Junky Jewelry®

where Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Look closely at the picture, can you spot the Napier jewelry?
Napier is one of the longest in business company, initially founded in 1875. Two name changes later, they became Napier Company in 1922. The company was closed in 1999 but are still in business under a different company. Do you know the company name they presently work under?

50% Off all Vintage Jewelry in Our St. Pete Store

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:34:00 +0000

I'm back! The store in St. Pete is open and functional (finally). I know I have been so negligent keeping updated on the blog, too many pans in the fire and all of them a priority, ha, ha!

Our official grand opening is June 30, 2009 and we are celebrating with 50% off all jewelry and body elan products, so stop by if you are in the area. I'm always there from 11 AM to 4 PM, we are closed on Mondays.
Most of my research books are now in the store if you need to use them for your own vintage jewelry research.

I recently acquired a large collection and I need to find room in my cases so the 50% off sale will continue until July 10, 2009.

This Sunday, June 28, 2009 is also the 2nd Annual Hogs & Dogs located on Central Ave beginning at 24th St. Time is from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Doggie Pageant
Live Music
Motorcycle Show
Hot Dog Eating Contest
and of course,
Shopping!
If you haven't been down to Central in a while, you are going to love the changes.

Stay tuned for more Who Am I's and Vintage Jewelry Trivia, have a sparkling day!

Eclectic Ave
2436 Central Ave
St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Junky Jewelry Update

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Wow! Things have been moving along well with the new store although I barely have time to pay attention to the blog!
Here's the latest:

I have the opportunity to help with the liquidation of a rather huge collection of vintage jewelry starting in Sept. 2009 so all the jewelry I have will be marked down to 50% at the end of June in our brick and mortar store and the end of July on the website. If you are in the St. Pete area, stop by and say hi!
2436 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

The Store is Open!

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:16:00 +0000

We are open in St. Petersburg, FL! Our address is
2436 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712

I've brought my research books so if you are in the area, please feel free to bring your jewelry in to research.
I've opened with two other partners, we have wigs, hairpieces, handmade crafts, soy candles and some beautiful automotive artistry.
We are part of the Grand Central Shopping District which hosts a Peddler's Market every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. A variety of vendors set up with plants, antiques, collectibles and more along the 2400 - 2600 block of Central.

We are hosting a Bake For Hope Bake Sale on May 3, 2009

Bake For Hope! Come visit the Bake For Hope Bake Sale Booth on May 3, 2009 during Peddler's Market on Central Ave. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Susan G Komen affliates.

Peddlers Market is located from 2400 - 2600 Central Ave in St. Petersburg, FL every Sunday from 11a - 3p.

Also seeking volunteer bakers to donate baked goods for the bake sale, all bakers receive a free small "thank you" basket from Our Favorite Things. Call JoAnna at 727-452-8701 for more information.

Who Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Introduced to the better department stores in 1945.
Bold, intricate designs including three dimensional and tremblers.
Well constructed and often gold plated.
Designs reflective of history with emphasis on Aztec and Chinese characteristics.

Who Am I?

Bonanzle Site

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Wow! There are not many sites I recommend outside of the vintage costume jewelry research but I am really liking this new site Bonanzle! I opened a booth and listed some of my vintage jewelry for sale. I'm holding my very first "bonanza" today in approx. 3 hours. Everything in my booth is 15% off. If you sell, check into this site, it's very easy, friendly and free to list. You only pay a small amount when your item sells. Have fun and join us for our first "bonanza!"

http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/junkyjewelry

Who Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:02:00 +0000

I worked for Mariam Haskell as a freelance designer in the 1940's.
I opened my own jewelry business in 1945.
My jewelry was well crafted jewelry, I had a reputation for high standards.
Some of the characteristics of my jewelry include:
Hand sewn beads and faux pearls
Brass and glass designs
Limited production.
I retired to Palm Beach Fl in 1960's

Who Am I?

ANSWER: ROBERT DeMARIO

Who Made Me?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:32:00 +0000

I know you all thought I forgot about you but I didn't! We're adding a new line to our jewelry, it's gorgeous! But, no peeking now...

