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