Showing posts with label hot trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hot trends. Show all posts

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Jewelry Trend for 2015 and Beyond: The Brooch

Everybody's talking about it...the BROOCH! It's the "it" accessory for fall 2015 and I'm positive it will carry over much farther into 2016 and beyond.

Check out these recent runway looks:



From left to right: Fausto Puglisi, Edun, Balenciaga, Prada and Luisa Beccaria. Photos: Imaxtree

Dolce & Gabbana F/W15

Now, if this trend conjures up images for you of cute little circular conservative pops of sparkle, typically worn high on the shoulder, let me be the one to tell you, a brooch can be so much more! Once you spend some time really studying all the different aesthetic styles of this versatile piece of adornment and how it can be used in so many different ways, you may just be hooked for life! 

Take some of the pieces from our collection for example. Like this piece by Mazer with big glass "fruit salad" stones, clear faceted crystals, and some swirling metal elements that give it a highly feminine look. The glass stones allow the color of your garment to show through. Can we suggest pairing it with a tailored blazer, mildly distressed jeans and a pair of pumps?


Say, with something like this: 

Source unknown


Here's another example that would work great with this look. This is another vintage designer piece, this time by the well known company Boucher. Such nice depth in this piece and a great combination of fantastic design and a bit of sparkle. Not too girly but highly attractive!


Or, you could also go with something like this for yet a slightly different look with a bit of sentimentality. This piece is a traditional Norwegian silver Solje brooch. Typically given as wedding gifts, the gold colored metal "spoons" are thought to reflect evil away from the wearer. Some sources say they are possibly also a reflection of how many children a couple will have.



If you like dangles, here is a statement piece with a girandole like structure.



This piece is just amazing. Take a look at the side view. The emerald glass stones are raised off the heavy brass backing with large metal prongs.



Or how about something exceptionally interesting like this vintage frog brooch with little starfish for feet and peackock eye art glass eyes? Cute, isn't he? 


And here's a fun piece! This flower is in the Brutalist style. Likely a Canadian made piece, it is a rare example of jewelry made in this style that actually resembles a form. In this case, a flower. 



Want to add some femininity without going overboard? Here's a glass flower pin that is both a brooch and a pendant! And it's made by Trifari. A company known for quality and design. 


So pretty with your summer pastels!



Or maybe you prefer something a little more quaint like this sweet petit point pin.


If size and detail are important to you, you might consider something like this bold but feminine brass floral brooch with a twisted metal border


Here's how I chose to wear this one for a day out shopping on the Ave. 


If sparkle is your thing, you could choose to wear something like this 60's piece that resembles a leaf.


Or perhaps something outstanding like this unsigned 1960's glam designer piece from the Juliana line by DeLizza and Elster?



Of course you could always channel your inner mid-century modern style with something like this groovy wood and silver cat pin



And one more...just for fun! A great 1940's vintage piece by Coro. A magnificently designed piece with charm and sophistication. Just think of the personality it would add to that blazer and jean combo! Perfection!



The brooch. So many different shapes, styles, and finishes! And vintage is the way to go if quality and design are important to you. Whether designer signed or not, you're sure to find something that speaks to you. 

Which style do you like? Do you currently wear brooches? If not, do you think you might in the future given their current popularity? Tell us in the comments below!

Our next blog post will cover different ways to wear the brooch. Subscribe to this blog or join our newsletter for updates!

UPDATE: See our newest post on Totally Modern ways to Wear a Brooch.


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Art Deco Vintage Jewelry Guide


What is Art Deco?

Art Deco is known as a style or era relating to the years 1920-1935. Of course, it didn't start on January 1, 1920 and end at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 1935, but the years mentioned are when we see the strongest examples of Art Deco characteristics. As the Deco era approached and as it faded away, we see signs of it mixed in with the era that preceded it and the era that followed. These times are known as transitional times as one era transitions into another.

