¤ AVON
The infamous Avon cosmetics company was
Founded by David H. McConnell in 1886 as
'California Perfume' and became Avon Products, Inc. in 1939.
It and continues to be one of the most successful beauty businesses in the
world. Avon began producing jewellery in 1963 and with the success and
growth of this now iconic brand, during the 1970's they increased their
lines to have pieces ranging from cheap and cheerful to high quality costume
jewellery. Avon jewellery followed the fashion trends of it's time
with designers that included Nina Ricci producing unusual items such as
figurals, perfume-holding pins and watches, of course they created the
standard items such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets also. Avon
has a wide following of collectors today and many of their earlier pieces
are highly sought after. See
Avon Jewellery in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7965
·
1980s Pearl with Pink,
Blue and Green Crystal Clip On Earrings by AVON
Back
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¤ BOGOFF
Henry Bogoff was born in Warsaw
(Poland) and in 1908 he immigrated to America. From Chicago in 1946 he
launched his company Bogoff, designing jeweller for the elegant lady who was
on a budget. He soon earned a reputation for his sophisticated pieces that
were produced to the highest standards imitating fine jewellery. Using high
quality stones, many were rhodium plated, however it was their excellent
design of construction that earned him the respect of other costume
jewellers. During the 1940's and 1950s as Head Designer, Henry Bogoff
designed pieces of exceptional quality which were produced by Spear Novelty
Co. under the marks 'Jewels by Bogoff' and 'BOGOFF', still always producing
designs in small quantities. The Bogoff company ended production in 1970,
yet his pieces continue to be highly sought after and very collectible.
See Bogoff Jewellery in
the V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7948
·
1940s
Pearl and Diamante Necklace and Earring Set, Signed by Bogoff
Back
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¤ B.S.K.
The name B.S.K. came from the three
founding owners Benny Steinberg, Hy Slovitt and Kaslo. They set up the
jewellery house in 1948 and were received exceptionally well, however it was
their 'My Fair Lady' line of jewellery in conjunction with the Audrey
Hepburn hit movie, that rocketed the brand's name and image from the cover
of Vogue to Hollywood's elite, everyone wanted a piece of B.S.K. A
consistently popular costume jeweller until the 1980s when they closed, they
produced beautiful pieces that met the desires of the stylish lady, yet
didn't break the bank. By being a little less expensive than their
main competition such as Weiss and positioning themselves as a Middle to
High end costume jeweller, they were able to sustain a long lasting
business. Today B.S.K. vintage jewellery is very collectible,
with pieces from their 'My Fair Lady' line still highly sought after.
B.S.K. Jewellery
coming soon!
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¤
CHRISTIAN DIOR
French born, Christian Dior
(1905-1957) was one of the worlds most influential fashion designers and his
fashion house continues to be a leader in the couture world. It was in the
the 1950's when Dior presented their first line of costume jewels. The
pieces were produced by Kramer, a high-quality costume jewellery company
founded by Louis Kramer in 1943. Further to the success of their
jewellery, he also commissioned Mitchel Maer to produced pieces during 1952
to 1956. However, it was in 1955 that monsieur Dior made various
changes that insured the success of his house forever, firstly the highly
respected German based 'Henkel & Grosse' were commissioned to produce
exceptional pieces of jewellery. Dior's collaboration with Swarovski
had developed the aurora borealis stone which continues to be successfully
used and produced under the licence of Dior Jewelry today.
Interestingly, 1955 was also the year that a young
Yves Mathieu-Saint-Laurent became
design assistant to Christian and
in 1957 was named as Dior’s first successor, officially unveiling his
Collection in January 1958.
See
Christian Dior Jewellery in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Accessories
·
V4V-7998
·
Christian Dior
Original Golden Knot Cufflinks
SOLD
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7913
·
Christian Dior Pearl
and Diamante, Golden Clip on Earrings
SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7969
·
Christian
Dior Diamante Heart Pendant Necklace
SOLD
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¤
EMPIRE
A mark used by British companies in
Hong Kong in the 20thC. Most vintage pieces found with this mark date from
around the 1960's, have a Retro feel and certainly highlight the popularity
of the rock era in Britain, which was exported around the world, the Beatles
through to the Rolling Stones were favourites throughout the colonies and
America.
See Empire in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7850
·
60's Unusual Dyed Leather
Expandable Bangle. Empire Made, OPERA
SOLD
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7777
·
60's Multi-tone Diamante Expandable Bangle by Empire
SOLD
Vintage Accessories
·
V4V-7890
·
1960's Pretty
Quirky Turquoise Blue Purse, Signed Empire Made
SOLD
Back
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¤
GIVENCHY
Hubert de Givenchy was in 1927 in Beauvais, France. The son
of a wealthy man, he was afforded the best education and following his
passion for art, he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
In 1945, at the age of just 18 years, he got his first job working with
Jacques Fath in the heart of the Parisien fashion industry. He hopped
through design houses during 1946, briefly working for Robert Piguet and
then moving to Lucien Lelong whose assistants included,
Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior. His last stop would be in 1947
working for Elsa Schiaparelli for just four years. In 1952, Hubert opened
the 'House of Givenchy', naming his first collection for Bettina Graziani,
Paris's top model. Givenchy cleverly furnished Hollywood with his
dresses and jewels. By the late 50's and 60's Audrey Hepburn was
synonymous with Givenchy style, however there was no bigger endorsee than
Jackie Kennedy and when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the world
witnessed a mourning where every female member of the Kennedy family was
dressed in Givenchy.
