Jewels and Finery

May dragonfly brooches

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:33:00 +0000

Jewels and Finery has added more dragonfly brooches to our dragonfly jewellery collection. These little guys appear in early summer of the month of June, flitting around the UK ponds and rivers. Here are just some of the brooch versions to attach to clothing or bags. Get summery....

This jazzy dragonfly brooch pin has glitter enamel that is covered with a clear enamel to preserve the colour. Wear this little fellow on a jacket, sleeve or hat.

This pretty white faux pearl dragonfly brooch will be added shortly. But remember we usually have just one available as we sell mostly true vintage or pre owned jewellery.

This sparkling dragonfly brooch is available in a few different colours. All with a sparkle that only comes with Swarovski crystal diamante.

Now we do have butterfly brooches and all sort of bug jewellery.

Celtic Penannular Brooches

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:28:00 +0000

A very popular design in Celtic jewellery is the penannular brooch. One original brooch was found in Ireland and was said to be from the Medieval period in history (6 - 7 AD). It seems that they were poplar in England, Scotland and Ireland during this period. But this shape brooch has been found in the Iron Age, Viking and Roman periods.

Originally the pin could move freely around the ring and was used to fasten cloaks and other loose woven cloth garments. Unisex brooch that was favored by men on the shoulders to fasten cloaks and by women who wore this just below their neckline and in between their bosom. The pin part is worn facing upwards.

Today the penannular brooch is reproduced in one piece and represents the original brooch pin. Made by many companies with the Mizpah signed ones most found for vintage designer jewellery. Who's designs are now owned by the company Miracle

Great Celtic piece of reproduction jewellery to wear on a coat lapel or a hat.

Green Gemstone Chip Vintage Jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sun, 13 May 2012 08:33:00 +0000

Time to write a blog has been too little just lately, but this beautiful May Sunday morning is the exception.
So today lets look at the vintage jewellery craze from the 1970s - green gemstone chip jewellery.
Chip brooches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets were definitely in. The idea was that the green gemstone chips were fashionable Jade. But with the price of Jade, in many cases a lower costing gemstone was used in costume jewellery or even sometimes green plastic chips.

Chrysoprase green chip vintage brooch

Jade was one of the favourite amulet gemstones used over the centuries. It is said to have the properties of stabilizing your aura and so getting rid of dysfunctional energy and promoting relaxation, compassion and contentment.

How do you tell what gemstone was used - with difficulty, we use a gemstone tester to verify what the gem is.
Mostly the gemstone Chrysoprase was used as a Jade substitute but also Aventurine.

Green gemstone chip vintage bracelet.

Chrysoprase is an apple green semi precious gemstone, often seen with brown earthy coloured chips with it. Now very fashionable in its own right, it is said to have the properties to bring about good luck and success. It is also an earth gemstone that conveys the harmonious energy of nature.

Aventurine can be identified by its sparkly appearance with a green ocean colour. This stone is said to calm the emotions and stabilize them. It is also said to promote spiritual growth and increase your tranquility.

Multi gemstone chip locket vintage necklace

So with so many green gemstone chip pieces from the 70s still around and priced reasonably. They are great to collect and have a benefit when worn.

Definitive guide to cleaning gemstone jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:22:00 +0000

We at Jewels and Finery have written many guide to cleaning vintage jewellery on our website. Our latest is for cleaning gemstone jewellery. After writing this latest guide we thought it would be more unique to write the more definitive guide to cleaning gemstones here. Have fun and enjoy!

All gemstone jewellery will get dirty over time including vintage jewellery and antique jewellery.
This is a definitive guide to cleaning your gemstone jewellery, but if ever in doubt then consult a specialist jeweler.

Ideally you should wipe your jewellery with a soft lint free cloth after wear to remove any oil or salts. But just occasionally you should try to clean it a more thoroughly with a cleaning solution or by a machine method such as steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Care should be taken with gems though and the following is the definitive guide to the care of individual stones (prong set into a piece of jewellery and not glued in place).

Alexandrite
Normal care of cloth wiping and can use a steam cleaner but NOT a ultrasonic cleaner.

This green good luck gemstone should also be worn with care if you are having liposuction surgery. That is why all jewellery is removed prior to this technique. Some forms of liposuction uses ultrasonic waves and if the gem is loose in its setting it can fall out into the wound. It will give you a lumpy skin appearance which kind of defeats the lipo' process!

