Glitz

Big, bold and beautifull ... the fabuous 50's reigned supreme!!

Glitz Pieces for Sale


Glitz Flickr Album

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


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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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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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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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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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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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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,

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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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

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Many thanks to Dotty Stringfield & Pat Seal for all their hard work at Illusion Jewels.

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.

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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

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.

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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