In 1988, Givenchy sold his business to Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH)
for financial reasons. However he remained Head of Design until his
retirement in 1995, following which the worlds most renowned designers have
replaced Hubert as Head Designer, beginning in 1995 by John Galliano a
British designer who was born in 1962 in Gibraltar, he was then quickly
followed by Alexander McQueen in 1996 who was trained like Galliano at the
renowned St. Martin's School of Art in London, and who in the same year had
just received the award from the British Fashion Award council as
"Designer of the Year" for 1996. Givenchy is undoubtedly one of
the worlds most respected couture fashion houses in the world.
See Givenchy Jewellery in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7130 ·
1970's
Givenchy Golden Gilt Monogram Bracelet
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¤
HENKEL & GROSSÉ or GROSSÉ
Henkel & Grosse was first organized in 1907 by
Florntin Grosse (1878 - 1953) and Heinrich Henkel (1876 - 1941), and
initially just produced gold settings for the jewellery trade, over a decade
they grew quickly and began to design and manufacture their own line of
jewellery, marked with a superimposed H over the G until 1938, when after
the First World War the company reorganized under Grosse's sons Artur and
Adalbert Grosse, from the 1930s onwards the company was named Grossé and
they supplied to a global market. The company was located in Pforzheim,
Germany and you will find that their pieces are marked Grosse GERMANY and
some pieces even carry a date on them ie: 1969. As highly respected
jewellery designers, they are noted today by the quality they created for
"haute couture", Mitchel Maer, Henkel & Grosse were chosen to manufacture
for Fashion Houses such as Schiaparelli and Jeanne Lanvin before WW2, and
beginning in 1955 they made four collections a year for Christian Dior.
See Henkel & Grossé
or
Grossé
in the V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7994
·
1965 Golden
Abstract Spray Brooch Signed Grossé
Vintage Rings
·
V4V-7879
·
1960's Avante-Garde Golden
Cocktail Ring with Diamantes, by Grosse (Size Adjustable)
SOLD
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¤ JEWELCRAFT
Established by the famous jewellery
company 'Coro' that was founded in New York by Emanuel Cohn & Carl
Rosenberger in 1901, Jewelcraft was developed in 1920 and pieces were
designed under this name through to the 1950's. After a few years out
of use the name was bought by Gene Verrecchia and his son Alfeo, who founded
the company Gem-Craft. Gene 'Verri' had been head designer for Coro
from 1933 holding status for 30 years, he is credited for many of their most
famous designs during that period. As well their brands like
Jewelcraft and Gemelli, they have also made jewellery for Kenneth J. Lane,
Capri, R. Mandle, Tancer, Kramer, & Cadoro. Gem-Craft, that was
originally named 'Craftsman' and then 'Sample Art', continues to be a
successful jewellery company today.
See Jewelcraft in the V4Vintage
Boutique:
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7975
·
1960s Golden
Flower Clipon Earrings by Jewelcraft
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7966
·
1960s
Diamante and Silver Dome Fish Brooch by Jewelcraft
Back
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¤ JORGEN JENSEN
A Danish jewellery
designer, Jorgen Jensen was well known for his use of Pewter in his designs.
He was an avid follower of the Modern movement and his modernist designs are
still collected and worn around the world today.
See Jorgen Jensen in the V4Vintage
Boutique:
Vintage Sets
· V4V-7840 ·
1960's Red Glass on Pewter Necklace
& Bracelet Set by Jorgen Jensen
(Demi-Parure)
SOLD
Back
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¤
LIBERTY & CO.
Liberty & Co. was a British jewellery
manufacturer that was founded in 1875 by Arthur Lazenby Liberty.
Liberty & Co. were renowned for the style which combined the Arts and Crafts
and the Art Nouveau movement in their mass-produced pieces. Archibald
Knox (1864-1933) was the chief designer for Liberty and Co. Today they
still produce items of distinction, however compared to the mass producing
giants and brands of the high-street, their pieces can be considered limited
editions!
Liberty & Co. Jewellery coming soon!
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¤
MIRIAM HASKELL
Haskell, daughter of Russian Jewish
immigrant parents who ran a dry-goods store, was born 1st July 1899 in a
small town across the Ohio River from Louisville, USA. After studying
for three years at Chicago University, ambitious Miriam moved to New York
City in 1924 and with the $500 in her pocket that her father gave her, she
started her jewellery business. By 1926, she opened her first
jewellery store in the old McAlpin Hotel, and a second outlet within the
year at West 57th Street. Frank Hess joined her business the same year
and the two worked together until Miriam left the company in the 1950's.
