Vintage and Antique Jewelry

Glamorous Vintage Costume Gems

Suzannetique — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:15:00 GMT

Coco Chanel & Her Costumes

The jewelry business was hit hard by the First World War, and the few manufacturers that hadn’t been required to switch to war materials were struggling to sell non-essential luxury products. The end of the war brought no immediate prosperity to the jewelry business, but help was on the way in the form of Coco Chanel, whose marketing talent was second only to her fashion flair. Some time between 1925 and 1927, Chanel decorated her dresses with glittery pins and long sparkling chains. The glamorous touches were considered part of her “costumes” and thus costume jewelry was born.

The rise of the costume jewelry industry was a unique result of its place in time, gaining a foothold during the twenties when the new fashion for bobbed hair required long dangling earrings, and dropped waistlines cried out for stands of swinging beads. Unlike almost every other industry, the fashion jewelry industry weathered the Depression unscathed. Like the inexpensive escape of the nickel movie, people craved the beauty that that a small sum could buy. When a new frock was out of the question, fifty cents could buy a pair of fabulous rhinestone dress clips that added sparkle to an old one.

The Golden Years of Costume Gems

From a manufacturer’s perspective, rhinestone jewelry was the perfect product; inexpensively produced, reasonably priced, and best of all, with a short shelf life. The pieces were considered so trendy that they would be worn for a season, and then replaced with newer versions. The potential for profit attracted everyone in the jewelry business, from the Five and Dime to fine jewelers. Although reluctant to become involved in the costume craze, makers of fine jewelry were sitting idle as the depression deepened and the war years began. Fine department stores demanded finer quality costume pieces and manufacturers complied. During the 1930’s, 40’s and early fifties (considered the golden years of rhinestone jewelry) some of the biggest name in the fashion world produced rhinestone jewelry under their brand. Elsa Schiaparelli, Lily Dache, William Hobe, among others designed pieces for their own houses, or manufacturers such as Coro, Trifari, Eisenberg, Hobe, Monet, Boucher, Richelieu, Ciner and Napier.

As with any collectible, prices for the most unusual, most beautiful, and best quality pieces are highest. These pieces are usually (but not always) attributable to a particular manufacturer, and are in excellent condition, meaning that all stones are anchored tightly in their mounts, and all pin backs and clasps are in working order.

I Love Vintage Plastic Jewelry

worthantiquecollectiblejewelry — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:18:00 GMT

Old Luxe, Antiques & Collectibles

www.oldluxe.com

Please note: If you are a novas collector or have a penchant for 20th Century phenolic vintage plastic jewelry this passion can be addictive. Therefore, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the various names and terms that are given to phenolic plastics like: Bakelite, Celluloid, and Lucite just to name a few. All plastics, synthetic or natural, can be referred to as a polymer. Personally, I think vintage plastic jewelry is absolutely fabulous! Take antique Bakelite jewelry for example it comes in an array of gorgeous colors, shapes, and textures; my favorite is Art Deco Bakelite jewelry. I just love the look of deeply carved Art Deco Bakelite bangles and bracelets, especially if your into buying vintage clothing, it really creates that authentic look!

I think that vintage Celluloid jewelry is just great! I especially adore the made in Japan deeply molded 3-dimensional floral design bangles and brooches, there so pretty. Did you know that Celluloid was invented by John Wesley
Hyatt in 1869 and was widely used between 1890-1917 through the Victorian Era, Art Nouveau and parts of the Art Deco Period? Because Celluloid is highly flammable, manufacturing was for a limited time and was discontinued until safer plastics were introduced, making antique Celluloid jewelry highly collectible today.

Dupont Company invented Lucite in 1931 during the Art Deco Period. Lucite and Bakelite were stronger plastics than previous ones and were more practical and less costly for the making of war supplies during WWII. After the War, Lucite and Bakelite were popular for the making of Jewelry and Handbags. Today vintage Lucite jewelry is sought after as much as vintage Bakelite jewelry. I love the array of delicious colors vintage Lucite bangles have to offer the fashionistas in all of us. Vintage Lucite jewelry, a must have vintage accessory for all clothing fashions.

Through research and asking questions we gain knowledge to hopefully make appropriate choice(s) prior to making a purchase. I wish you all the best in your search for vintage plastic costume jewelry. And remember, it’s addictive.
Happy Hunting!

Treasure Tuesday - Avon Jewelry!

annemarie — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:55:00 GMT

Quite by accident, I have discovered a new love affair with Avon Jewelry. A couple of years ago, I found a fabulous necklace at an Antiques store, and noticed it was signed Avon.

A little research online has revealed that Avon's vintage jewelry is quite collectible - not worth a whole lot $$ wise, but very cool.

Last week, iTaggit released an awesome new feature that allows you to post an item for sale on ebay in a few clicks.

I posted this necklace, on a whim. I had never sold on ebay - can you believe it? I was amazed that someone purchased it! So while I was on ebay, I looked around for pieces I wanted to buy, and found another amazing Avon necklace.

In one week I sold and purchased my first items on ebay - it was very exciting! The new piece is super awesome - 1970s deco style (deco refers to 1920s to 30s style - geometric, urban and angular with a few fancy flourishes). This is all the rage right now in fashion.

Now I have added the new necklace to my Funky Vintage Necklaces collection, and plan on selling and buying a lot more on ebay soon! Check out our online Help section for step by step guides to all the things you can do on iTaggit!

Grandma's Old Jewelry

msjudith45 — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:01:00 GMT

Hi everyone, I'm new here and I have added my Grandmother's old
jewelry to my site. I am looking for similar items or people who
have an idea what any of it's worth, if anything? I have lots of
memories of playing in my Grandma's jewelry box for hours when I
was a little girl. She is gone now but I think of her everytime I go
through her stuff. The funny thing, I also have her RN nurse pin and
her faults teeth. LOL J

Judith f

New Funky Vintage Jewelry Collection!

annemarie — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:58:00 GMT

So for those of you who don't know - I collect jewelry. I started adding my extensive collection to iTaggit last week - and it was so fun!

I can remember where I bought most pieces, or who gave them to me. I like being able to write the history of each piece on iTaggit.

I wanted to feature a few of my favorite pieces today

First is this huge necklace that my friend Jasmine gave to me. I love the organic feel it has, and it makes any t-shirt immediately dressy.

Second is my "wooden delight" necklace - I scored it at a Thrift store for a few bucks, and I get SO many compliments on it.

Check out the rest of my collection here! Read more of my blogs on Jewerly, Art, Crafts and Antiques here!