Amethyst

Take extra care not to expose this gemstone for long periods to sunlight as it can fade the colour. Wipe care suitable with the use of a steam cleaner but NOT an ultrasonic cleaner.

So we recommend that you should remove your favorite amethyst jewellery set of earrings, necklace, ring, body piercings and ankle chain. Why? Because wrapped in towels from head to foot by the sun soaked pool side is not a good look. However on the other hand you will have lovely un-faded amethysts, pity about the tan though!

Aquamarine

Wipe care suitable with steam cleaning suitable as well. Not to use an ultrasonic cleaner though.

This beautiful blue calming Aquamarine gem should not under any circumstances be cleaned with the surgical instruments following your liposuction treatment. Defiantly not a good idea to slip it into the dirty surgical tool tray as you pass by on the trolley. You may never see it again, as well as the strong chance of being sued by the surgical cosmetic company for damages ensued.

Citrine

Wipe care suitable with steam cleaning recommended but NOT the use of an ultrasonic cleaner.

The lovely lemon coloured Citrine stone is thought to aid digestion. This is by wearing it, not swallowing that pretty yellow citrine ring. The resulting ultrasonic MRI scan will probably damage the gem. That is the MRI scan that you will be sent for to discover why you are have excruciating stomach pains. Besides would you want to wear it again when you finally get it back!

Diamonds

Both clear and colour enhanced diamonds will benefit from routine wipe care. They can be cleaned more thoroughly in a steam and an ultrasonic cleaner.

Diamond are a girls best friend. They are so tough that they will stand the endless washing up, perpetual house cleaning, obligatory gardening, washing the families clothes (have you noticed that nearly every garment says hand-wash now days?), cleaning the windows including the ones upstairs. If you fall you will break everything accept your diamond necklace, bathing the kids, changing nappies, washing the dog (though don't let him eat your diamond ring....), shopping for frozen food, cleaning the freezer and fridge........... Diamonds are so tough.

Emeralds

Only recommended to use a wipe cleaning method. NOT to be cleaned in a steam or ultrasonic cleaner.

So this is one of the pussies of the gemstone world. You can not steam clean the carpets or have liposuction. Just because your other half said that your thighs were a little on the large size and you need to keep looking good for him. Why should you stop wearing that fabulous pair of emerald earrings - so this is what you could do?

Take up all the carpets and create a grunge look of bare floor boards for all your friends to admire. No more steam cleaning and a problem of the steam getting at your Emerald earrings.

As for the liposuction problem - you send the other half for liposuction on his head, because that thickness you've noticed is soooo unattractive and needs a quick therapeutic remedy. Along with throwing all his clothes out of the bedroom window onto the front lawn.

Opals

Normal wipe care with NO steam or ultrasonic cleaning. This gemstone does not like extremes of heat and will crack if its structural water is lost. So keep away from drying condition.

We therefore do not recommend a days safari trekking across the sun soaked desert on those lovely creatures called camels - wearing that full opal parure. The opal studded tiara will keep slipping off in the heat and may crack the opals needed replacements. Then that dratted spitting drooling camel will keep trying to eat the Opal ring...........

Pearls

Again wipe clean only with a moist cloth drying after well. They can also be rinsed under water and then dried by gently patting with a dry cloth. This rinsing method is not recommended for a necklace as the string will deteriorate over time more rapidly.

The same Above methods can be used for vintage faux pearl jewellery, but test in a place that can not be seen first - that the pearl coating will not deteriorate and come off when using a moist method. Some of the fish scale coated vintage jewellery will do this - so be very careful.

A moist cloth is one rung after soaking in water so that it feels just damp. Trying to wipe with an un-rung cloth is just a little plain silly. Because the odds are that pools of water will fall on your bare floor boards and you will slip over breaking your hip. Then you have to remove the glamorous pearl necklace, even though that awful nurse asked you too. Well you do want to look good for that dishy young surgeon. Knowing you luck because you have not worn your Alexandrite earrings all day - the string breaks and the lovely pearl beads cascade down the blood soaked trolley. So gracefully and in slow motion as they do in the movies with that dishy surgeon looking on gowned and masked - you do love a man in uniform. Then a few pearls lodge right by your new hip unnoticed. Not only does your leg stick out at an odd angle but it hurt like mad. As for the dishy surgeon, he heads of into the golden sunset with that awful nurse who is not wearing pearls and leaves you behind having corrective surgery.

