Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Vintage German Half Doll Hands Away with Letter
Vintage German Half Doll Hands Away with Letter
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Pale Green Art Glass Juliana Demi Parure
http://www.rubylane.com/ni/shops/fauxjewels/ilist?ss=juliana&sb=Search&samedb=1&sb=1
Friday, June 05, 2009
De Nicola Pearl Drop Earrings
Visit www.leecaplanvintagecollection.com for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Ballet Ballet Ballet
This and More for Sale at Fauxjewels
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
European Paste Diamante Pin
This and More for Sale at Fauxjewels
Monday, January 19, 2009
Just in Time for Valentines Day
Gold washed sterling silver open work stylized heart deep red stones and clear pave rhinestones. In excellent condition. Signed Nordic Sterling. Circa 1940. Pin is 2".
Scannavino family did jewelry designing and piecework manufacturing for major companies from the late 30's through 1965. Adrian Scannavino was a top model maker and jeweler. He worked for Pennino, Mazer and had his own business called Adrian Classics. He also made jewelry for Nordic. He also worked for Trifari during the 1920's and 30's. . #80
Heart Jewellery for Sale
Heart Flickr Album
Friday, October 31, 2008
Antique Paste Ring
Fine or costume... 8 fingers and 2 thumbs are sometimes not enough!!
Rings for Sale
Rings Flickr Album
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Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Wood Jewellery
From flowers to figurals, wood is a wonderful and sometimes very colourful medium.
Wood Pieces for Sale
Wood Flickr Album
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Saturday, May 03, 2008
Warner Grey & Clear Parure
Warner for Sale
Warner Flickr Album
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Monday, April 28, 2008
Royal Crown Derby Bone China Cup and Saucer
Bone China Cups & saucers for Sale
Tea Cup Flickr Album
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Hobé Filigree Leaf Clips
Hobé Pieces for Sale
In 1887, Jacques Hobé developed a concept: the manufacturing of fine jewelry at affordable prices, accessible to the general public. He began using the efficient manufacturing techniques born of the Industrial Revolution. He created filigree and crystal signature pieces sometimes including netsukes or hand-painted portraits. Now more than a century later, the innovations of Jacques Hobé are legendary.
Around 1915 his son William brought this art to the United States, where Hobé designs were sought after by Hollywood stars including Bette Davis and Ava Gardner. Due to the great demand in Hollywood, William opened a store on Rodeo Dr.
His two sons, Robert and Donald carried on William's work. They used unique stones and beads from around the world, including soft gemstones such as Jade, Tiger Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Malachite, and assorted Agates. Robert and Donald became renowned experts in fine Jade and the high quality imitation Pearls from the Island of Majorca. They developed 22 karat electrolytic gold finish, as well as bringing thousands of unique and innovative designs to the world.
James William Hobé, the grandson of William Hobé is continuing the family tradition from his studio in Rhode Island.
Hobé Pieces for Sale
Hobé Flickr Album
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Monday, November 19, 2007
Coro
Coro was founded in 1901/02, and was at one time the leading and largest manufacturer of costume jewellery in the world, with sales of $33 million a year at their peak. They had factories or plants in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Toronto, England and Mexico.
I particularly like their pins.
The Coro name is made up of the first 2 letters of the last names of the founders, Emanuel Cohn and Carl Rosenberger. Corporate name was registered in 1943.
Couture designers played the major role in establishing costume jewellery as an acceptable fashion item and costume jewelry companies like Coro were responsible for making it readily affordable to the mass market.
Charming Coro baubles, including the much sought-after clips, could be picked up at the local five and dime. Their upscale line, CoroCraft, offered high-end sterling silver pieces. Other branches of the Coro family include Vendome (60s), CoroCraft, and Francois, a short lived but beautiful line.
Through much of Coro's long history, Adolph Katz was responsible for the designers and marketing choices. He did not design jewelry. He selected the designs. According to Brunialti’s book Coro’s designers were:
Gene Verrecchio [Verri]--1938 to the end of the 1940
Charles E. Pauzat--1939-1940
Oscar Placco--1938-1945?
Robert Geissman--1938
Sidney Pearl--1941
Carol McDonald--1940
Lester Gaba--1941
Marion Weeber --1940-1941
Victor di Mezza--1950
William Spratling, Hector Aguilar and other silversmiths of Taxco, Mexico, made many piece for Coro's line of Mexican silver (and gold-plated silver) in the 1940's.
Many Coro, piece’s are highly collectible, such as their duettes, enamel florals, figurals and sterling pieces.
The old Coro enterprises ceased their operations in the 1970's.
