Vintage Jewelry Collect ~ Vintage Jewelry & Stylist Services

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2009-07-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

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The Origin of Costume Jewelry

2009-06-20T02:28:00.000-07:00

The original of the word "Costume Jewelry" is certainly debatable. Here a quick summary of my understanding of the origin of the term costume jewelry.

In my personal research I first saw the term used in 1916. The term itself was not defined but was used simply as a statement, "The most fashionable jewelry of the moment is the so-called costume jewelry..." The term appeared to be used to distinguish this jewelry from the higher priced jewelry typically worn for evening attire. The term costume jewelry didn't appear to regularly in articles until the early 1920's... more specifically 1923.

Backstory....

As is typical.... Fashion was evolving. Designers had historically embellished garments with an array of ornamental material. But as fashion evolved during the 1910's and became less embellished, a whole new industry developed to adorn the daytime frock. Fashion during this period was translated to the public almost as a morality, including protocols about the proper jewelry adornment for each costume-- protocols carefully crafted by the jewelry industry. :)

Beginning around 1915, the jewelry industry became set on educating the public about the "proper" wear and use of jewelry. They felt that the American public at large was not adequately informed about how jewelry could be worn. Up to this point, it had been thought proper to wear jewelry with the evening gown. Jewelry for daytime wear was either nonexistent or in the opinion of the experts, "improperly worn." To remedy this, (translation: increase sales) the jewelry industry formed committees to educate American women on the wearing of jewelry for various costumes and daytime activities. With this education, the acceptance of proper jewelry adornment began to change from "real" gems for evening wear to semi-precious. As the acceptance increased going into the early 1920s, it became more and more respectable for jewelry to be worn made of imitation stones and crystals. Then, to thwart the naysayers or critics of this new phenomenon, who called this new non-precious jewelry geegaw (cheap), the jewelry industry give it the name "costume jewelry," and heralded it as the essence of fashion.

Is it rare?

2009-04-08T23:57:00.001-07:00

Is it rare?

This question is one that I've pondered about as I've gone through the process of writing the book on The Napier Co. I often see pieces labeled as rare which I personally would not call rare, but could possibly understand why someone else might.

Napier manufactured very small production runs of its designs until the early to mid 1960's. Often only 12 to 25 of any particular design were ever made and it's those pieces, albeit the normal productions levels for Napier, that are the pieces I sometimes call "rare." On the other hand, a "massive" run for Napier would be 1000 + maybe 500 for a second production. That's 1500 pieces total. When you think about how few numbers that is in comparison to the population, it might still be considered "rare" if you see it come up on Ebay every 3 to 6 months but in reality it isn't rare at all. It's mass production. Rarity in my opinion can only be assessed by that actual production numbers and that data is something that we simply don't have. "Rarity" can be a slippery slope. My less than scientific or factual method (regarding Napier) has really been based on how often it shows up on Ebay. If I see a piece maybe once every 3 or 4 years... my guess is that it's "rare." If it comes up every once month or so... The production was probably at least in the 300 range (which was also a common production run) and I still wouldn't call that rare.

It's the museum pieces... The over the top pieces that only a couple samples were ever made that are the true rare pieces of Napier. Where did they sell the most of those pieces you might ask... Florida and Texas. :)

Vintage Napier Necklace ~ It's All In The Design

2009-02-26T00:43:00.000-08:00

I'm an avid Napier jewelry enthusiast and historian. I especially love the design aesthetic of the older pieces. They're timeless and simply put, "Works of
Art." This piece was part of the Napier fashion jewelry wardrobe that was given to Miss America, Karen Ritchie in 1955.

If you're interested in receiving the pre-sale notification for the definitive book on Napier Fashion Jewelry coming out Fall 2009, drop us a line through this blog. This much awaited book will contain over 700 pages covering the history of The Napier Co. with over 3000 full color images of fabulous jewelry, ads, and artwork. write us at napier @ vintagejewelrycollect.com

Estruscan Painting Transfers

2008-12-20T00:46:00.000-08:00

Etruscan painting transfers using a patented technique invented by Mr. Isaacson David became a popular novelty. Photographic images were transferred onto delicate stone set brooches leaving an appearance of a photograph on porcelain. Royalties were paid such that the makers of these items could manufacture and sell the jewelry and display the image.