Miriam Haskell's
intricate designs
were noted for the superior
quality of their materials
using tiny pearls and carved glass together with the
exquisite detail of their execution, wiring
complex motifs built up of beads and strass montees to filigree backings,
all hand assembled
by her team of craftsmen, many
of whom were European refugees that she always paid well. Therefore,
she was able to command higher prices than her costume jeweller counter
parts on these, but Miriam was most recognised for her
baroque pearls and her Russian gold colouring of metal, a quite different
attractive colour gold plate. Interestingly, her jewellery was very seldom
signed before 1950. It was her brother Joseph Haskell who introduced the
first regularly signed Miriam Haskell jewellery. For very short time during
the 1940s, a shop in New England did in-force a signature on the jewellery
by Miriam. However, the signed pieces of this period constituted less than
1% of the early jewellery, the short-term signature was a horseshoe-shaped
plaque with Miriam Haskell embossed on it. A piece with this signature would
indeed be a rare find. Haskell Jewellery, although created with
non-precious materials and stones, were so stunning that even wealthy ladies
such as Gloria Vanderbilt
and the Duchess of Windsor were
loyal customers. From the 1920s through to
the 1960s her pieces were worn for publicity shots, films and movie stars
Lucille Ball and Joan Crawford, who owned a set of almost every Haskell ever
produced, were also personal customers.
Today
Miriam Haskell jewellery is highly sought after by
costume jewellery enthusiasts, and pieces are
held in both private collections and museums
internationally.
Miriam Haskell's vintage pieces command high
prices and are prized by collectors. Pieces by Robert Clark who designed for her,
are exceptionally collectable also.
Miriam Haskell Jewellery
coming soon!
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¤ MONET
Established in 1927 as Monocraft
Products Co., Inc. in America. The company was Founded by Michael and Jay Chernow.
They began signing pieces 'Monet' in 1937, and from 1955 all Monet
signatures were accompanied with the copyright 'c' mark also. In
1968 the company was purchased by General Mills and from 1989-1994 it was
a subsidiary of Crystal Brands Jewellery Group. 1994 through to 2000
it was owned by Chase Capital Partners, Lattice Holding. Monet
Group, which includes Trifari and Marvella was bought by Liz Claiborne in
July 2000 and moved out of the US. Today the
Monet Group is the largest costume jewellery company in the world.
Monet pieces are now highly collectable, due to the historical story of
this profound company that grew and grew.
See Monet in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7895
·
1980's cream marble
effect enamel Clip On Earrings signed by MONET
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7896
·
Black and
Diamante large triangular clip on earrings signed MONET
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7984
·
1950s Deco Crest Demi
Parure Brooch and Earring set by MONET
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7917
·
1980s
Necklace and Bangle Demi Parure Set by MONET
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¤
NINA RICCI
A loved icon of Parisian Society and it's
fashion. Madame Nina Ricci was in fact born in Turin, Italy in January
1883. Her family moved to France when she just 12 years old in 1895.
By the tender age of 13, Maria Nielli (nicknamed, Nina) was already working
as an apprentice to a dressmaker, becoming it's Chief Designer at just 22.
In 1904 she became Madame Ricci when she married a jeweller named Luigi
Ricci, and in 1905 they had a son named Robert.
Robert Ricci, her only son and a visionary advertising executive convinced
his mother to create a couture house in her name, and so in 1932 it opened
on
Rue des Capucines,
in Paris. Nina Ricci
created the garments and Robert ran the business.
The House of Nina Ricci grew phenomenally throughout the thirties and their
one-room maison de couture soon became 11 floors in 3 buildings,
operations developed by WWII to include leather goods
and fashion accessories. Scarves, glasses and jewellery
from that era are highly
collectible.
Robert Ricci took his mothers business from strength to strength developing
a series of perfume's commissioning the expertise of
Germaine Storeroom (famous female "nose" of
the Roure house) and he entrusted the design of the crystal bottles to his
childhood friend, Marc Lalique. In 1948 the famous 'L'Air Du Temps'
was named in the top 5 of the worlds best perfumes along with Shalimar,
Chanel N°5, Arpege and JOY. The "bottle with the doves" was
co-designed by Marc Lalique and Robert Ricci. In fact right up into
the 1950's the Lalique family manufactured bottles exclusively for the House
of Ricci.
After meeting Mr. Bradden, Robert Ricci was
so impressed by the high quality, high fashion and classic designs of his
jewellery which complemented the Nina Ricci image, that
in 1984 the Canadian company D’Orlan
Jewelers Ltd. formed a partnership with the House of Nina Ricci.
Together the companies created a stir in the jewellery world with the
development of their high standard plating process, which included a 22
karat triple-plated finish over a pewter base metal that ensured a
consistency of colour. All of the wonderful
items of jewellery continue to carry the signature "©
NINA
RICCI".
Robert Ricci died in 1988 and the company was taken over by Nina’s
son-in-law, Gilles Fuchs. Today,
The House of Nina Ricci still continues to create wonderful couture garments
and thanks to the business acumen and creative mind of Robert Ricci, the
Perfume, jewellery and accessories continue to be highly respected successes
also.