Peridot

Wipe clean care only NOT to use an ultrasonic cleaner or clean by the steam method. This gorgeous gemstone will damage under extreme temperature conditions so do not expose.

Another pussy of the gems world even though it is found on Mars. So for alien abduction you must not wear that lovely green Peridot pendant. Because the odds are (now do we have to mention lucky Alexandrite earrings again??) that the aliens are from Mercury. Just because its a little hotter there than earth or Mars for that matter - it will damage your Peridot pendant. In this situation a girls got to think of her appearance and lets face it ET is kind of cute in a funny lumpy gray matter sort of way. Again be careful of those wounds caused by the alien probes and the surgical instrument tray. Just stay clear as your purse hasn't quite recovered from last time. Alien also do not deal in money just planets for compensation. Maybe Flash that diamond pendant instead, along with your eyes is a good idea. Getting hitched to your lumpy gray alien being will protect you and your gemstones from alien domination. They have come to take our precious resource - all plant life by force. The fact this will leave gemstones billions of years in the future in short supply is totally not your problem. That is if there is anyone left of the human race to create gemstone jewellery.......

Ruby

This gemstone will benefit from a wipe clean regime. Be warned that fillers are often used to fill the stones cavities and tiny microscopic voids, so is susceptible to damage from heat and some chemicals. Both steam cleaning and the ultrasonic method of cleaning is suitable.

Maybe this is the red gemstone to invest in? Lets face it a lot of work involved in taking up your carpets, so you will not have to steam clean them. Then when that bitchy neighbor from two doors down mentions that the Ruby stones match your eyes - you can accidentally on purpose blast her with the steam cleaner in your hand. She does not have her Alexandrite earrings on today (Lucky for you). But she does chase you around the neighbor hood on that spitting camel that she has tethered in her back garden. Something about opal ring and loosing it on her romantic holiday with Lawrence of the Arabia Geoff from three doors down.

Sapphire

Gentle wipe clean method is ideal. Again a gemstone that has fillers for its voids and cavities, so more prone to heat and some chemical damage. Can be cleaned more thoroughly in a steam or ultrasonic cleaner.

An ideal gorgeous blue gemstone to wear, especially as you now have to help a vet with an injured camel. The ultrasound paddle just keeps getting a little close to your beautiful Sapphire ring. Do you really care that that vile creature, who drooled all over your jumper when chasing you down the street and then stumbled over the tree stump (left over from that recent alien invasion) has some tissue injury? No but the vet is just a tad dishy. But be careful and don't become too distracted looking into that gorgeous hunks deep blue eyes over a camel. The animals sedation may not be too good and it does have a liking for eating rings even Sapphire ones........

Tanzanite

Routine wipe clean care only, NOT to be cleaned by the steam or ultrasonic method. Another beautiful gemstone that can be damaged by extreme temperature changes.

Your sparkling blue Tanzanite bracelet is the most favourite piece of jewellery you now wear.

Besides the gorgeous hunk of a vet brought it for you. Well your lumpy gray alien soul mate of yesterday has had to go back home pretty sharpish, leaving you heart broken and all alone. Why did the world's armies have to be such spoil sports and fight the alien invasion? At least you remember to be careful with this lovely Tanzanite bracelet and not wear it when you had that secret weekend away with Lawrence of Arabia Geoff at his villa in Egypt and that day of hot trekking on a camel - well that drooling animal did reminded you of your vet and how you first met. But now you so wish that you had taken it of before cooking Dishy Vet a lovely romantic meal. It accidentally fell onto the baking potatoes in the microwave. Those flashing light are nothing to do with love and cupid stars, just the microwave and potatoes on fire.

Topaz

Wipe clean method only, NOT suitable for ultrasonic and steam cleaning methods. Colour treated topaz gems will fade under sunlight, so do not expose them to the sun for long periods.