I have many of Coro Patents available. #101117 to #152102
, #152103 to #177241
Coro Pieces for Sale
Coro Flickr Album
Coro Birds Flickr Album
Coro Figurals Flickr Album
Coro Flowers Flickr Album
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Friday, October 05, 2007
Glitz
Big, bold and beautifull ... the fabuous 50's reigned supreme!!
Glitz Pieces for Sale
Glitz Flickr Album
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Marvella
Marvella Inc.
1950 – present
Makers of simulated pearls jewelry, purchased in 1965 and is a division of Hallmark Cards.
Marvella Pieces for Sale
Marvella Flickr Album
Visit FauxJewels on RubyLane for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
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Kreisler
The Kreisler company was founded in 1913 in North Bergen New Jersey. At first they manufactured only precious jewelry findings. Now they make karat gold and gold-filled watchbands etc. In 1967 Toby Stern took control of the company and the company moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1977.
Kreisler was a noted watch band maker for higher end watches. He incorporated his band designs into magnificent pieces of costume jewelry.
Kreisler Pieces for Sale
Kreisler Patents Album
Kreisler Ad Flickr Album
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Thursday, May 10, 2007
ART NOUVEAU
Art Nouveau Period... 1895 until World War I characterized by curves and naturalistic designs, especially depicting longhaired, sensual women. Louis Comfort Tiffany made archetypal Art Nouveau pieces.
Art Nouveau Pieces for Sale
Art Nouveau Flickr Album
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Friday, November 10, 2006
KRAMER
Kramer Jewerly Creations, NY, 1943--c.1980
A favourite of mine... very under-rated and very collectible. Pieces vary hugely in design, material and can be very serious to flirty and whimsical.
Founded by Louis Kramer in 1943
KRAMER 1943 Block, KRAMER Pat Pend,
KRAMER in Capitals and copyright mark, after 1955
KRAMER STERLING
KRAMER of NEW YORK
KRAMER NEW YORK
The Diamond Look (script) KRAMER 1948
CHRISTIAN DIOR by KRAMER
The Golden Look (script) 1954
Perles de Lune - on Kramer Pearl Jewelry after Sept. 1962
Amourelle in script on heart shaped plaque, Frank Hess for Kramer 1963
Amourelle in script
Kramer for Sale
Kramer Flickr Album
Kramer Ads Flickr Album
Kramer Patents Flickr Album
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FRENCH COSTUME JEWELLERY
The House of Chanel, more commonly known as Chanel, was founded in 1909, the small shop selling ladies headwear had moved to the up market Rue Cambon within a year. The house became especially famous with the elegant little black dress, its signature Chanel No. 5 fragrance and the popular, an elegant Chanel suit comprised of a knee-length skirt and trim, boxy jacket, traditionally made of woven wool with black trim and gold buttons and worn with large costume-pearl necklaces.
Post war Chanel’s long time friend Suzanne Gripoix began to produce Pâte de Verre and nacrés glass pearls for sautoirs, buttons and brooches.
Robert Goossens work was based on Byzantine, Celt, Egyptian and Etruscan designs and techniques. He designed her fabulous 50’s collection of bar pins, bracelets, crosses and barrettes because Chanel was besotted with Byzantine works of art. He adapted many designs based on lion’s heads, as Coco was a Leo. He worked for her from 1954 – 1971.
Louis Rousselet’s firm was the maker of a major source of hand made glass beads, producing barrel-shaped, cylindrical in stepped geometric designs. His factory produced huge amounts of glass pearls until the late 60’s when production ceased.
Both Rousselet and Gripoix used double rows of pearls and beads with floral patterns in between. These pieces were very feminine and very “French”, and were usually hand tagged.
Her belief was “jewellery was not created to make one look rich, but to adorn”.
Made in France Pieces for Sale
French Flickr Album
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BOUCHER
Signatures
BOUCHER 1937-1971
copyright symbol used after 1955
MB (Boucher) phrygian cap mark 1937-1949
Pairisina
made in Mexico for Boucher during WW11
Marcel Boucher left France in 1925 for the United States and designed for Cartier. In 1937 Boucher established his own company, Marcel Boucher and Cie Company,. Sandra Raymonde Semensohn joined the company in 1949. Marcel and Sandre later married. Both Marcel (Cartier) and his wife Sandra (Harry Winston) began their careers in fine jewelry design. They created dimensional jewelry using multidimensional intricate enameling techniques and coloured rhinestones. Their upscale costume pieces show the same awareness and commitment to detail. The Phrygian cap* signature was used in 1937-1938. Marcel Boucher died in 1965. Sandra Boucher, his wife, ran the company until 1972. Boucher jewelry is usually signed and carries an inventory number. Boucher jewelry is high-end and can be tough to tell from the real thing.