Vintage Church Ornaments

2008-12-20T00:42:00.000-08:00

Church Ornaments
Church ornaments, which had until around 1880 been primarily imported into America from France and Germany, were now being manufactured in Providence and were nationally recognized as being made of high quality and workmanship.

Vintage Jewelry

2008-11-08T18:54:00.001-08:00

Vintage Jewelry

Judith Miller on Martha Stewart

2008-11-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Antique's expert, Judith Miller appeared today on The Martha Stewart show. She had a wonderful display of jewelry that ranged from Trifari, Coro, Joseph, Miriam Haskell and Stanley Hagler.

One statement made by Judith might lead to a misunderstanding about the history of Stanley Hagler. She said that Stanley Hagler worked for Miriam Haskell...Which although correct, only tells part of the story. Unfortunately she didn't qualify the type of employment he had with the company. He did work for Miriam Haskell, but he never designed for the company.

According to "Miriam Haskell Jewelry" by Cathy Gordon and Sheila Pamiloff, "Mr. Hagler work for Haskell for six months, but never as a designer. According to Stanley's brother, Ernest, he was hired during Frank Hess's tenture and filled several minor positions, but never as an assistant designer."

For more information on the history of Miriam Haskell, please purchase Cathy's and Sheila's book. It is one of the most informative books on the market that will dispel a lot of misinformation about the jewelry manufactured by The Miriam Haskell Co and leave the reader with a valuable depth of knowledge.

To learn more about the book click here:

http://www.glitterbox.com/haskellbook.htm

It's an excellent investment that will pay for itself many times over.

Jewelry Truths

2008-10-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

The informative site, "Jewelry Truths" will begin to explore misconceptions about vintage costume jewelry that often lead to challenging purchases and big disappointments. Learn the trade secrets that will make your collecting of costume jewelry rewarding.

Visit: http://jewelrytruth.blogspot.com/ For Information on Napier Sterling Jewelry

The Bracelet Watch

2008-10-31T23:42:00.000-07:00

The bracelet watch was introduced around 1912 and was considered by most as just a passing fad. These same watches, which were also worn by men, were called, “wrist watches.” This novelty item was not predicted to last long for manufacturers, especially since it was thought that American men would continue to favor the pocket watch. The wrist watch, however, did not become a passing fad and by 1914 this novelty became an important part of a solder’s issued battlefield uniform. By the end of this same year another way of wearing the time piece was introduced, and the lapel watch became popular with men.
For women the early examples of these watches were designed with a fitting that allowed the watch to be worn either on the wrist, on a chatelaine, or as a locket. During this decade the watch band for women evolved and was styled from leather, ribbon, cord mesh or an expansion bracelet.

All rights Reserved Copyrighted 2008 Vintage Jewelry Collect

For More Amazing Jewelry go to: www.vintagejewelrycollect.com

E. A. Bliss (E.A.Co) Jewelry, Purses, Chatelaines Wanted

2008-10-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

E. A. Bliss (E.A.Co) Jewelry, Purses, Chatelaines Wanted

Please see below for information on the E. A. Bliss trademark. We hope that you find this information helpful. At VJC, we are seeking the opportunity to purchase your E. A Bliss pieces and hope that you will consider us. Save time and money with listing fees and other commissions by going directly to a buyer.

We are currently seeking items made by The E. A. Bliss Company for a long term book and archive recreation project. The mark of The E.A. Bliss Company can be tricky to recognize and it probably one of the most confusing marks that sellers and dealers try to identify.

Early Bliss pieces will be marked with a circular mark E A Co. The "Bliss" or "B" part of the mark is represented by a honey bee in the upper right of the mark. Below are two examples where the mark is clearly defined.

Often this mark can be faint and difficult to interpret--Sometimes mistaken as EAC or EF Co, EL Co., FCO .

The trademark was used from the late 1890's until approximately 1917. Then the company began to use the word mark BLISS. Rare "transition pieces" will have both the old mark of E. A. Co. and the BLISS mark adjacent to it.

Items that VJC seeks for this project include: mesh purses, chatelaines, brooches, necklaces, sash pins, buckle brooches, hair combs. Most common metal finishes that were use in manufacturing by The E. A. Bliss Co. were either gilt or German Silver and less often enamel or pieces with a jet finish. Brooches, buckles, and purses can be very simple to ornately jeweled.

For more information on E. A. Bliss in the future publication of the much anticipated book on "The Napier Co." write: napier @ vintage jewelry collect dot com.