See Nina Ricci in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Earrings
·
V4V-7881
·
Beautiful 80's vintage
diamante bow and ball clip on earrings, signed © NINA RICCI
SOLD
Back
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¤
PIERRE CARDIN
Born in 1922 near Venice Italy, to French parents. Pierre Cardin moved
to Paris in 1945. There he studied architecture. He became a fashion
designer, working for Schiaparelli until he became head of Christian
Dior's tailleure atelier in 1947. He founded his own house in 1950 and
began with haute couture in 1953. Cardin was a member of the Chambre
Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Prêt-à-Porter and of the Maison du
Haute Couture from 1953 to 1993. At first known as a designer of expensive
clothing, he produced his first ready-to-wear line in the early 1960s. He
is well known for his early astronaut suits, metal body jewellery, and
futuristic look. His label appears on products as diverse as wines,
bicycles, and toiletries. Like many other designers today, Cardin decided
in 1994 to show his collection only to a small circle of selected clients
and journalists.
See Pierre Cardin in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins · V4V-7866 ·
60's Green
Cabochon, Diamante, Enamel & Gilt Bird Brooch by Pierre Cardin
SOLD
Back
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¤
REINAD & CHANEL NOVELTY Co.
A business based out of New York,
Reinad's origins date back to 1922 when the company worked exclusively in jewellery
and ornaments for the garment trade. Greatly respected, they produced
jewellery for many of the high end names such as Boucher, Carnegie and
Eisenberg. Interestingly, the company was originally named "Chanel Novelty
Co." and rarely produced items under their own name, it was only in the
spring of 1941 that they released their first collection for retail, these
items concentrated on enamelled and jewelled pins either in flower designs
or in novelty motifs and were all marked "Chanel" in script.
Hearing of this prior to release of the collection, it was no surprise that
in 1940 Maison Chanel began raising objections to the use of the name, even
though they themselves had closed in France due to German Occupation.
Finally in February of 1941 Coco Chanel sued over the use of 'her' name and
won, thus the company changed its name later that year to Reinad Novelty
Co., Inc. and the signature became REINAD producing only a very few high
quality pieces under this signature. The business stopped trading in
the mid 50's. Today Reinad jewellery pieces are some of the highest
quality, rarest and most sought after of all costume jewels.
See Reinad in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7880 ·
Rare 1940's Deco Diamante Demi-Parure Bracelet and Choker Set, signed REINAD
Back
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¤
SARAH COVENTRY
Charles H Stuart, who was known for
his earlier company 'Emmons Jewelry', founded the Sarah Coventry jewellery
company in 1948 in Newark, New Jersey, USA. He actually named this
company after his granddaughter Sarah. Most of Sarah
Coventry jewellery was sold at home fashion parties from 1949 until the
company changed hands in 1984. They produced pieces for both men and women,
and at different times the jewellery was
marked "Coventry," "Sarah Coventry," and "SC," although
also
combinations of the names were used such as “Sarah Cov”. Perhaps
most interestingly though, was that all
Sarah Coventry jewellery came with a "Lifetime
Guarantee" which read, "May be sent back for repair to: P.O. Box 7899,
Warwick, RI 02887. Please include handling charge of 1.50.".
These days, Sarah Coventry is a
favourite of many costume jewellery collectors, as the designs were very
modern and inspirational at times.
See
Sarah Coventry in the V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches
& Pins ·
V4V-7779
·
1960's Golden Brooch with
faux Pearls & Turquoise by Sarah Coventry
SOLD
Vintage Rings ·
V4V-7902
·
Sarah Coventry Gold Cocktail Ring with a Luminous Colour Stone (Size
adjustable)
SOLD
Vintage Rings ·
V4V-7996
·
1960s Diamante Floral
Cocktail Ring by Sarah Coventry (Size Adjustable)
SOLD
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7991
·
1980s Sarah Coventry
Floating Gold Bead Necklace and Earrings Set
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7120
·
1980s Triple Tier Necklace and Earring Set by Sarah
Coventry
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¤
SIAM STERLING
One of the most famous and oldest silversmiths in Thailand,
designers of ornamental Siamese jewellery made for His Majesty the King of
Thailand. Siam Sterling is the mark found on their pieces, which are
mostly Nielloware, a special type of Enamel and engraving that was created
and mastered by the Siamese Jewellers. All types of Nielloware items have been
produced by Siam Sterling, from jewellery to large plates, equally
various figures have been carved using this technique. However, the original
and most popular subject would represent ancient mythological characters
from the epic of Ramayana. Based on the Indian ancient story as far back as
a thousand years before the Buddhist's Event. Originally, all Nielloware was a black based
enamel, but these days, the Nielloware Silversmiths are able to enamel using
various bright colours like yellow and pink.
See Siam Sterling in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7849 ·
1960's Earrings & Brooch collectable Nielloware
Set, by Siam Sterling (Demi-Parure)
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¤
SPHINX
A British design house founded in 1947,
Sphinx were highly respected for their costume jewellery.