Boucher Pieces for Sale
Boucher Flickr Album
Boucher Patents Flickr Album
Boucher Ads Flickr Album
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Friday, October 13, 2006
BAKELITE
Bakelite is a name for synthetic resin, phenol-formaldehyde.
Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland discovered the synthetic plastic while trying to produce synthetic shellac. When he combined carbolic acid and formaldehyde, the mixture would not pour out of the test tube. When neither heat nor any solvent would soften the new material, Baekeland realized that he had discovered something important - the first thermosetting plastic, a synthetic that would not melt once it had been heat set. Its initial use was in electrical insulation, and phenolic resins are still used today for that purpose.
In 1910 Baekeland founded the General Bakelite Company (later changed to the Bakelite Corporation), which became established in the United States, England, Germany, and Canada. Union Carbide acquired the Bakelite Corporation in 1939.
Bakelite Testing
NEVER PIN TEST BAKELITE…It ruins the value
Friction- rub piece vigorously to create heat and smell the piece immediately. If it has a smell like the old black telephones, it is bakelite. Hot water works creates the same smell.
Simichrome is available in a tube at your local hardware store. Use a tiny bit on a "Q" tip on the underside of the piece you are testing. When rubbed against bakelite it will turn a yellowish colour. Simichrome is great for polishing bakelite. You can use it on silver and other metals too.
Formula 409 is an all-purpose cleaner also can be used to test bakelite. Test put a small amount of 409 on a swab and rub it on a small area on the back of the piece you are testing. The “Q” tip will turn yellowish if it is bakelite. Wash the area afterwards with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Towel dry immediately afterward. 409 does not strip the finish.
HAPPY BAKELITE HUNTING!!!!!!!!!!
Bakelite Pieces for Sale
Bakelite Flickr Album
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Friday, April 21, 2006
ALICE CAVINESS
Alice Caviness is notable for its originality and use of complex materials and shows a richness of color, shape, and texture. Some Caviness pieces were manufactured in West Germany, and are marked as such. Many of these are sterling, often in delicate filigree. Production began in 1945, post World War II. She died in 1983. the company continued under the leadership of her partner, Lois Steever.
Alice Caviness Pieces for Sale
Alice Caviness Flickr Album
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Saturday, March 04, 2006
DANECRAFT
Danecraft made Sterling, gold filled and jewelry made of base metals. Victor Primavera, Sr. & James Felch founded Felch & Co. in Providence, RI in 1934, with Victor in charge of design and James in charge of administration & sales. The mark used was "Danecraft". In 1945 Primaverabought out Felch and changed the company name to Danecraft, which it has remained. Victor Primavera, Sr. died in 1977. Company is still owned and operated by the Primavera family. Danecraft is known for quality sterling silver designs similar to Scandinavian Jewellery.
Information kindly provided to Dotty Stringfield by Victor Primavera,
Danecraft Pieces for Sale
Danecraft Flickr Album
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Information kindly provided to Dotty Stringfield by Victor Primavera,
Saturday, February 18, 2006
HOLLYCRAFT
“Hollywood Jewelry Mfg” started making jewellery in the mid 30’s. The name was changed to “Hollycraft” in the late 40’s. There is speculation that the name was changed because of the similarity of names with “Joseff of Hollywood”. Pieces were not signed until 1948 and they did not date or use the copyright mark until 1950 through 1959. “Hollycraft” is known for their distinct antique gold settings and the use of colorful glass and rhinestones. Some of the most popular designs from the 1950s are those using a pastel pallet. Favourite colours are amethyst, aqua, citrine, pink, olivine and are rich and complex in design. Most pieces are nearly always done in gold-tone metal findings. They were leaders in creating much of the 50s costume jewelry. Many pieces have become classics and are avidly sought after by many collectors. Because of the use of dates many collectors only collect by year!
HollyCraft Pieces for Sale
HollyCraft Flickr Album
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Thursday, February 09, 2006
MIRIAM HASKELL
Miriam Haskell (1899-1981) is recognized as a very important American costume jewelry designer. She had a penchant for the unusual with her ostentatious accessories.
She was born in 1899 in Tell City, Indiana to immigrant parents… a Russian father and a Prussian mother.