If you have items to sell please contact napier_research @ vintage jewelry collect dot com. If you'd like to donate a picture for the book please contact us at the email address listed above.

All contributors will be credited.

VJC Featured In Italian Vogue "A Black Issue"

2008-07-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Italian Vogue "A Black Issue" Hits Newsstands

The much anticipated July issue of Italian Vogue hit the newsstands this week. This issue is being praised for exclusively focusing on the use of Black models who have historically been under-represented in fashion magazines and on the runways.

The much talked about issue will feature over 100 pages of editorial shots photographed by fashion photographer Steven Meisel and designed by fashion editor Edward Enninful. The extremely sophisticated issue is sending a message to fashion editors around the world that the public wants a more accurate representation of all ethnic and racial backgrounds--especially when it comes to fashion.

The much recognized fashion forum "The Fashion Spot" is buzzing with users applauding Italian's Vogue's choice in better representing this demographic.

The sophistication of this issue rivals anything else out there on the newsstands today.

VJC is proud to be a part of this outstanding fashion editorial.

http://vintagejewelrycollect.com/italian_vogue_a_black_issue.html

Hot Jewelry Fashion For Sping/Summer 2007

2007-03-07T22:40:00.000-08:00

Bangles are hot, hot, hot!

One of the hottest new fashion statements for Spring/Summer 2007 are bracelets and lots of them. Be it the heavy concave gold tone bangle designs, the fashionable Napier Trianon bangle bracelets, silver tone wide link bracelets, Lucite or white enamel; bangles and bracelets are a girl’s best friend says jewelry historian and stylist Rachel Elizabeth

Abbott claims that the most interesting bracelets are perhaps the vintage styles from the 1960’s and 1970’s when fashion jewelry was still being manufactured with high quality in mind.

Putting together today’s fashion with yesterday’s jewelry gives the fashion conscious a unique fashion style with less chance that the girl next door is going to be wearing the same jewelry. “I tend to gravitate towards vintage pieces because they’re traditionally unique” says Abbott. “My clients prefer vintage jewelry especially for photo shoots because it gives the fashion stylist a variety of jewelry that is not only sophisticated, but decidedly different from what everybody else is using.”

Some of Abbott’s favorite vintage pieces are Kenneth J. Lane, vintage Trifari enamel bangles, vintage Napier bracelets from the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and Dominique Aurientis rhinestone link bracelets.

Perhaps the most famous bracelet wearer was Nancy Cunard, the infamous socialite from the 1920’s who was know for her Bohemian style and trend setting fashion created by wearing stacks of fabulous bangles.

Kenneth J. Lane was also a noted designer for bracelets. The 1960’s epitomized his wonderful fantasy bangles, made of bazaar animal motifs which were encrusted with rhinestones and cabochons and painted with stunning rich enamel colors.

So pile them up high! Don't hesitate to mix metals with enamels, Lucite with wood and remember your best bet is to visit your favorite vintage online store for that unique fashion look.

From the jewelry stylists at

Vintage Jewelry Collect
Your online jewelry resource!

Oscar Glamour in Suburbia

2007-02-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

Oscar Glamour in Suburbia --Jewelry For The Stars

So you want to watch the Oscars and have a little glam for the evening. Oscar cocktail parties are becoming the latest fad in suburbia.
But what’s a gal to do? Black dress—no problem. High heeled pumps—pull out the Manolo Blahnik look a likes and don’t forget to grab that fabulous French clutch.
Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Yes, but where’s a gal to get the Crown Jewels? Well you could go to Nordstroms, Saks, Chanel, or YSL and spend a month’s salary on a pair of earrings or you can hire the services of a jewelry stylist and “borrow” your fabulous Bijouterie primed and ready to walk down the red carpet.

A jewelry stylist acts as your personal jewelry consultant and can provide you with your Starlet accoutrements for a fraction of the cost over purchasing jewelry.
A skilled jewelry stylist will be able to listen and address your accessory needs taking into consideration the outfit, event and personal tastes.

Owners of Vintage Jewelry Collect says that “Selecting jewelry can be a very challenging proposition especially when the client wants something dramatic and unique.”

The folks at VJC should know as their services have been requested numerous times by Conde Nast’s “Vogue Italia.” The stylists have worked with renowned International Fashion Stylist Edward Enninful by providing jewelry for both fashion editorials and print ads. Their jewelry has been photographed by fashion photographer greats such as Steven Meisel and Michael Thompson and worn by numerous stars including Catherine DeNeuve, Pam Anderson, Naomi Campbell, Carmen Electra and many others.