Unafraid to try anything, from tiny Gold-tone horse brooches through to
rhinestone spectacular Demi Parure sets, they produced many fine pieces
which are highly collectable today. The peak of their success was
during the 50's, the decade before had been one of constraints what with the
rationing of World War II, it seemed that people wanted to make the 50's an
era for pure indulgence, every lady adorned a brooch on every lapel, and so
Sphinx was a big hit. As the company's reputation for producing
quality costume jewellery grew, their manufacturing side also came into
demand and eventually they began to manufacture jewellery for other
companies. Their pieces are very collectable today, and
designs from the 50's are highly sought after by collectors from around the
world. They no longer produce jewellery under the Sphinx signature,
however they are a still a successful manufacturing house, producing
jewellery for other designers.
See Sphinx in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7988
·
1970s Abstract
Amber Marble Glass Brooch by SPHINX
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7858
·
1950's Diamante, Tiger Eye & Green Glass Flower Brooch
by SPHINX SOLD
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7835
·
1950's Golden Bow & teardrop
Pearl effect Earrings by SPHINX
SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7987
·
1950s
Enameled and Embossed Golden Cross Pendant by SPHINX
SOLD
Back
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¤
TRIFARI
Trifari is a world renowned and
highly acclaimed jewellery manufacturing company that still produces
high-quality and beautifully-designed pieces. The company began as Trifari
and Trifari in 1910, founded by Gustavo Trifari and his uncle; a few years
later, his uncle left and the company was simply Trifari. Gustavo Trifari &
Leo Krussman went into business in 1917, in 1918 Carl Fishel joined Trifari
& Krussman and they incorporated in 1925 renaming the company Trifari,
Krussman and Fishel (their hallmark was T.F.K.). Their most famous work was
produced by Alfred Philippe, who joined in 1930. Alfred had been a
jewellery designer for Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, he designed pieces
for Trifari for many years. Some other Trifari designers included Jean Paris
(1958 -1965), Lucius Passavanti (from about 1955 to 1968), Andre Boeut (1967
- 1979), and Diane Love (1971 - 1974). Trifari was owned by the Hallmark
Company from 1975-1988, and by Crystal Brands from 1988-1994. It was then
part of the Chase Capital division of the Monet Group, which later went
bankrupt and was bought by Liz Claiborne in 2000.
See Trifari in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7980
·
1950s Golden
Lilly Brooch by Trifari
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7968
·
Elegant Red Enamel
'Comfort' Clip - On Earrings by Trifari
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7973
·
1950s
Golden T-Cross Pendant and Chain by Trifari
SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7841
·
1940's White Enamel Deco Necklace by Trifari
SOLD
|
¤ AURORA BOREALIS
It is the name of the brightest set of stars to be seen from earth, also
known as the "northern lights". However in 1955 Swarovski company
and Christian Dior together invented a fabulous rhinestone and named it
'Aurora borealis'. The stones have a special iridescent finish that shines
with many colours, which is a result of a very thin layer of metallic
atoms that have been deposited on the lower surface of the stone. It's
fabulous sparkle was greatly sought after and very soon many costume
jewellers began implementing Aurora Borealis stones into their work, as
they still do today.
See Aurora Borealis in the V4Vintage
Boutique:
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7144
·
1950's Aurora Borealis Cocktail Earrings
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7862 ·
1970's Rhinestone Leaf
Brooch Designed & Signed by Keyes
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7907
·
1960s
Golden Flower and Leaves Necklace Signed by Lisner
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7912
·
1950's Sparkling
Golden Aurora Borealis Leaf Clip-On Earrings
SOLD
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¤
BAKELITE
In 1909,
Bakelite was introduced to the general public at a chemical conference by Leo Hendrik
Baekeland. Born in Ghent, Belgium in 1863, Leo immigrated to the United
States in 1889. His first major invention was Velox, a photographic printing
paper that could be developed under artificial light. Baekeland sold the
rights for Velox to George Eastman and Kodak for one million dollars in
1899. He then started his own laboratory in Yonkers, New York, where he
invented Bakelite in 1907, a synthetic substitute for the shellac used in
electronic insulation. Bakelite was made by mixing Carbolic Acid with
Formaldehyde, it is considered the first plastic. Baekeland founded
the General Bakelite Corp.
In 1944, Baekeland died at the age of eighty
years in Beacon, New York. Bakelite was used to manufacture
everything form telephone handsets, engine parts and insulation for
electronics, and of course bakelite was a huge hit with the designers who
produced wonderful and highly collectable costume jewellery from this, the
first and original Plastic.
See Bakelite in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7992
·
1930's Turtleshell effect Bakelite & Diamante Bangle
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7800
·
1930's Turtle shell effect Bakelite
& Diamante Bangle SOLD
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7799 ·
1930's Green Bakelite & Diamante Snake Bangle
SOLD
Vintage Earrings
·
V4V-7833 ·
1950's Coral Effect
Bakelite & Diamante Earrings
SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7960
·
50s
Unusual Bakelite Statement Pendant on a Long Golden Chain
SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7746
·
50's Rustic Bakelite Beaded Necklace
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¤
BAR BROOCH
High Collars were all the rave in the late
1890's and so the bar brooch enjoyed an explosion of popularity. The bar
was so versatile, allowing it be adapted for all pockets, which was a
great thing as now more working classes could afford to spend small
amounts of money on jewellery. Symbols, names, messages and novelty
figures were all mounted onto bars and many inexpensive brooches were mass
produced on a vast scale.
