Tamara, of Tamara Jewelry sent me a link to a terrific article she wrote on hallmarking. This is a topic that everyone who collects antique and vintage jewelry should learn as much as possible about!  Thanks Tamara!

When looking through old English gold or silver, whether a locket, a pendant (a piece of Tamara Jewelry!), even a candlestick or a piece of flatware, you might notice tiny markings stamped into the metal.  These are hallmarks, and they can tell you a lot about the piece’s history.
The hallmarking system began in the United Kingdom during the 12th century when an edict …read more

Guest author: Liz Bianco
Jewels By Liz
Looking At Victorian Jewelry: A Study in Secret Symbols
The jewelry that came out of the Victorian period (1837-1901) is notable for its use of a wide range of materials as the Victorians came to explore the world through the voyages of Darwin and the conquest of India. The jewelers had access to a wide range of elements: iridescent beetles, moth wings, tortoise shell, jet, coral, bone, ivory, tiger’s claws – and with the newly moneyed middle class a broader range of people to sell to than ever before, jewelry expanded beyond traditional gold, pearls …read more

I hope you’ve been enjoying the guest posts about vintage and antique jewelry! I’ve personally been a collector of vintage pieces, especially pins, for a long time. But that doesn’t mean that I know a lot about it! I’ve found it really helpful to read each of our expert contributions.
The other side of vintage and antique jewelry that might interest all of us is using the styles and “ingredients” as inspirations for our own work. In that vein, I’ve collected together the posts from our archives that share more information on suppliers, dealers, and experts who will help you to …read more

Guest author: Donald Hansen
THE VIKING TRADERtm
1-800-842-1676
The Viking God, Thor
Thor, the son of Odin, was the favored deity of ordinary men & women who wore his hammer amulet in celebration of births, voyages, deaths and any occasion to celebrate. His hammer was named Mjöllnir (“crush”) He was first of all god of thunder just like Zeus & Jupiter. He was also god of the sky, rain and agriculture; hence his popularity to the mainly farm population. His name is still commemorated in English by Thursday and in French by Jeudi (jovis dies). He rode the skies in a chariot drawn …read more

Not gems, not diamonds, but glass from the past now reclaimed into a remarkable line of recycled antique glass jewelry! Our footprints are all over this world, but do we have to stomp so hard?
Guest Author: Laura Bergman
Bottled Up Designs

I’m Laura Bergman, the creator of Bottled Up Designs. I have lived in the Pennsylvania Amish Country all of my life and have a life long love (coming from my Mom!) of antique glass and bottles. I have spent countless hours combing though the wooded habitats and rural farmlands of this beautiful spot of America picking through the old glass dumps …read more

Vintage 20’s Bohemian Bead Festoon Choker
Stretching Your Neck Out, Won’t Stretch Out Your Budget!
Guest Author: Laura Milera
www.metroretrovintage.etsy.com
www.metroretrovintage.mybisi.com
www.metroretrovintage.com
Ah, the classic necklace! They are one of the earliest forms of adornment, and have been recovered from ancient grave sites since the beginning of human history. Comprised of a simple strand of one or more decorative elements – from single bead, to a plethora of stones – it can do wonders to compliment an outfit, finish a look, or simply light up one’s face.

From Bohemian glass beads to Deco rhinestones, natural seeds to carved bakelite, faux pearls to silver pendants – a treasure …read more

Guest Author: Mary Taylor
Forum Galleries Antiques
905-468-2777
 
My name is Mary Taylor, I work for Forum Galleries Antiques, and I have collected antique jewelery for over 20 years. I can recommend the following for new collectors:

First off, go out and purchase a loop (a jewelery magnifying glass).
Learn about the period you are interested in such as Art Deco, Victoria, Edwardian, etc.
Be particular about pieces that are in good condition. You should never buy antiques that are in poor condition, specially if you are looking for investment pices.
Prefer precious metals such as silver over silver plated, 8k-10k over gold filled.
Learn about the …read more

Oscar de la Renta Choker and Earrings
Guest Author: John Hogan
Passion for the Past Antiques

Haute Couture or High Fashion Jewelry has been with us early as 1866 starting with Krementz and gaining momentum by 1900-1910 with designers such as Nina Ricci and Gabrielle Coco Chanel.
Today we refer to such jewelry as Designer Jewelry. From the runways of Paris and Milan all the way to New York the debonair woman has always flaunted jewels of distinction at social functions and in her personal life. The designers of the fashion world have always determined styles in clothing and accompanying jewels to match …read more

This is Asian “fakelite”…can you tell the difference?
Gale has provided a wonderful guide for how to spot authentic vintage bakelite and tell it apart from the fakes that have been pouring into the country. She also lists some good reference books for those who’ve been bitten by the bakelite bug!

Art Attack Thursday!

The Divine Rose etsy shop features lovely jewelry that “mixes the old with the new”! Now the nature of an etsy shop is that designs are available only for a certain amount of time, so these gorgeous pieces may not still be for sale. Additionally, like most of the artists that I like to profile here, her pieces appear to all be one of a kind. So hurry on over and browse the current offerings! She writes:
A passion for feminine jewels using vintage & contemporary charms, beads, chain, pearls and semi- precious stones. A love of color and …read more