With Topaz gemstone available in so many pretty colours, you have chosen a multi coloured topaz necklace to wear today. You brought it as compensation for your Dishy Vet hot footing it out of your apartment, just because the microwave fire had set fire to the curtains and settee. He left you in a dangerous fire situation. So much for undying love and all that rubbish! But those wonderful firemen rescued you and carried you to safety. However you are now wondering if it was such a good idea to wear your pretty Topaz necklace when bitchy neighbor from two doors down found out about you and Lawrence of Arabia Geoff's little secret affair. Staked alongside Lawrence of Arabia Geoff to the roof of his villa in Egypt, you worry that weeks of exposure to the sun will ruin your Topaz necklace. Because no one knows you and Lawrence of Arabia Geoff are secretly there.

Tourmaline

Give this piece of gemstone jewellery a wipe clean. You may also clean with a steam cleaner but NOT an ultrasonic cleaner.

Sporting a fabulous green Tourmaline brooch, you stand in the witness stand and give evidence against bitchy neighbor two doors down. Rescued by the fireman friends from your house fire, so lucky that they were on a stag weekend in Egypt (never leave home without wearing your lucky Alexandrite earrings) and were taking up your kind offer of a jacuzzi party. Lawrence of Arabia Geoff was not so lucky and hospitalized long term for damage to a part of his anatomy. The sparkling light from your Topaz necklace had kept the vultures away from you, but the gemstones had unfortunately faded. Lawrence of Arabia Geoff was not so lucky from the vultures out hunting worms to eat.

You've also now brought one of those new inventions called ovens instead of a microwave. Well a girl can not be too careful with her gems. Back to the court room and the Topaz brooch pinned to your top catches the eye of the judge; and you smile.

Zircon

Preserve this gemstone with a wipe clean. The colour enhanced zircons will fade when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods. Can use a steam cleaner but NOT an ultrasonic cleaner.

Now you have learnt your lesson on not wearing gemstones that are likely to fade when exposed to sunlight for long periods. So your Zircon antique jewellery set remains inside the villa in Egypt with all your other jewels and a gorgeous Opal tiara you found in the kitchen.

The Zircon jewellery was brought as a gift by your new boyfriend Judge Dave, who is so thoughtful and just happens to be sitting next to your sun lounger. Lawrence of Arabia Geoff strides like a cowboy across the villa's patio. Shame about his voice that's never been the same since Bitchy Neighbor's revenge staking. He has a tray of cooling drinks from the kitchen for you and Judge Dave. The patio slabs are now clean, sparkling and ready for the BBQ party, Its been steam cleaned by a few lads from the fire service. The firemen have now started on the villa's carpets with strict instruction not to go anywhere near your Peridot pendant stored in a space cruiser parked in the hall way. The smell of roasting camel reaches your nostrils, cooked tenderly by that dishy surgeon from the pearl incident. Turns out Bitchy neighbor was that awful nurse and you did not recognize her in her uniform. Pity she's doing a ten year stretch for attempted murder. On the other sun loungers by the pool is your Lumpy Gray Alien Being and a few of his alien friends. He brought a few mates to help clear the grounds for a larger pool, just because you mentioned to him your need for a larger one with all the friends you now have. He is so thoughtful too. The aliens are relaxing and enjoying a drink after a day's hard work.

Isn't life and gemstones wonderful you think to yourself, providing you care for them well. But it does seem a lot of trees and grass cleared for one bigger pool........

New look to Jewels and Finery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:12:00 +0000

At long last we have a new look to our vintage jewellery website. Hope you like it? We still have to make a few tweaks but nearly there.

Here are just a few of the latest additions to Jewels and Finery.

Rainbow wooden bangle

Golden torc bangle

Green butterfly brooch

Bohemian purple vintage brooch

Purple teardrop clip earrings.

Now I have always believed things happen for a reason, whether we like it or not. Strange things also happen - that we can not explain. Like the fact that white feathers kept appearing (and disappearing) with not a feather pillow in sight. Then I read an article that said white feathers could be a sign of a guardian angel! Well this happened just before I became quite ill with the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis. I haven't found any feathers since then??

Well to the point, today I have tried to add an old lucky charm of Joan The Wad, queen of the pixies. She is an old Cornish folk lore that is said to bring good luck when owned. Well I have tried 3 times in total to list this on our website. Once a few weeks ago and twice today. In spite of adding many other products at the same time - this one charm has failed every time, with something going wrong with the technology and not saving the text description. So Joan the Wad, something is telling me to keep you. Do you believe in these "signs" or not?