At the dawn of the Roaring Twenties, Miriam Haskell moved to New York City with $500 in her pocket, opening a small boutique in her own name in the McAlpin Hotel. She sold costume jewelry that she designed. In the early 1920's, Haskell advertised "colored glass necklaces, one for each outfit, are considered a necessity this year.”
Miriam Haskell first began making jewelry commercially around 1924. Like her design predecessors in the Art Nouveau era, she designed and manufactured jewelry that evoked nature in their subjects and construction. She began to create the pieces using organic materials in her jewelry. Not only was Haskell riding the wave of the Roaring Twenties, she was creating a wave of her own. The Twenties were the years that all of the fashion rules were broken. Haskell's unbounded creativity met with enormous popularity. The prices for her costume jewelry were much lower than the cost of precious metals and stones, so anyone could afford to look fashionable. The popularity of her costume jewelry continued, even after the stock market crash. Her sales did not drop significantly until 1931
Frank Hess joined her in 1936 as the head artistic designer. He was a master of new and technically complex production techniques that allowed their vision for the jewelry to come into being. Hess worked as the lead designer until he retired in 1960. In August of 1950 ownership of the company goes to Joe Haskell. Design, production and promotion remained the responsibility of Frank Hess.
Quality was always evident, with the use of finer quality materials and all prong set in the design. Haskell jewelry is known for its use of elaborate filigree and careful wiring, all handmade and accommodating a variety of designs. Haskell filigree was typically electroplated gold tone metal in an antique gold finish. The beads were bought from France and Italy. Most of the crystals came from Bohemia.
During World War II forced Haskell to use alternative materials including plastics. She had to purchase more of her beads and crystals from sources closer to home. Production did continue during the war years. She introduced patriotic designs to contribute to the war effort.
After the war, styles changed. Clothing was made of more luxurious materials. The designs became more vibrant, colorful, and feminine as the 1950s approached. Haskell designs became more elaborate including larger pieces and necklaces of multiple bead strands. In the late 1940s as fashion returned to the pages of the newspaper designers began marketing their creations and growing their businesses.
Joe Haskell sells the company to Morris Kinzler in 1955. Hess is still a major force within the company.
In 1958 at Hess’s suggestion Robert F. Clark joins the company and Sanford Moss becomes general manager.
1960 Robert Clark takes over from Hess and Hess becomes vice president. Clark continued the traditions and incorporated some of his own ideas into production. He also used new materials such as mother of pearl. Clark leaves the company in 1967.
1968 designer Larry Vrba joined the company. In 1970 he becomes chief designer. He introduced completely new and more exotic designs that reflected the times of the 1960s and 1970s.
Millie Petronzio became the first woman to lead the design department at Miriam Haskell in 1980, continuing to make some of the old designs, often with archived older materials, but as those before her continues to introduce new designs and design elements in their lines.
Haskell jewelry has always been noted for the detailing thus the cost. The jewelry is known for the asymmetrical designs. In the early years, Haskell jewelry was not marked and production was limited. Many of "unsigned" Haskell pieces are questionable as to authenticity.
Haskell never registered her designs. She began to sign her pieces in 1950. The Miriam Haskell trademark was not received until 1988, 64 years after she began designing. Because there were no marks to identify her work prior to 1950, it is difficult to verify many of her pieces.
Several signatures including an incised "Miriam Haskell" on the hook, "Miriam Haskell" in a crescent shaped cartouche, and an oval stamp "Miriam Haskell" on the clasp. Some designs during the fifties were incredibly elaborate, combining stones, pearls, beads, and filigree in new and exciting ways.
The company was sold to Frank Fialkoff in 1990 and is still producing today, making some of the older designs such as the Retro line introduced in the early 90s as well as doing custom work.
A must for the Haskell collector are the books “Miriam Haskell Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors)”by Cathy Gordon and Sheila Pamiloff and “The Jewels of Miriam Haskell” by Deanna Farneti Cera.
References for this Bio:
Miriam Haskell Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Cathy Gordon and Sheila Pamiloff
The Jewels of Miriam Haskell by Deanna Farneti Cera
Miriam Haskell Pieces for Sale
Miriam Haskell Flickr Album
Haskell Ads Flickr Album
Find this designer at Designer of the Week & FauxJewels
Many thanks to Dotty Stringfield & Pat Seal for all their hard work at Illusion Jewels.
Friday, December 30, 2005
WEARING TIPS
Remember that these pieces were made as “throw away” jewelry and do not have the strength of gold, and platinum. So be gentle handling them, but do not be afraid to wear your pieces. Be creative: wear your jewels in your hair, on a purse, on your shoes, on a belt.