In the meantime, can you guess what designer manufactured this ring?
(you'll never believe it...)

ANSWER: FLORENZA

Junky Jewelry Site Update

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:40:00 +0000

Whew! Did you think I forgot about you? I've been so busy around here the days are flying by... I've received a few more books since last month, both of the American Costume Jewelry volumes A-M and N-Z. I hope to have a book review up here soon. These are Brunialti books previously only available in Italian (and expensive). I bought mine at Amazon for $37.95 each. A real bargain as these books are the cornerstone to costume jewelry research.
More later...

Juliana Jewelry Resource Link

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:45:00 +0000

Wow! The folks at Juliana Jewelry have really worked hard on their site! There are lots of photos of verified Juliana jewelry as well as a section where you can upload pictures of your jewelry to confirm whether or not they were manufactured by D & E.
Here's the latest:

http://julianajewelry.net/juliana_jewelry_tutorial2.htm

A nice picture tutorial of classic D & E characteristics.

Jewelry Historian Society

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:14:00 +0000

Fascinated by jewelry? I love the American Society of Jewelry Historians! If you live in the northeast part of the US, you will gain a lot of information about jewelry, designers and fashions. The ASJH is not limited to antique/vintage, they welcome jewelry lovers of all kinds. I live too far to attend the meetings and seminars but they usually have a page of web exhibits. If you are into Native American jewelry, check out the older exhibit: Totems to Turquoise for 2005.

http://www.jewelryhistorians.com/index.html

Enjoy!

Who Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:40:00 +0000

In business from 1940's to late 1970's
Owner name: Arthur Pepper
Well known for Victorian and Renaissance Revival
Good quality workmanship, wholesale only.

What was the name of this costume jewelry company?

Answer: ART aka MODEART

How to Clean Rhinestone Costume Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:23:00 +0000

Rhinestones are most commonly found two ways.
Foil back: A thin sheet of foil is attached to the bottom of the stone. This allows it tremendous sparkle when the light hits it.
Rhinestones without a foil back are often in an open back setting (similar to diamonds/gemstones) which allows light to pass through.

As moisture is a real enemy of foil back rhinestones, care should be taken to properly clean your jewelry without damaging the stones. Over time, dampness will disintegrate the foil backing creating blackness in your stones. Perspiration and perfumes can have the same effect.

Never dunk your costume jewelry in any commercial solution or soapy water. The effects of the damage will not be seen right away. Sure, your lovely brooch LOOKS sparkly and clean but wait six months after that foil starts to show the damage...

When I clean my rhinestone jewelry, here is what I do:

I take my time and don't rush through the job. Generally, I allow 10 minutes per stone. Often, it doesn't take that long but I like the fact that it keeps me from rushing through the job knowing I have plenty of time.

I use a baby's toothbrush with soft bristles. Get the softest small brush possible and practice brushing your hand or arm. Don't use force, you want to barely feel the bristles. Rhinestones can be scratched if you use too much force, even with a soft brush.

Spray glass cleaner on your brush and then pass your thumb over the bristles until no moisture drops are left.

Start small and gently brush over each stone. Don't force bristles down under the rhinestone as it may scratch/damage the foil backing. Take your time and don't hurry. Clean each stone separately.

After that, I use my blow dryer on the low, cool setting for a minute just in case I have any moisture. Don't use the high, hot settings on your blow dryer.

Then I place my jewelry upside down on a soft, absorbent cloth and leave it alone for 24 hours.
I use the same procedures for unfoiled stones but if they are in an open back setting, I clean the bottom of the rhinestone as well.

In all my years, I've never have a problem with any stones I cleaned turning black.

I think the keys to my success are:

I use the least amount of moisture possible.
I use the softest brush available.
I allow myself plenty of time.

Got another way that worked wonders for you? Won't you please share?

Smart Mom Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:18:00 +0000

You know how it is when you see something and smack your forehead thinking, "Geez! Why didn't I think of that?"
It seems the simplest ideas are often the hardest to think of...

Here are two innovative moms who found a way to wear jewelry that is safe for babies to put in their mouth. I hardly wore much jewelry when my kids were small, you know how they pull on everything and stick it in their mouths!