Adrian Mann - Ways to Date Vintage Jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 07:27:00 +0000

There are many ways to date vintage jewellery, but today I have one way that has not been covered before. Here is a photograph of an Adrian Mann vintage brooch produced in 1984. It is in a Scottish jewellery designed in silver tone with a mock Cairngorm stone in the center of the thistle flower. Also on the page is a plain gold tone bangle.

Vintage knitting pattern for women - sweaters

The jewellery is on a vintage knitting pattern for a woman's sweater. Easy to date as the pattern has a date inside. Also they have actually put the name of the jewellery supplier. Most times on patterns the jewellery is not named or dated but occasionally I do come across one such as this.

This last week we have added over 30 new pieces to Jewels and Finery. Here are just a few..


Ceramic white anemone flower vintage brooch in white vintage brooches


Diamante clip on earrings by Pell - in our vintage clip on earrings collection.


1960s vintage necklace with matching screw back earrings by Coro in silver tone and mock coral coloured cabochon.

Just a few exciting jewellery pieces - as we source the unusual and often unique style. Not found on the high street.

Well it does look as though spring has arrived early in the UK. Good weather has meant that we have been able to start a major renovation on our front garden. Taking out all the overgrown shrubbery and trees. My plan is to have a more colourful and productive front garden this and subsequent years.

Here is a photograph as to what it looks like now.

Overgrown with ivy and the soil is awful and so dry. My husband does not have a clue when it comes to gardening so he lets me carry on and he just does the clearing and some heavy stuff. I said in a blog a while back about loosing some weight. So I have joined a gym - which I enjoy using (especially the pool and jacuzzi) This gardening is also helping, along with eating better foods. Have lost weight as finding my clothes are not fitting!

Amber Vintage Jewellery and Brooches

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 20:32:00 +0000

Having now almost completed our different collections. I thought I would look at amber jewellery and also amber brooches.

Amber glass vintage bracelet

We have included both real tree resin amber and also amber coloured items in the collections.

So here is a little about the fossilized tree resin amber which is a natural plastic and was formed from trees that grew many million years ago.

It is used in jewellery but also in perfume and as a medicine by some cultures.
Amber is mostly seen as a glorious orange yellow colour and material. But there are other amber colours such as blue, cherry amber to nearly black around. The shades can vary so much, which makes it interesting to collect. Occasionally the amber would have captured an insect during its liquid state. Though this is rare, but a manufacture will sometimes add an insect to raise the value of the amber as it is highly prized. It is a thermoplastic resin that can be heated to soften and then remolded many times. Tests for amber include heating a pin - which will go easily into the material, but this needs to be done in a place where it can not be seen and is not recommended.

Genuine amber vintage jewellery is now harder to find. So we sourced some new pieces that had a vintage style to them.

Amber rhinoceros brooch in silver

Amber coloured glass and other plastics have been popular across the decades. From the 1950s to the 1980s, produced large glass stone brooches, necklaces and earrings. The colour amber is used for spacer beads as they enhance other coloured beads. In fact if you look closely - the colour amber may not be the main colour in today's jewellery but often lurking in the background.

Black and amber plastic necklace


Cairngorm glass stone in a grouse foot vintage brooch. A yellow amber coloured stone typical in Scottish jewellery

Beautiful amber coloured five strand vintage necklace

Thankfully we leave February behind. Not a great month in more ways than one, but at least I have now lost weight with a regime of diet and exercise. Not wanting to buy any new clothes until I drop 2 dress sizes I am having difficulty finding a pair of non belted trousers that stay up!

Vintage Brooches in black

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:20:00 +0000

In this years blogs, we will look at each collection that we currently have available. We have made many changes across Jewels and Finery. This blog we will look at our Black Vintage Brooches. Just one of the many collections within vintage brooches.

The black brooch collection includes vintage, pre owned and new pieces. So in all around a hundred years of jewellery.

We have bead brooches and other colours mixed with the black colour ways. The above faceted bead brooch is quite large and just shimmers with the black facets and crystal glass beads.

From elegant simple designs like this bar brooch to larger complex ones.

Black brooches are traditionally associated with memorial jewellery as well as Gothic modern jewellery. The brooch above is in a Victorian memorial style dating to the 1980s - 1990s.

It can also be seen in love brooches such as this black cats one.
We add at least 30 to 50 different pieces of jewellery each week, so there is always something new to see.

