Junky Jewelry®

Want to Win Your Wishlist?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:08:00 +0000

It's time again for our "Win Your Wishlist" Christmas Contest!

One lucky person is going to win everything on their wishlist up to $200.00!

Starts Today and ends at midnight Dec. 2, 2009

How does it work?

Go to our booth at Bonanzle:

Select us as a favorite seller (Booth Tools on Right, click on favorite)
Add stuff to your wishlist ( Underneath the item description, see Actions, Click on Add to Wishlist )

That's it, you are entered!

Wishlist FAQ/Rules

Q: Why do I have to add you as a favorite booth?

A: I won't know you entered the contest if you don't.

Q: What if I put an item on my list that costs more than $200.00?

A: I will offer you a gift certificate for $200.00 with free shipping/ins good on any merchandise in our booth.

Q: What if I put other sellers items in my wishlist?

A: Great! You should! You never know when a secret santa picks something out and sends it to you...

However, for our contest, you can only win items from our booth.

Q: What if I don't have $200.00 worth of stuff on my list?

A: Sadly, that's all you will win, so put a lot of stuff on it!

Q: How do you pick a winner?

A: Each person is assigned a random number, all numbers go into a hat on Dec. 3, 2009.

If the winner doesn't have a wishlist (or nothing from our booth on it) another number is drawn.

Winners are notified through Bonanzle so please check and make sure your email on file is accurate.

Winners that do not respond by Dec. 13, 2009 forfeit their prizes and another number is drawn.

What is Subversive Jewelry?

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:29:00 +0000

I believe most people will have differing opinions on what constitutes "subversive jewelry". Many will see it as a tangled mess of chains and charms while others will see it as spectacular art. Much like abstract, there are those of us that stand in front of a Picasso painting and scratch our heads thinking, "I don't get it."

But, maybe we don't have to.

I vaguely remember the scientific explanation for why the sky is blue but I certainly don't walk out of my house and think: "Wow, light from the sun is passing through the blue molecules at a faster rate of speed than the red ones (or however it happens) creating the illusion of a clear, blue sky."

I simply enjoy it.

Dictionary.com defines subversive as 1. Tending to subvert or advocating subversion, esp. in an attempt to overthrow or cause the destruction of an established or legally constituted government.–noun2. a person who adopts subversive principles or policies.

Ok, I see how this definition fits, but I think it falls short of the complete picture.

Maybe we aren't asking "why is the sky blue?", maybe we are asking, "why does a blue sky make me feel?" and like subversive jewelry that answer is subjective to an individual's personal taste. If you love it, chances are you don't know why, you just do. If you hate it, you may someday come to appreciate it but it will never invoke any passion within you.

And some of us are still going to scratch our heads thinking, "I don't get it."

Here's one of the best examples of subversive jewelry from one of the original designers to make and market it:

http://gallery.subversivejewelry.com/peepshow/

Do I like it?

No, I LOVE it!

Would I wear it?

Oh yes...

Junky Jewelry Update and Clearance

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Greetings all!

We redesigned our website because we moved almost all our jewelry to Bonanzle. It's fast and easy to list on Bonanzle and I just haven't found the time to update the site as much as it should. For goodness sakes, the same featured items have been on it for months!

Any suggestions on what I should do with all my extra time? (I vote for sleep)

We're having a big, big sale on Bonanzle, 40% off everything because I need to clear out some jewelry for new stuff.

The price will adjust after you put it in your cart, happy shopping!

Eclectic Ave Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:40:00 +0000

"It was love at first sight when we visited Central Ave. in Saint Petersburg, FL." says co-owner JoAnna Gilford. "Part historic and part modern, it really is this zany mix of down home and big city. I knew the personality of our store would fit in this neighborhood."

Scheduled for grand opening on Oct. 20, 2009, Eclectic Ave. is a hodgepodge of home decor, handmade shea butter products and a free handbag swap. New items are added daily but people come back for the friendly owners who are never too busy to ask how you are doing or what's new in your life.

Eclectic Ave is located at 2436 Central Ave in Saint Petersburg, FL. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunday and Monday are by appointment. Swap your handbag anytime during normal business hours.

Clothing Swap!

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Time to get busy and clean out your closets! Join us on Sunday August 2, 2009 for a fabulous and fun clothing swap!
Bring all your unwanted clothing and swap it, all left over clothes at the end of the event is donated to a local charity.

Date: August 2, 2009
Time: 10 AM -

2436 Central Ave
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Time: 10 AM -

Where Am I Answer

noreply@blogger.com (junkyjewelry) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:36:00 +0000

Did you find it? Look for the red dot, yes, these are Napier earrings. Napier has gone through several name changes over the years but still produce jewelry to this day under another company!

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!