SmartMom Jewelry is made from teething material in the shape of donuts and hangs from a silk cord. It's totally safe for children. I really like the patterns and colors and I would have had several of these to wear when my kids were young.

Go to www.smartmomjewelry.com to see their pendants, bangles and keyrings. I would have posted their photos here but I just found their website yesterday and didn't ask for permission.
What a great idea! I've always been attracted to jewelry that is functional yet fun to wear.

Who Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:12:00 +0000

I worked mostly in sterling
I took inspiration from Scandinavian designs popular at the time
I patented a lot of my designs
I was based in NYC

ANSWER: VikingCraft (Albert Horwig)

Maybe We CAN Afford American Products?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:38:00 +0000

(pulling out soapbox)
You know I love looking at contemporary designers and their jewelry. RJ Graziano, Kendra Scott and Heidi Daus are some of my favorites and I would own a ton of jewelry made by these designers if they hadn't moved the bulk of their business to HSN and sent their designs to China.

For example, take a look at this $225.00 Heidi Daus bangle:

It's made in China, bronzetone (what is that?) and crystals (not even Swarovski).

Now, maybe I'm wrong but I think China manufactures these for under $10.00 each. So, why are we paying $225?

Frankly, I'd much rather own any of the Kenny Ma Designs, not only is it cheaper, it's made in the USA with Swarovski crystals and has a lifetime guarantee.

I'm not picking on Daus alone, Graziano has this for $99.00

This is dyed howlite, one of the cheapest stones available. I doubt that the stones in this necklace cost more than fifty cents.

One of my biggest disappointments is Kendra Scott, take a look at what your $99.00 will get you:

Junk metal and glass, this bracelet probably cost under $5.00 to manufacture. And, look at her profile:

"About KS Studio by Kendra Scott...
Let the light catch the brilliance and your eyes catch the beauty of KS Studio's handcrafted line of rings, pendants and earrings..."

Claims handcrafted but really it's handcrafted in China!

So, maybe we CAN afford American products?

Before you pay these prices, shop around, look for quality materials and eye catching designs. Don't just pay premium money for a name, get some quality.

(putting away my soapbox)

Getting Out Odors in Vintage Costume Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:40:00 +0000

I recently received an email asking for the best way to get out a smoke odor from a piece of vintage jewelry. There are several methods I know are successful for the patient collector.

First: Be cautious of any wet cleaning you do. Moisture is the number one reason for rhinestone damage. Although, I've heard of cleaning methods that supposedly would not damage your stones, I do not recommend them. Over time, moisture damages the foil on rhinestones so the tiniest bit of trapped moisture could turn your rhinestones dark months later. Never use any commercial fine jewelry cleaning solutions on vintage costume jewelry.

What I've tried:

The most reliable method I've found so far is to put about a cup of unused coffee grounds in a coffee filter. Put your jewelry in another coffee filter. Stack them on top of each other (jewelry on the top) and place in a brown paper bag or a shoe box. Check on it in a week, really strong odors may take two weeks. Change the coffee grounds if needed.

You can also use the more expensive odor reducing cat litter in this same way. Just remember to use the coffee filters or a soft cloth to separate your jewelry from the cat litter. Cat litter is abrasive and you don't want it scratching up your jewelry.

What I've never tried:

I've heard of people who wrapped pieces of costume jewelry in dryer sheets and put them in a brown paper bag for a week. I'm not crazy about this method as it seems like it would leave a film on jewelry and I'm personally not crazy about the smell of dryer sheets. If you have sensitivity to dryer sheets, perfumes, etc, this is probably not the best idea for you.

Cedar chips in a potpourri bag.

Charcoal pieces.

What have you tried that worked?
What have you tried that didn't?

The Thrill of the Find!