See Bar Brooches in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7864
·
1920's Blue & White Diamante
Bar Brooch
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7856 ·
1920's Exquisite Diamante
& Glass Insect Bar Brooch SOLD
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7963
·
1890s Victorian
Silver and Ruby Glass Diamante Bar Brooch SOLD
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¤
CABOCHON
A cabochon is a stone that has a
rounded, domed surface with no facets. Many Jewellery designers use this
shaped stone in brooches, especially when depicting animals like birds.
It is mostly denser semi precious stones that are given the cabochon cut, as
they do not need as much light in order to penetrate their beauty, like
Turquoise or Tiger Eye. A cabochon garnet is also called a carbuncle.
See Cabochon's in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7977
·
Simulated
Moonstone, Turquoise and Diamante Brooch
SOLD
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7779
·
1960's Golden Brooch with
faux Pearls & Turquoise by Sarah Coventry
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7760
·
70's Embossed Leaf Earrings with Lilac
Cabochons
Vintage Rings
·
V4V-7797
·
1940's Square Deco Amber Ring (UK
Ring Size O)
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7767
·
1940's Deco Turquoise Necklace &
Earrings Set (Demi-Parure)
SOLD
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¤
CLOISSONNÉ
Cloisonné is a method of applying enamel to
metal in which the design is first outlined on the metal surface using a
metal wire. The space between the wires is filled with enamel and then fired
to a glassy sheen.
See
Cloisonné in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7101
·
1970s White
Cloissoné Enamel Spring Back Bangle
SOLD
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7763
·
50's Cloisonné Style Double Barrel
Bracelet
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7861 ·
1950's
Nouveau Style Cloisonné Enamel Bangle
SOLD
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¤
DAMASCENE (DEMASCENING)
Demascened items were produced as early as
the 12th century in Demascus, from which the name 'damescene' derives,
many of these original items today are priceless. Demascening is the
art of inlaying different metals into one another, typically gold, silver or
copper wire will be encrusted on the surface of darkly oxidized iron, steel,
bronze or brass to produce intricate patterns similar to the art of niello.
True to its origins, many designs are similar to that of the rich tapestry
patterns of damask silk.
Ever since its creation, demascene has been
celebrated in different parts of the world at different times. In the
16th century the armours of northern Italy used this art-form to decorate
their products. Later, in the 19th century demascening was revived in
Europe, particularly in France and Spain where many jewels where produced.
Today high quality demascened items continue to be produced in Iran and
Egypt.
See Demascened items in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Accessories
·
V4V-7959
·
Unusual
Antique Damescened and Amethyst Cufflinks
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7763
·
50's Cloisonné Style Double Barrel
Bracelet
Back
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¤
FILIGREE
Filigree is used as a decorative
treatment for jewellery. It is made using gold or silver wire that is
twisted into patterns, often wrought into an openwork design and joined with
matching solder and borax under the flame of the blowpipe. It was made
in ancient Egypt, China, and India. From the 6th to the 3d cent. BC the
Greeks practiced the art, and the Etruscans were noted for fine granular
work. Saxons, Britons, and especially the Celts in Ireland were skilled at
devising intricate and ingenious designs in the Middle Ages. The Moors in
Spain did much exquisite work in silver. Filigree is employed today in
Mediterranean areas, as well as in Mexico, India, and Scandinavian
countries. Antique examples are to be seen in the Vatican, the Louvre, the
British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum.
See Filigree in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Rings ·
V4V-7776
·
70's Retro
Turquoise & Filigree Ring SOLD
Vintage Rings
·
V4V-7793
·
1920's unusual Mother of Pearl &
filigree ring (UK Ring Size N)
SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7751
·
Victorian Vaseline Glass Beaded
Necklace, Filigree & Enamel Pendant
SOLD
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¤
INSECT JEWELLERY
From the mid 19thC onwards, the
public's interest in natural history grew and grew, encouraging jewellers
to incorporate insects into their designs. Insects became a great success
for jewellery designs, as their delicate structures lent themselves
perfectly towards this art-form. Dragonflies, bees, butterflies, moths and
even flies were popular. During the late 19thC the use of stones and
coloured enamels became prevalent and this is when some of the best pieces
began to be produced.
See Insect Jewellery in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7856 ·
1920's Exquisite Diamante
& Glass Insect Bar Brooch SOLD
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¤
JADEITE CARVINGS (CHINESE)
Oriental jade jewellery became very
popular during the 1920s and early 1930s, and pieces often incorporated
19thC jadeite carvings, which which would have originally intended to be
sewn onto garments. Due to the demand for exotic fashions, these Carvings
were exported in large quantities to Europe and the United States, where
jewellers then mounted onto rings, brooches, earrings and pendants.
See Chinese Jadeite
Carvings in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Rings ·
V4V-7867
·
1914 Unusual Art Nouveau,
Silver & Carved Orange Jadeite Ring (UK Ring Size R)
SOLD
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¤
JEWELLERY WATCH
Jewellery watches became popular in
the 1920s. Since it was still considered impolite for a lady to
consult her watch in the company of others, many jewellers and watch makers
created beautiful wristwatches with the dial concealed behind a jewelled
cover. Furthermore timepieces were incorporated into other forms of
jewellery, such as at the back of a pendant or chatelaine, or by replacing
the intaglio on seal-watches. Many of these pieces were so precious
that the jewellery watch soon became part of evening wear.
