 through 1901 and was named after Queen Victoria of England, one of the most famous jewelry lovers of all time.  This bracelet features a goldtone double chain with 6 large "slide" beads each sandwiched between two round beads.  The slide beads are each inlaid with various faux stones including pearl, turquoise, rhinestone and cameo.  There are also the following romantic motifs displayed on some of the beads (all common subjects in early Victorian jewelry): a snake, a star, and a goat. 

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Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collector's Weekly. Retrieved 6/5/2011 from http://www.collectorsweekly.com/fine-jewelry/victorian-edwardian

Carol Sterling Silver Pendant

This artsy pendant is marked "925 CAROL."  Simply looking at this piece, it appears to be from the late eighties or early nineties.  I could not find any information about this designer online, other than a gorgeous mid-century modern bracelet, also signed "CAROL" featured on http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/.  Of the Sterling
jewelry I researched by artisans with the first or last name Carol, the bracelet was the closest match as far as design and quality are concerned.  Let me know what you think.  This pendant is very well-made, features organic "cut-outs" and hangs from a satin black cord. 

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:

Morning Glory Antiques. Retrieved 6/6/2011 from http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/collectSilver.html

Teapot Screw Back Earrings

I love these adorable dangling teapot earrings.  They are done in silver metal, possibly Sterling, which I will have to test of course!  They are not signed, so I am really unsure of their age or where they came from.  Dating costume jewelry can be very difficult, but I am learning so much through my blog research! 

These cute earrings are considered "figural".  Figural pieces are simply designs made in fun shapes, ranging from fruit to animals to people.  Victorian jewelry, made popular by its namesake Queen Victoria of England, included many figural designs featuring hands, hearts, flowers, snakes, and more. 

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 6/4/2011 from http://antiques.about.com/od/vintagecostumejewelry/a/aa022101.htm

Osbee Sterling Silver Girl Scout Ring

This wonderful girl scout ring was actually my mother's!  Her parents gave it to her in the 1950s.  It is marked "Osbee Sterling" and the stone appears to be made of glass.  I could not find any historical information in my research about Osbee online, but it appears that they produced fraternal and class rings in both genuine gold and Sterling silver.

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 6/3/2011 from http://cgi.ebay.com/Mens-Genuine-Yellow-Gold-Ring-OSBEE-BLACK-ONYX-10K-/270697049006

Weiss Aurora Borealis Demi-Parure

This opulant demi-parure was made by Weiss in the 1940s.  It consists of a circular brooch and clip earrings both featuring stunning pink aurora borealis rhinestones set in goldtone metal. 

Weiss was a costume jewelry company founded by Albert Weiss in NYC in the 1940s and ceased operations in 1971.  Weiss was a much smaller company than Coro or Trifari, but they offered a well-made line of jewelry, including high-end and collectible designs like this set featured here 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:

Collectors Index. Retrieved 6/2/2011 from http://www.collectorsindex.com/weiss.htm

Jade Dangle Screwback Earrings

I do my best to be as specific and accurate as possible, thoroughly researching my pieces.  So, that being said, I believe these beautiful earrings are made of real jade.  They are not marked, but I believe they may be an early Miriam Haskell design.  They are well made and very detailed, featuring filigree work above each long tear drop stone. 

In researching jade, I found out some things that I never knew (this happens often when writing this blog, which keeps it interesting for me!).  Jade is actually a term which is used to denote 2 different minerals: Jadeite and Nephrite.  Nephrite has been used for over 5,000 years and is known as the "soft jade."  Jadeite has been used from the 13th century and is know as the "hard jade."  Jadeite is more rare and known for its translucency and vibrant colors, making it more desireable.

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:

Jadeite Jade. Retrieved 6/1/2011 from http://www.jadeitejade.com/2010/05/jadeite-jade-vs-nephrite-jade/