My visit to Butler and Wilson shop South Molton St London

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:08:00 +0000

On Saturday 28th 2012, I had the opportunity to visit London with my daughter. I thought I would go and visit one of the Butler & Wilson shops in London and buy myself a couple of brooches. Something that was on my bucket list!

Because my daughter had an interview very early on that morning, we left the West Midlands at 3 am.
Now I was really looking forward to seeing lots of lovely jewels and sparkling brooches as well as soaking up the atmosphere of a successful costume jewellery company of the UK. I have in my own collection a couple of necklaces and a brooch (that has had to be repaired). I had tried to buy a Christmas tree pin last year from Butler & Wilson but had been unable to. I had looked at their website and on QVC's website in September and again at the and of November, but there was not one tree brooch available. So in early December I went elsewhere. Unfortunately I would have loved to watch QVC to see if they had one in the run up to Christmas, but as I can only dip in and out occasionally, so this was not an option.

Those of you that read my blog and visit our website, can hazard a guess that I am quite patriotic and believe that we should be proud of our heritage and support UK companies, etc. However sometimes I find myself shaking my head in frustration and I think I can confidently say - my visit turned out to be such an occasion.

After a successful interview, my daughter and I arrived at the South Molton Street shop at around 11 am. There is so much walking to be done in London, that after a long debate I had worn an old and very comfortable pair of walking come gardening boots. It was the only way that I could have managed this trip. The shop is just off Oxford Street, so taking the tube to Bond Street we took a long walk through the crowds and eventually located it.
Happy with the morning, we first ambled around the small sized shop looking for the brooch section. However unable to find any and realizing that they had only sale stock, old stock, stock that was seconds and some Native American style items in a dark show case. Unlabelled and difficult to tell what they were. We ended at the front of the store quite quickly. If you are planning a trip to the store - I would ring first to make sure they have the jewellery item that you want as there were very few "glitzy" jewellery but lots of necklaces with agate and quartz.

I next turned to look at the jewellery in plastic bags located in boxes that were in the middle of the store. There were also racks around the walls with a few pieces of jewellery hanging on them.
We had already been asked once if we needed any help. Pet hate - usually send me fast to the exit. But we had been busy looking at something and had acknowledged the request with a polite "no thank you".

So trying to hold onto a walking stick and open plastic bags was difficult enough; and when a sales assistant waved a small basket in front of me and asked (well I think it was to me - she was looking down the shop at the time!) "did I want to use one of these". I explained no, and went on to say that it was difficult with holding and using a stick. The sales assistant didn't answer or even look at me. So I went back to what I was doing and then over heard her say to a colleague (within my poor hearing) something about not wanting one in case you spent to much!!

Now I am not known for my tact or keeping my mouth shut. But I was in a good mood and not wanting to ruin it - I just carried on looking and didn't make a fuss. Besides I didn't want to be thrown out of the store for telling them what I thought!!

I eventually brought the above necklace. Its a tad too short but looking at the chain, it should be quite easy to add an extension chain and so not have the tag and clasp on my shoulder. Would have spent a lot more but very unusually for me - I couldn't find anything else I wanted.
When I came to pay - the same "basket" assistant took my plastic bag with the necklace in. Again she did not look at me the whole time. It must be a practiced art form to stare ahead of you and not acknowledge someone being there at all. There is of course autism (that makes eye contact very difficult) and I wondered if this was the case or was it just plain rudeness.

Before I forget - The items are priced with tiny tiny labels - so I would recommend taking a magnifying glass with you - if you have anything other than perfect sharp eyesight.
It took 2 shop assistance to take my purchase and money. Another sales assistant with her back to me keyed in the price in the till (located on the back wall) and when I had payed, the first "basket" assistant bagged my purchase into a blue plastic bag - no don't expect a "Butler & Wilson" bag, you just get an ordinary plain one.

Saying thank you and extracting my purchase from the "basket" assistance, who was holding it in front of her by two fingers. I wondered if this woman was suffering from severe PMT or had she been stood up the night before (can you blame them)? But miserable face seemed to be endemic as I didn't see any of the staff smile.