See Jewellery Watches in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7919
·
1930s Unusual Art Deco Watch Pendant Necklace
SOLD
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¤
LUCITE
Lucite is a thermoplastic acrylic
resin (strong plastic) that was patented by the DuPont company in 1941.
Lucite has a specific gravity of 1.19 and is clear. Due to its
transparent nature it was easily coloured or more interestingly mixed with
glitter or other small pieces of material, which is known as 'Confetti
Lucite'. Many jewellers had already incorporated and enjoyed the use
of plastic in their designs with bakelite. However, as it was a strong
plastic and furthermore so versatile in style, it was eagerly used in
jewellery design to produce fabulous bangles, earrings, pins, necklaces and
much more. Lucite is still of great fashionable interest, and these
type of plastic jewels, especially pieces that use confetti lucite are
highly collectable today.
See Lucite in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7804
·
1960's Honey Lucite Bangle
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7805
·
1950's Thick Grey Metallic effect
Lucite Bangle
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7871
·
1960's
Unusual Retro Green, Black & White Swirl Lucite Bangle
Vintage Earrings ·
V4V-7100
·
1950s Colourful
Confetti Lucite and Diamante Clip On Earrings
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7819
·
1980's West German Beige & Brown 'Plastic Fantastic'
Necklace
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¤
MILLEFIORI (Murano Glass)
Millefiori is a type of art glass that has
been mastered and is famously practiced by Murano glass specialists in
Venice, Italy. However the Venetian Murrina actually originates from
ancient Roman, Alexandrian and Phoenician glassware. Small segments of
differently shaped and coloured glass rods are laid close together and then
fused into tiny mosaics, granting its name Millefiori, which means "a
thousand flowers". This art form is highly sought after and in recent
years has been incorporated into beautiful and unique items of jewellery.
See Millefiori Murano
Glass in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7991
·
1980s Sarah Coventry
Floating Gold Bead Necklace and Earrings Set
Vintage Necklaces &
Chokers ·
V4V-7916 ·
Silver
Baguette Ball Chain and Millefiori Clover Pendant by Alan K
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7945
·
1920s
Green Murano Glass Beads Necklace and Earring Set
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¤
MIZPAH
Building MIZPAH monuments was an
ancient tradition and a tradition derived from the bible. It was first
mentioned as word to symbolise an agreement of peace between Jacob and Laban
and they built a memento of stone and named it like their covenant MIZPAH,
saying: The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from
another" (Genesis 31, around 1800 BC). Mizpah of Gilead became the
"blueprint" for more places called MIZPAH in the Scriptures.
Through the ages, people continued to be
fascinated by the mysterious word and the message of moral kindness
and understanding. In time people began writing the word in letters and
engraving on to amulets. The wearing and giving of MIZPAH talismans
became a sentimental tradition and ultimate gift to beloved, friends and
family alike, serving as a protective and endearing expression of affection,
trust and well wishes. The tradition of MIZPAH continues to be popular
today and makes for a lovely gift.
See MIZPAH items in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7961
·
1930s Deco
Navy Blue Glass and Brass Filigree MIZPAH Bracelet
SOLD
Back
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¤
NIELLO (Nielloware)
Nielloware is the ancient art of applying an amalgam of
metals called 'Niello' (black/dark grey metal powder composed of silver,
copper, lead, and sulphur) to metal objects to create silver or gold
patterns against black enamel-like backgrounds or vice versa. It has
been a practiced craft since the times of Ancient Rome. Older pieces
were made by filling the engraved area with the Niello powder and then
heating the entire piece to allow the Niello to melt and fuse with the
underlying metal, but in newer pieces the Niello alloy has been applied like
a 'paint' onto the metal, the piece is then finally cooled and polished. All types of Nielloware items have been
produced from jewellery to large plates. These days, Nielloware
Silversmiths are able to enamel using various bright colours, however the
original black/grey remains the most popular.
See Nielloware in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7849 ·
1960's Earrings & Brooch collectable Nielloware
Set, by Siam Sterling (Demi-Parure)
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¤
PARURE & DEMI PARURE
A Parure is a matching set
of jewellery that includes a necklace, bracelet, earrings (counted as 1
piece), brooch, and ring. Officially a complete set is 5 items,
however very few jewellers included a ring in their designs, so most people
consider a Parure everything except the ring.
A Demi Parure is less than 4 pieces of jewellery (again, earrings are
1), however they most commonly consists of 2 pieces of jewellery. For
example a Demi Parure could be a bracelet and earrings, or a necklace and
earrings, or a necklace and bracelet, or a brooch and earrings, or bracelet,
earrings and a brooch, in which ever way they are combined they are Demi
Parure sets.