They continue by saying, “It’s quite rewarding to do what we do. It’s like playing dress up and it’s our job to create wonderful choices for our client such that she can feel absolutely stunning.”

Jewelry stylists such as the professionals at VJC pull pieces for clients from vintage jewelry collections. “We prefer using vintage jewelry for a number of reasons. The first is that most likely no one else will be wearing the same piece. Second, for the real bling bling, the old vintage stones are far superior to most jewelry on the market today. It embodies the glamor of Hollywood in the 1930’s and 1940’s.” They also note that many of their pieces are from those eras and provide Hollywood costume designers and wardrobe stylists with historically accurate jewelry props for film.
For more information about how to use their services (jewelry stylist) you can write: sales @ vintagejewelrycollect.com or call 707-751-1665 .

New Napier Listings on Vintage Jewelry Collect

2006-10-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

We are happy to present several new pieces of Vintage Napier jewelry including three fabulous vintage Napier charm bracelets. This collection includes the famous Fruit Charm Bracelet and several other rather rare pieces of vintage Napier jewelry.

Please visit our Napier Gallery at: http://www.vintagejewelrycollect.com/c-signed-Napier-gallery1.html

Just click on each picture in the gallery for purchasing details.

The Napier Company Jewelry ~ History Wanted For Research

2005-08-30T00:31:00.000-07:00

Attention Owners of Napier Jewelry and other artifacts

The Napier Company is the oldest fashion jewelry manufacturer in the history of United States. The company’s history is rich both in longevity and presence within the market and it set the standard for the American fashion jewelry industry in not only quality but design. It’s designs and manufacture far surpassed most of its competitors during its height of operation and much of the vintage jewelry is coveted by collectors. (Copyright 2005)

Melinda Abbott in conjunction with Vintage Jewelry Collect is seeking to purchase all types of vintage Napier jewelry, items, articles and material related to the company. She is currently working on the first book to be written about this fabulous company.

With the help of interested parties, the history and culture of The Napier Company will not be forgotten. This wonderful company began its history in 1875 in North Attleboros Massachusetts by two men in the Union Building; a small and modest location within the town limits.

Today, contrary to what is sited on most websites, Napier jewelry is still being manufactured using many of the same techniques that it became renowned for. Currently, The Napier Company is owned and operated under the corporate umbrella of Jones New York. Although the historic plant closed in 1999 in Meriden Connecticut, its jewelry is still being manufactured and distributed today.

Vintage Jewelry Collect is also seeking to purchase or have donated all types of related material regarding The Napier Company to be included in forthcoming projects and exhibits sponsored by the future Benicia Historic Museum Of Costume Jewelry. You can be an active part in making this book and museum exhibit a reality.

Kindly email your information here: napier_research@vintagejewelrycollect.com
For some examples of Napier click here: http://www.vintagejewelrycollect.com/c-signed-Napier_history.html

Warmest Regards,

Melinda Abbott VJC
http://www.vintagejewelrycollect.com/

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The information provided by this website is for educational purposes only and is protected by U.S. Copyright Laws. It may not be reproduce whole or in part by means of photographic copy, digital reproduction, voice translation, recreation of content or any other means without the expressed written consent of Vintage Jewelry Collect or its owners.
Attention: Webmasters, Merchants and Ebay Sellers. It is not permissible to use said content for any commercial website, print, digital use, or online auction venue to augment or describe any item for financial gain or sale.

To obtain permission for educational purposes write: sales@vintagejewelrycollect.com

Selling Your Jewelry To A Dealer

2004-10-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

Selling your jewelry to a Dealer.

Selling your vintage jewelry to a dealer can be an overwhelming experience for some. Often there are emotions attached to the sale or obligations to the estate or heirs. Vintage Jewelry Collect wants to provide some helpful hints in improving that experience such that it’s a win/win for all parties involved.

Most dealers want YOU to feel good about the transaction. Dealers want to create an atmosphere where the seller is going to be satisfied with the terms of the sale. To understand the logic in the offer you receive from an antique dealer here are some facts to remember.