•     •     •     •    •     •     •

Costume jewelry from this time consisted of (but is not limited to):
geometric shapes
angles
strong lines
bright color contrasts
copied from expensive Paris examples
Czech jewelry
German jewelry made with sterling silver, dyed chalcedony (made to imitate chrysoprase), and marcasites
marcasites (faux and real) or what is known as marcasite that is actually pyrite
butterfly wing jewelry
speed related themes such as greyhounds, rockets, airplanes, etc.
Bakelite
Celluloid
filigree
enamel
"fruit salad" jewelry
real and synthetic gems such as jade, coral, onyx, mother of pearl, ivory, lapis, rock crystal, chrysoprase, carnelian, rubies, emeralds, smoky quartz, amozonite
dress clips
duettes
"white" metal made to resemble platinum, often rhodium plated
birthstone jewelry


Art Deco Geometric Step Vauxhall Glass Necklace


 


This Art Deco era bracelet is made with sterling silver and has sparkling marcasite accents and a big glowing ribbed molded glass center stone.



•     •     •     •    •     •     •

Influences
Egyptian themes (following the discovery of the Pyramid tombs)
African and Japanese influences
modern technology influences (The Machine Age)
Jazz Age influences
Hollywood influences
the Paris Exposition - the International Exposition des Arts Decoratifs
the Russian Ballet
Cubism 
the Bauhaus


Art Deco Era Cleopatra Belt Buckle

Art Deco Era Cleopatra Belt Buckle





•     •     •     •    •     •     •

Art Deco Jewelry in Different Forms

Necklaces
long flapper beaded necklaces
Czech necklaces with angular glass stones and marcasites
long necklaces worn together with short chokers or wrapped around the neck once to simulate a choker look
faux pearls and glass beads
use of Venetian beads
amber beaded necklaces
rectangular pendants with "Lalique-like" crystals






Art Deco Geometric Open Back Stones Necklace



Bracelets
many worn at one time on both wrists (as a symbol of fashion as well as status)
the "bangle" and the "tennis bracelet"
flexible link bracelets

Art Deco bracelet with alexandrite crystal 




Earrings
long dangles worn with "bobbed" hair
screw-back

Art Deco Reverse Carved Sterling Crystal Earrings




Brooches and Pins
circle and oval shapes
"white" clear rhinestone pave set brooches
Florida theme (flamingos and palm trees)
Scottie dogs (Franklin D. Roosevelt had a Scottie dog in the 30's)
gazelles
arrows
air travel themes





Rings
use of large synthetic or semiprecious stones (commonly seen is chrysoprase or onyx)
filigree settings
rectangular shape



Sterling Marcasite and Chrysoprase Glass Deco Ring





Dress Clips
enamel
rhinestones / paste
worn just about everywhere on the body
a staple for the stylish woman


 

Green Glass Geometric Deco Dress Clip





Buckles
carved and molded glass

•     •     •     •    •     •     •

Sources:
Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 1840-1950 - 5th Ed by Jeanenne Bell, G.G. C. Jeanenne Bell, C. Jeanenne Bell (Producer)
Warman's Jewelry: A Fully Illustrated Price Guide to 19th and 20th Century Jewelry, Including Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Costume (2nd Ed) by Christie Romero

Guide created: 17/08/06 (updated 01/19/11)
This blog and all contents Copyright © Vintage Jewelry Girl. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Results Are In! Vintage Jewelry Survey

Vintage Jewelry Survey - Results Published June, 2008

What do other people who buy vintage jewelry collect? What kinds of designers do people enjoy? How many pieces do they own? Are their interests similar to yours? Here are the most popular answers given by our newsletter subscribers. 