My daughter and I took our leave. Unfortunately the floor is uneven and slopes towards the door. The building does seem old. Managing to trip as I do so many times - my trusty walking stick came to my aid. This shop is too small for any form of disabled equipment and if you use such - I would advise ringing to see what they have to assist you. The floor assistant/bouncer (a nice young man) opened the door for me - how nice I thought, but he followed it up with "I hope you get better soon" which left me stunned. Oh my god I look ill I though.............

So thank you Butler & Wilson company for making my visit enj.....memorable.

PS I probably have multiple sclerosis. My consultant neurologist is as yet undecided and I am looking forward to seeing him next week. Last year I was up and down like a yo-yo with bouts of dizziness and it has taken since 2006, to get to the level of fitness that I have today. Difficult in moving and at times comfort eating (who wouldn't be upset when suddenly without warning life turned upside down and you are literally thrown in the gutter by society) it has meant I have piled on a few pounds to 12 3/4 stone. Pleasantly plump no just too fat and hating it. This year I started with the resolution to get fitter, loose weight and enjoy life to the full. Follow this blog to see how I get on. Oh and will I be visiting Butler & Wilson in the future - what do you think?

Vintage brooches and a new year!

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:29:00 +0000

This is our first post of the New Year 2012. Just been a bit busy making a few new collection categories to Jewels and Finery. Our vintage brooches has been split into themes. So over the next few weeks we will be showing each new collection category.
New additions to vintage brooches over the next week to come and here are a few already available:

Crescent garland vintage brooch by Jewelcraft

Pretty vintage brooch by Jewelcraft which was the mark Coro used in the UK.

Wheat or grass vintage brooch

Unusual vintage brooch - think it looks better pinned this way. Very 3D and well made. Unsigned beauty.

The three vintage brooches and pre owned brooch will be added shortly, just a few of the many we have photographed and will add soon.

Happy New Year 2012 from Jewels and Finery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:25:00 +0000

As 2011 draws to an end, its a time to reflect and plan for the New Year. We have had another fabulous year at Jewels and Finery UK. Sourcing many great pieces of vintage jewellery that we know have gone to good new homes to be worn for special occasions and everyday, collected and admired.

Plans are now well in hand for this coming year, new ideas and lines on our website. Which we hope you will enjoy.

So to all have a Happy New Year, good luck, good health and a prosperous one.

Sue & Mark Jewels and Finery UK

Dating Sarah Coventry vintage jewellery P15

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:11:00 +0000

I can not believe its been almost 3 weeks since I last blogged. But this time of year is so busy. Lots of vintage jewellery to pack and send to new homes.
This blog is part 15 of the spring 1976 Sarah Coventry brochure to help date and identify vintage jewellery.

Page 47

Vintage earrings all for pierced ears

A = Tiny Garden**
B = Mushroom*
C = Tiny Turtle*
D = Hollywood Squares*
E = New Twist*
F = Taffee Tones**
G = Luv**
H = Madame Butterfly*(G)
I = The Big Apple**(G)
J = The Big Apple**(S)
K = Serenity Cross*(G)
L = Moon Drops**(G)
M = Golden Lace*
N = Madame Butterfly*(S)
O = Diamonice*
P = Serenity Cross*(S)
Q = Moon Drops**(S)
R = Silvery Lace*
S = Papillon*
T = Flair**
U = Swing Away*~~ (S)
V = Classic Tassel*~~(S)
W = Wishbone*
X = Princess**
Y = Texture Twist*
Z = Senorita*(S)

AA = Swing Away*~~(G)
BB = Classical Tassel*~~(G)
CC = Capers*~~
DD = Tiny Cross*
EE = Senorita*(G)

*Surgical steel post
**Surgical steel wire
~~Sarah convertibles - may be worn with or without dangle.

Page 48

A = Tailored Accent Necklace/Belt 37"
B = Tailored Accent Bracelet

New additions to Jewels and Finery

Mother of pearl shell bracelet

Amber oval ring

And don't forget our sale vintage jewellery...............

A bit of BLING vintage style

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:23:00 +0000

As the party season hots up. Change the look of your evening gown by adding a sparkling piece of vintage jewellery.
A bling vintage brooch pinned to the lapel side of your dress as a corsage or used as an accent on the plunge of your bust-line. Just the one brooch, necklace or bracelet will add that something special to any clothing and transform you into a glamorous individual.