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:35:00 +0000

What drives us to search through antique stores, drive all over the state to estate sales and paw through dusty old spiderwebbed boxes? The thrill of the find, of course! It's a non stop treasure hunt, where you never know what you will get next. I'm not talking about incredibly high value jewelry. I'm talking about finding the pieces that you love without regard to their market value.
This flower is a great example. In addition to the first class workmanship, rhinestones and colors, the slightly eclectic design just appeal to me. I love how the petals of this flower are positioned, it has more depth and interest than if they would have been set straight. And the big AB stone in the middle satisfies my craving for flash!

Sometimes I feel like I miss out on just enjoying the beauty of a piece of jewelry. I will have to pick it up and look at the workmanship until the examination starts to feel clinical. So, I remind myself to step back and just look at it, enjoy it for what it is. And, if I like it, I buy it.

I'm not posting the back of these pieces, just enjoy them for now.
And maybe tomorrow I'll post the designer that created them...

Junky Jewelry Site Update

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:27:00 +0000

Greetings!
We dusted out the corners of our jewelry site and upgraded many features, how do you like the new design?

What else is new?

We extended the FREE USA shipping promotion and added a FREE gift w/every $25 or more purchase: a 4" x 6" silver polishing cloth!

More exciting than a roller coaster is our introduction of our private label clothing line: 1800V

We are thrilled to work with a local fashion designer to produce exciting new couture for any age group...all you need to bring is the attitude!

Link to How to Spot Fake Weiss Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:16:00 +0000

Here is a helpful article on how to spot fake Weiss jewelry. Unfortunately, reproductions of vintage jewelry from desirable designers such as Weiss have flooded the market over the past several years. To protect yourself from fake vintage jewelry, arm yourself with knowledge about the designer's construction techniques and examine the piece you wish to purchase. When purchasing online, ask the seller to send you pictures of the back, ask how they authenticated it and return it if you think it's a reproduction. I'm thinking of dedicating this next month to vintage jewelry reproductions, what do you think?
Vintage Costume Jewels: How to Spot Fake Weiss Jewelry

Book Review: Popular Jewelry of the 60's, 70's & 80's

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:55:00 +0000

Title: Popular Jewelry of the 60's, 70's & 80's
Author: Roseann Ettinger
Revised 2nd Edition

As I'm leafing through a new book, in the back of my mind, I'm asking: "what can I learn from this book?"

For the most part, I enjoyed the text of this book more than the pictures. While there are plenty of pictures of jewelry, none of them are particularly distracting. There are no pictures of the backs, no construction techniques or findings.
There is however, a decent representation of the most popular jewelry from these three decades. If you are not familiar with jewelry from the 60's, 70's and 80's, I think you will find this book helpful in identifying styles and influences more so than actual jewelry. I see a lot of this kind of jewelry at yard sales and thrift stores.

I loved the mix of jewelry in this box, from lavish pieces to quirky plastic and pop art.

There are great chapters on the Medieval and Middle Eastern influence as well as the "real look" of the 1980's. I was gratified to see a decent section on Panetta, one of my long time favorite designers. Panetta jewelry has quality construction and fabulous design work. I think you'll see this jewelry go up in market value as it gets older.

As far as the market values quoted in this book, take them with a grain of salt. Do your research. Know your market and your customers. Don't buy vintage jewelry assuming you will sell it for these book values. There are quite a lot of other factors to consider when setting your prices.

As far as my question: "What can I learn from this book?". I'm not sure I really learned anything new, I was already familiar with jewelry from these decades. But, I certainly enjoyed all the pictures! There are plenty of good jewelry examples, most pages have multiple pictures and it's a good read as well!

Henry the 8th had 6 wives, which one are you?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:46:00 +0000

Take this fun quiz and see which wife you are closest to!

Which Henry the 8th Wife Am I?

Feel free to post who you are on our blog for discussion!
Have fun with this quiz, another book review coming up soon so stay tuned.

Who Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sun, 25 May 2008 09:27:00 +0000

Often jewelry manufacturers used a different maker's mark for their different collections. Can you name the jewelry manufacturer who used these maker's marks?