Q. What is your primary reason for buying vintage jewelry?
A. I enjoy collecting it.

Q. What types of costume jewelry do you enjoy buying?

A. Rhinestone, designer signed and "Whatever I like."

Q. 3. Where do you like to buy your jewelry?
A. Antique malls and shops.

Q. Have you bought any vintage costume jewelry in the last year?
A. Yes.

Q. How many pieces do you currently have in your collection?
A. More than 100.

Q. What sources do you use for learning about vintage jewelry?
A. Mostly internet, then books.

Q. How many vintage costume jewelry resource books and guides do you own?
A. 1-5.

Q. Do you have a favorite vintage jewelry designer?
A. No, I like many different designers.

Q. If you had to pick a few, who would be your favorites?

RESULTS (each list of designers is ordered from most to least votes within each category)

Very Popular (Chosen by more than 20 people): Miriam Haskell, Weiss, Trifari

Popular (Chosen by 10-19 people): Coro, Eisenberg, D&E (Juliana)


Moderately Popular (Chosen by 5-9 people): Sherman, Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL), Florenza, Har, Sarah Coventry, Hobe, Kramer, Boucher, Various Mexican Sterling Designers

Less Popular (Chosen by 2-4 people): Mazer / Jomaz, Lisner, Joan Rivers, Joseff of Hollywood, Hollycraft, Demario, David Andersen, JJ, Chanel, Art, Heidi Daus, Matisse, Ciner, Vendome, Schreiner, Nolan Miller, Cini, Pennino, Kirk's Folley, Van Dell, Monet, Whiting & Davis, Panetta, Alice Caviness, WIlliam Kerr

Special Mention (Chosen by 1 person): Bogoff, Hattie Carnegie, Schiaparelli, BSK, Barklay, VRBA, Staret, Sandor, Sweet Romance, Lunch at the Ritz, Piddley Links, Miracle, Sphinx, Butler & Wilson, Selro, Christian Dior, Avon, Jensen, DeRosa, Laguana

So why do all these people like to buy vintage jewelry? What do they do with it? Some answers may surprise you!

The answers in no particular order are:
- to restore
- to wear
- to study
- for re-enactment purposes
- to frame for art display and keepsake
- to re-sell
- for gifting
- to appreciate
- to remind of a loved one
- to brighten up the day
- to capture art and beauty of the past
- to play with

Do you have an interesting collection? Tell us about it!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Jewellery Party!



We had our first jewellery (CDN spelling) party on November 5th and another on the 12th and I have to say it was a huge success and a lot of fun! We had a door prize and a draw which allowed two people to pick out $50 in free jewellery!


What People Bought


It was interesting to see that brooches are still a hot commodity although most people seemed to like to buy them to put on their coats as a more permanent item. Many were bought for Christmas gifts.


To my surprise, the most sought after items were my handmade jewellery like the bracelet in the picture.


As for vintage, rhinestone pieces were sold, one pair of clip earrings and honestly not much else. This crowd liked their jewellery new. Oh, two brooches went. One was a Christmas pin.
Have you ever had your own party for selling jewellery or have you ever been to one? Post a comment about it!
That's all for now. :-)
Jo-Ann


Monday, October 16, 2006

Welcome to The Vintage Costume Jewelry Blog!



I am very excited to announce the opening of The Vintage Costume Jewelry Blog!

Bookmark this blog for information, news and discussions covering a wide variety of topics under the broader topic of vintage costume jewelry. Topics may include designer marks, construction, current fashion, hot trends, remakes, design, style and our current findings.

My name is Jo-Ann and I am the proprietor of Vintage Jewelry Girl
, an online store and resource site for vintage jewelry. That's my picture in the top right corner. I have been dealing in vintage jewelry for 8 years and am self taught with the help of various excellent internet resources and zillions of books which are the most precious part of my library. I treasure them as much as I treasure my jewelry!

We'll start off with a new find for today which is not yet listed on the site. The brooch above is a pink diamond or square (depending on how it is worn) piece with molded iridescent glass stones. Do you know who made this piece? Leave a comment with your guess and I'll update the blog later to tell you if you were right.

Well, that’s all for today. Take Care!
Jo-Ann