See Demi Parure Sets in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7120
·
1980s Triple Tier Necklace and Earring Set by Sarah
Coventry
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7991
·
1980s Sarah Coventry
Floating Gold Bead Necklace and Earrings Set
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7984
·
1950s Deco Crest Demi
Parure Brooch and Earring set by MONET
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7945
·
1920s
Green Murano Glass Beads Necklace and Earring Set
Vintage Sets ·
V4V-7936
·
1940s Blue Porcelain and
Pearl Necklace and Earring Set
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7884
·
Gorgeous Green Vintage
Jade Necklace and Ball Drop Earring Set
SOLD
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7829
·
1980's Amethyst Twisted Wire
Bracelet & Earrings Set
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7849 ·
1960's Earrings & Brooch collectable Nielloware
Set, by Siam Sterling
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7865 ·
Diamante Demi Parure, Ball-Gown Necklace &
Earring Set
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7767
·
1940's Deco Turquoise Necklace &
Earrings Set
SOLD
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7803 ·
1980's multiple bauble charm design
Bracelet & Earrings Set
Vintage Sets
·
V4V-7756 ·
1920's Crystal Cut Glass Necklace & Earrings Set
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PASTE DIAMANTES
Paste Diamante stones are made from
high quality cut crystals that can be open backed or foil backed.
Fantastically cut and crafted, they look more like real gem stones.
Often brilliant cut, they reflecting more shine and sparkle than the more
recent rhinestone. Paste stones were beautifully crafted and set into
some of the most stunning costume jewellery during the Victorian age right
through to the early 1940s. Paste diamantes were sometimes also
referred to as 'chattern'.
See Paste Diamante Stones in the
V4Vintage Boutique:
Vintage Accessories
·
V4V-7780
·
Victorian Turquoise & Diamante Belt
Buckle
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7828
·
1920's Diamante & Silver Plated
Copper Flapper Bangle
SOLD
Vintage Bracelets & Bangles
·
V4V-7800
·
1930's Turtle shell effect Bakelite
& Diamante Bangle SOLD
Vintage Brooches & Pins
·
V4V-7974
·
1930s Art
Deco Paste Diamante Double Clip Brooch
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7864
·
1920's Blue & White Diamante
Bar Brooch
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7838
·
1930's White & Red Diamante Dress
Pin
Vintage Brooches & Pins ·
V4V-7853 ·
1930's Silver and Paste
Diamante Art Deco Circular Brooch SOLD
Vintage Earrings
·
V4V-7846
·
1930's Rose Gold, Diamante, Black &
Red Glass Deco Earrings SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7809
·
1920's Snake design
Chattern Diamante Necklace SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7808
·
1920's Ball Gown Chattern
Diamante Necklace SOLD
Vintage Necklaces & Chokers
·
V4V-7748
·
20's Long Double String Pearl
Necklace & Diamante Clasp SOLD
Vintage Rings ·
V4V-7955
·
Stunning 1920s Art
Deco Silver and Diamante Ring (UK Size Q)
SOLD
Vintage Rings ·
V4V-7928
·
1920s Deco Chattern and Sterling Silver Estate
Style Ring
(UK Size
O)
SOLD
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¤
GEMSTONE CUTS & FACETING
NEW!
Gemstone
cutting has been professionally practiced for thousands of years. From
ancient Egyptian and Persian stone cutters to the lapidary artisans of
today, over time each generation has improved on the ability to accentuate
the beauty of the naturally formed crystal.
Each crystal has naturally occurring facets, which no doubt was the early
inspiration for this skill. However, it has since been the gem
cutter’s responsibility to enhance each stone’s potential whilst ensuring a
minimum amount of wasted material. In the late 13th century the
horizontal turning cutting-wheel (Horizontalen Scheiben) was created in
Europe, which saw the introduction of faceted gemstones and diamonds to
European jewellery. The wheel allowed for elaborate geometric faceting
schemes to be interpreted into gemstone cutting, therefore controlling and
further enhancing the light coming from within the stone.
Beginning in Bruges (Flanders), moving on to Venice, Florence and eventually
all of Europe, the management of light became the key skill in gem cutting.
This meant that the mineral (stone) itself become more important too,
following the laws of optics, the exterior shape and facet would be
dependent on maximizing the stones natural ability to reflect and refract
light.
Faceting of gemstones has followed the school of ‘absolute symmetry’ since
the mid 1400s. The
faceting
patterns used by Renaissance gem faceters, appear to have taken from
Euclid’s mathematical principles (c.330 BC - c. 275 BC) or Medieval
geometric architectural patterns using octagons, hexagons, polygons, penrose
tilings and pyramids to ‘square’ a circular form. Furthermore, to this day,
no matter how increasingly complex faceting schemes become, they are all
still based on several basic repeating geometric forms.
CUTS
|
Round Brilliant Cut
|
Marquise Cut
|
Oval Cut
|
|
Pear Cut
|
Octagon Cut
|
Heart Brilliant Cut
|
|
Radiant Cut
|
Princess Cut*
|
Square Brilliant Cut**
|
|
Cushion Cut
|
Trillion Cut
|
Triangle Cut
|
|
Straight Baguette
|
Tapered Baguette
|
*Princess Cut Moissanite
reflects more color
than the other cuts.
**Square Brilliant
Cut was added to make
the Princess shape as
beautiful as the other
stones. |
|