Visit www.leecaplanvintagecollection.com for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
Please visit our site Designer of the Week & FauxJewels
Thursday, December 29, 2005
COLLECTING TIPS
COLLECTING TIPS
When purchasing Vintage Costume Jewelry you should:
Ask questions about the history of the piece
Check the back and front for repairs and replaced stones
Carry a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe
Check that the pin back is secure and is working properly
Put both earrings on to see if the clip is tight and will stay on your ears
Check that all the prongs are tight and not broken
Rub bakelite to create friction, it should release a smell reminiscent of formaldehyde
Buy from a reputable dealer, it may cost you a little more but you will be buying the real thing not a repro
AND REMEMBER
If it is too good to be true, it probably is!!!!!
STORING TIPS
Store vintage jewellery in a dry area. Moisture will corrode metal
Use mild soap and water to clean your pieces. Dry carefully and then finish the
drying with a hair drier.
You can use silver polish on sterling, but be very gentle as you may remove the
wonderful patina that made this piece so special.
Be careful with foiled stones, cleaning them with liquid may remove the foil backing.
Store in boxes or on jewelry trays, not plastic bags as condensation can occur.
Use a pearl cloth to clean pearls
Buy a sunshine cloth to keep your pieces clean and polished
WEARING TIPS
Remember that these pieces were made as “throw away” jewelry and do not have the strength of gold, and platinum. So be gentle handling them, but do not be afraid to wear your pieces.
Be creative: wear your jewels in your hair, on a purse, on your shoes
Mix your styles, metal tones and textures.
Cluster groups of pins, stack bracelets on your arm.
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Visit www.leecaplanvintagecollection.com for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
Please visit our site Designer of the Week & FauxJewels
Please visit our sites Designers of the Week & FauxJewels
STORING TIPS
STORING TIPS
Store vintage jewelery in a dry area. Moisture will corrode metal
Use mild soap and water to clean your pieces. Dry carefully and then finish the
drying with a hair drier.
You can use silver polish on sterling, but be very gentle as you may remove the
wonderful patina that made this piece so special.
Be careful with foiled stones, cleaning them with liquid may remove the foil backing.
Store in boxes or on jewelry trays, not plastic bags as condensation can occur.
Use a pearl cloth to clean pearls
Buy a sunshine cloth to keep your pieces clean and polished
Use standing paper towel holders for your bangles
Use plastic egg trays for earrings
Visit www.leecaplanvintagecollection.com for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
Please visit our site Designer of the Week & FauxJewels
Please visit our sites Designers of the Week & FauxJewels
Friday, December 23, 2005
WHERE IT ALL STARTED!!
As long as I can remember I have had collections. My first collections were rocks and minerals and of course stamps.
My rocks are long gone and the stamps are stored in a box.
My collecting had a hiatus of some years and lasted until I met my other half. We began collecting stuff together to furnish a house, decorate the walls and set the table. Many a weekend was spent searching in flea markets and along country roads.
My vintage jewellery and accessory collecting evolved naturally from the hunt as I began to pick up bright shiny objects and interesting compacts and purses. Everything I purchased at that time was for my own use. As collections do, mine became too big for just me, so I began to sell pieces I had worn and loved to be replaced by new vintage pieces.
Visit www.leecaplanvintagecollection.com for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
Please visit our site Designer of the Week & FauxJewels
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
WELCOME
Welcome to FauxJewels Blog & Designers of the Week.
I have chosen this particular pin as my logo for many reasons. A few being: It’s outrageous: it’s simple and it has a sense of humour!! Whether you collect by designer or just buy what appeals to you, each one is SPECIAL in its own right and reflects a distinctive design and flare and often a sense of humour.
My rooster is by Hattie Carnegie and it is a rare hard to find piece. Chunky pieces of carved red, black and yellow bakelite are set in antique gold tone base metal. The pin is signed Hattie Carnegie on oval plaque. Circa 1940. 3 ¼” by 2 ½”.
On my website you will find many out of the ordinary items…some will appeal to you while others will not. I have tried to add as much information to my site in regards to biographies of many of the designers, a glossary, a newsletter, patent information and suggested reading or drooling in many cases.
If a piece is in a book or a vintage advertisement, I have tried to reference it.
If you collect vintage costume jewelry and accessories you can learn about collecting and post your wish list here. If you have questions, you may post or ask me about it! To post, find a topic below and add your comments or thoughts. Please add pictures and a way to get in touch! You are welcome to email me if you need a new thread started!
Visit www.leecaplanvintagecollection.com for more info on this piece and more vintage costume jewellery.
Please visit our site Designer of the Week & FauxJewels