The seller should:

1. Have an idea of a price you would feel satisfied in selling the individual item or lot for. Don’t expect the dealer to price the lot out for you. Giving appraisals too in some states requires that the person is licensed.
2. Never sell ANYTHING that still has great emotional attachment and present for sale ONLY those items you are clear about selling. A dealer doesn’t want you to have seller’s regret.
3. Make sure that your price is realistic and ask yourself the following question.
a. Are the pieces in good condition with no broken parts or missing parts, rust or green corrosion noted?
4. Always make sure you contact an established dealer through referral, phone book or Internet.
5. Expect generally no more than 30% of retail value for your items.
6. Never expect to get a “Book” price for a piece. Although books can act as a guide, collectors’ books are often written with unrealistic prices that don’t reflect the current market value but are there to SELL books. We all want our collections to be worth thousands!!!
7. If you believe you can “do better” selling it yourself; TRY IT! Most people find that it isn’t worth their time and aggravation in selling the items themselves to realize the retail value. There are over 60,000 auctions for jewelry on Ebay at any given moment. That’s a lot of auctions for a buyer to FIND your one item. And there is seller costs associated with selling on an auction venue whether you sell the item or not.
8. Selling to a dealer outright gives you immediate CASH in your pocket.

About The Antique Dealer /Vintage Costume Jewelry Seller

The antique dealer is in the business to make a profit.
It costs $$$ to bring any item to market; store front, B/M, auction site or website.
It takes a great deal of time to prepare a product for sale; especially internet sales.
Often a dealer has a piece in his/her inventory for months or years before they have the sale.
Know that if you have a price that doesn’t meet the dealer’s profit margin they will counter with an offer that reflects the current market value.
Understand that the dealer’s objective is to NOT offend you!!! Don’t take counter offers personal.

The truth is that reputable dealers need and want you to realize a fair price for the items presented to them because without the public bringing items to the Antique dealer, they won’t be in business long. So as long as you go to a trusted dealer in your area, they will more than likely be more than fair with their negotiating around the items you have for sale.

Vintage Jewelry Collect does purchase costume jewelry estates, and individual pieces. Should you wish to schedule an appointment, please call 707-751-1665. We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area and have flexible hours to meet your appointment needs.

Fall Fashion Trends 2004 ~ Hot Styles

2004-10-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Jewelmates:

This season’s fall fashion is going Retro. The sophistication of the Thirties, Forties and Fifties is finding its way on the fashion runways. Brooches especially are the essential part of adornment this fall. Gracing the delicate sweater designs or retro style blazers brooches are being grouped in numbers of 3 or more. They are also finding their way as an accent on the fronts of purses or the tops of shoes as a quaint accent piece.

Not only are brooches adorning the tops of women, but stacks of bangles are working their way up the arm or layers of chains with beads or other material are being presented.

This year’s clothing is less revealing. With more of the body being covered, the desire to impress with the “Bling Bling” is ever more present.

Emanuel Ungaro is featuring big bold rhinestone cuffs, leather and rhinestone cuffs, large floral brooches. Companies such as Chanel accent their classic tweed blazers with gorgeous rhinestone brooches. Ralph Lauren is featuring large turquoise style cuffs similar in style to those designed by the Napier Company in the 1970’s.

Large chandelier earrings with the style of Hollywood are sweeping the shoulders of the evening dress and just about anything retro is in!

Vintage Jewelry Collect is proud to have many of today’s hottest fashion jewelry. The sophisticated and savvy shopper is going to know that pieces actually made in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties are constructed with the finest materials that were available in the market. Almost all of the finer costume jewelry of those eras was constructed right here in America. Of course there were the couture houses such as Chanel and Schiaparelli, but the majority of jewelry worn by the American woman was made in Providence Rhode Island.

Now, most jewelry is made overseas and the fine costume jewelry companies of yesterday no longer exist or are struggling to stay open. The quality of manufacture is lacking in today’s jewelry and unless one holds a piece to feel the weight and silkiness of the fine metal plating you probably won’t understand why most Vintage pieces will outlast those made today with the retro look. Often too, vintage jewelry is far less expensive than most major department stores. So give yourself a treat and visit our online catalogue with over 110 years of fashion adornment.

The funny thing is too… A recent large cuff bracelet featured in a style magazine by Ben Amun is actually from a vintage design or perhaps even vintage stock, so not always is new better… A photograph of the actual vintage piece is available here:

http://www.vintagejewelrycollect.com/jewelcollect_notes.html

Happy Shopping

VJC