Arista
Blithe Blossum
Emblem Of the Americas
Glamor
Hi-Jinks
Magic Eye
Paddock

Answer: CORO
Coro used multiple maker's marks throughout their history including:

Carraca
Norseland
Pinafore
Quintette
Quivering Camellia
Star-Lite
Corocraft
Coro Sterling
Ajusta
Americana
Black Beauty
Corocraft Sterling
Coro Mexico
Jewel Craft
Jingle Jangle

and many more...
For a comprehensive list, see http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarkscoro.html

Haute Couture: The History of Fashion by Diana Pemberton-Sikes

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:28:00 +0000

(Editor's Note: I enjoyed this article so much, I thought to post it here for your enjoyment. I particularly enjoyed the paragraph about the "fashion police". Kudos to Diana Pemberton-Sikes for an interesting read!)

Haute Couture: The History of Fashion by Diana Pemberton-Sikes

Have you ever wondered about fashion history? Like when runway shows came about, why designer clothes are so popular, or even how Paris became the epicenter of fashion instead of, say, London or Madrid?

As the fashion world prepares to trot out its latest ready-to-wear collections, now seems an appropriate time to offer a glimpse into this exclusive world.

While people have been interested in fashion for thousands of years, the industry we know today did not begin to take shape until around 1850. After hundreds of years of opulent fashions, two things happened concurrently to birth the industry we know as haute couture: the invention of the continuous stitch sewing machine, by Isaac Singer, and the instant popularity of a dressmaker named Charles Frederick Worth.

Prior to 1850, 70% percent of all clothes were hand stitched by the people who wore them. Clothes were a commodity item, and their excellence dependent upon the skill of the person who made them.

The average housewife styled her clothes after what was acceptable for her climate, her country, and her community standing, so that everyone from the same region pretty much dressed alike. Cut off from outside influence, clothing styles could-and did-remain the same for generations. Today these distinct garbs are often known as a region's "national costume."

Because trade routes between cities usually consisted of bad roads lined with thieves, people stayed put and used what materials were available to them locally. Since everyone had access to the same goods, wealth was usually distinguished by jewelry. When kings and nobles became stronger and better able to protect their domains in the mid to late eleventh century, trade routes began to emerge and new and finer materials became available to those who could afford them. From then on, dress denoted stature and wealth-much as it does today.

The 30% of clothes that weren't made at home were stitched by designers/dressmakers, usually for wealthy patrons. By the 1500's, the busiest dressmakers had struck upon an effective, economic way of showing their wares: they would make up miniature samples of their work and put them on dolls. One half to one third the size of humans, these dolls showed every minute detail. Clients could look through the dolls and pick the styles they wanted. The clothes were then custom-made to the client's exact measurements.

The dress dolls soon found their way into other countries and became one of the most popular ways of spreading fashion. Monarchs and courtiers in particular liked receiving them as gifts, and kept their dressmakers busy copying the latest styles from abroad.

In fact, the nobility has always been conspicuous consumers of fashion. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have had more than 1,000 gowns, many of them received as gifts. Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire (and a Spencer, like Diana, Princess of Wales), was such a trendsetter in 1770's London that anything she wore became an instant fashion. But it was the flamboyant Louis XIV of France, "the sun king," who began to draw attention to France and establish Paris as the epicenter of fashion in the late-17th century.

Did You Know?

Ever heard of the "fashion police?" Today that term is used tongue-in-cheek to describe someone who critiques the way others dress.

But the term came about in the late Middle Ages after sumptuary laws (laws restricting or regulating extravagance in dress on religious or moral grounds) were passed by nobles to ensure that certain fabrics and styles were reserved for those who had the right to wear them. Fashion police patrolled the streets, fining or imprisoning dress code violators

Diana Pemberton-Sikes has been helping entrepreneurs turn their EXISTING knowledge, skills, and interests into cash since 1999. To learn how you can turn your "passions into profits", visit her online and subscribe to her FREE ezine at niftybusinessideas.com. Diana is also and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. For more information, visit her website, Fashion For Real Women.com.

Juliana Jewelry Trivia

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:48:00 +0000

DeLizza & Elster also manufactured costume jewelry for other companies, which company did they NOT make jewelry for:

Kramer
Kenneth Jay Lane
Accessocraft
Sarah Coventry
Weiss
Trifari

Answer: Trifari