Vintage Lind-Gal Enamel Whale Pin

This cute little goldtone pin is by Lind-Gal NYC, Inc., a company which began producing costume jewelry in 1952.  It measures only about an inch and a half wide and features translucent green and yellow enameling.  I cannot help but think of my beloved Hartford Whalers when I look at this piece (for those of you who did not know me as a teen, I was a huge fan of the Hartford Whalers, a National Hockey League team who disappointedly left Connecticut in the 1990s).  There is very little information available online about Lind-Gal NYC, so any additional information would be 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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 2/28/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksl.html

Whiting And Davis Clip Earrings

These clip earrings feature faux pearls in a beautifully ornate silvertone setting.  They were made by Whiting & Davis, a company well-known for their chains, mesh purses, and accessories.  The company was founded by C.W. Whiting who eventually became a partner with William Wade and Edward P. Davis (who ran a local chain manufacturing company started in 1876) in 1907. 

The company used their mesh-producing technical expertise to design high quality jewelry in sterling silver and silver-plated metals, a contrast to most costume jewelry produced by others at that time.  Additionally, Whiting and Davis made cameos, irridescent glass jewelry, and transferred porcelain pieces.  They are also well-known for their reproductions of museum pieces in the 1950s, which are popular and highly collectible.   Whiting and Davis ceased production of jewelry in 1983, but still produce purses and accessories today in Attleboro, MA. 

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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectics. Retrieved 2/27/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners3.html

Sancrest Dangle Clip Earrings

These unique faux turquoise silvertone dangle earrings were made by Sancrest in the 1950s.  Sancrest costume jewelry, produced by Sanford & Co. Inc, Los Angeles, CA, featured Native American designs made with synthetic turquoise and inexpensive metals.  There is very little infomation available online about this company, but it appears they only manufactured items from 1951-1954, making it fairly rare.

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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

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

Art Fire. Retrieved 2/26/2011 from
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2055624

Illusion Jewels. Retrieved 2/26/2011 from http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarkss.html

Goldette Silvertone Ram Earrings

Another find this week that I love!  These cool "Aries" silvertone earrings were made by Goldette, most likely in the 1960s or 1970s, when their jewelry was extremely popular.  The Circle Jewelry Company marketed this high quality costume jewelry under the trademark name Goldette.  Ben Gartner started this company in 1958 which ceased operation in 1977, making this jewelry a bit rare and quite collectible.

Goldette jewelry was designed and marketed in New York City, but its production was outsourced to a facililty located in our good ole Providence, Rhode Island!  I am convinced that living in New England is ideal for a costume jewelry collector.  I also plan on soon making a trip to some vintage shops in Rhode Island to see what other great items I can find!

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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

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

Collectics. Retrieved 2/25/2011 from http://www.collectics.com/education_jewelrydesigners2.html

Cathedral Pewter Virgo Pendant

Well, this is one of my new favorite pieces!  I found it the other day and was so excited.  As you can see, it features a large Virgo motif in pewter.  I believe this piece is from the 1970s.  It was made by Cathedral Art Metal which is located in none other than Providence, Rhode Island.  They have been in operation since 1920 and still produce inspirational giftware and jewelry today.  Cathedral Art metal currently creates meticulously handcrafted items in their 93,000 square foot facility employing in-house designers, model makers, and sculptors.

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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

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

Cathedral Art. Retrieved 2/24/2011 from http://www.cathedralart.com/about.html

Van Lou Sterling, Enamel, And Rhinestone Brooch

This seemingly rare pin features blue enamel "feathers" adorned with clear rhinestones and a unique safety clasp.  I believe it dates somewhere between 1950-1970.  It was made by Van Lou, a company led by Lewis Fleishmann in New York since 1949.  Many other jewelry items I have seen by this manufacturer are also marked "Germany," so I assume that Lewis Fleishmann began his career in Germany, possibly arriving here after World War II?  His name is also spelled "Louis Fleischmann" on various websites, so I am unsure of the correct spelling.  There is very little information online about Van Lou jewelry, or Lewis Fleishmann, so please feel free to contact me with any additional information you may have.

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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

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

Great Vintage Jewelry. Retrieved 2/23/2011 from http://www.greatvintagejewelry.com/inc/sdetail/5671

Swarovski Goldtone And Colored Rhinestone Earrings

These sparkling earrings feature seven rhinestones in red (faux ruby), purple (faux amethyst), and green (faux garnet) within a goldtone setting.  They were made by Swarovski, an Austrian based company that have been making rhinestones, crystals, and beautiful glass items since 1891.  I believe these earrings were made in the late 1980s or early 1990s.  Swarovski Amercan Limited (also known as S.A.L.) opened a facility in Providence, Rhode Island  (yes, another Rhode Island based jewelry manufacturer!) in the 1970s, and their line of costume jewelry began in 1977. 

Daniel Swarovski created a machine in Austria in 1891 which cut faceted glass in a very short period of time, thus revolutionizing the jewelry manufacturing business.  His rhinestones were, and still are, recognized as the best in the industry, with over 80% of American-made crystal jewelry using them 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.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

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

Vintage Costume Jewelry. Retrieved 2/22/2011 from http://www.vintagecostumejewelry4u.com/Swarovski.htm

Glam For Less. Retrieved 2/22/2011 from http://www.glamforless.com/History.htm