Pin a brooch to a silver material hair band for a total unique hair accessory. Or add a twinkling brooch to a plain clutch bag. Two brooches on a pair of heels, a belt or even on the plunge at the back of a dress. Just a sprinkle of imagination can transform a sober jacket into an couture outfit suitable for a glitz Hollywood party.

With a truly vintage piece of jewellery your look will be unique and no one else in the room will have the same copy.

Diamante is fabulous under party lights and rhinestones even better. Add bling in the form of a vintage necklace, dress clip or bracelet if brooches are not your thing.

Swag rhinestone necklace. Pre owned jewellery from recent years. Just covered in bling.

Liven up denim with this sparkling denim clip brooch. Push onto denim buttons available in several different colours and styles.

Beautiful vintage brooch with deep sparkling rhinestones. So versatile and easy to wear.

Brooches pinned to the clothing can be found in Jewels and Finery's white vintage brooches category.

Sarah Coventry vintage brooch Featherfroth

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:18:00 +0000

One of the latest vintage brooches added to Jewels and Finery, is this striking vintage brooch from Sarah Coventry.

This vintage brooch has the name of "Featherfroth". Originally produced in 1955 by the US company Sarah Coventry. It is a feather stamped brooch which has fine feather detail. This piece of jewellery is in an antique silver coloured metal, complete with a secure safety fastening. Stamped on the reverse Sarah Coventry and Canada. This particular vintage brooch is in excellent condition and looks unused.
Sarah Coventry also produced clip on earrings to match this brooch in the creeper style. Jewels and Finery has the vintage brooch for sale only. But the earrings are still available to source yourself.

The international company Sarah Coventry started producing jewellery for sale at home parties in the late 1940s and continued until the early 2000s. They also produced Emmons jewellery range.
More Sarah Coventry jewelry is available and information on vintage jewellery can be found from links on our home page.

Vintage charms just added to Jewels and Finery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:14:00 +0000

We have just started to sell more vintage charms on Jewels and Finery.
This piece of vintage jewellery is fun to add to charm bracelets and collect. They can also be attached to necklaces and key rings or chains.

Here are just a few that we have at present.

A silver sea horse vintage charm. This little sea creature is very detailed.

St Christopher vintage charm or pendant. We have a few styles available. In small charms and larger that could also be used as a pendant. St Christopher was the allocated saint of travel. Wearing a St Christopher is said to give protection on the road traveling. These religious vintage charms have several different messages on the back.

A little good luck vintage charm. Ideal to give as a present, especially for a wedding. Or can wear yourself for a job interview or for extra good luck.

Just 3 vintage charms shown today but many more to add over the next few weeks.

Autumn genuine vintage brooches

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:58:00 +0000

At this time of the year, the leaves are falling and the weather grows cold. Back on goes the coats and jackets. I have always liked to pin a vintage brooch to my lapel. It is usually a brooch to go with the time of the year or how I feel that day. But it does not have to be a lapel. Pin a brooch to a hat or onto a bag. It just lifts any outfit. My all time favourite for this time of the year is some great enamel leaf vintage brooches made right here in the UK. Companies like Exquisite, Sphinx and Hollywood produced some all time classics in many different finishes from hand painted enamel, marcasite to plain silver and gold that was textured.

Golden sycamore vintage brooch by Exquisite. This brooch was available in many different finishes. Many can still be sourced today.

Fabulous hand enameled green ivy vintage brooch by Exquisite. Each brooch was hand painted and so they often varied in their look. Produced from the 1950s through to the 1970s and were very popular. Earrings and necklaces can still be found to match.

Another pretty enameled vintage brooch of a white vine leaf by Exquisite. This is one of the rarer hand enameled pieces we have found.

Hollywood also made some pretty vintage brooches. Also a Birmingham UK company that produced vintage jewellery like Exquisite from the early twentieth century to the late 70s. This is an attractive golden leaves vintage brooch by Hollywood.

Another stylish curled leaf vintage brooch from Hollywood. A popular plume motif used in many different jewellery designs. The texture adds greater interest and contrast.

Dating vintage jewellery - Sarah Coventry 1976 P14

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:19:00 +0000

To continue with our look at the 1973 brochure from Sarah Coventry. This will aid identification and dating vintage jewellery from the company. It also helps with dating other vintage jewellery by familiarizing the style of the pieces. Do this often enough and you will be able to see which era the brooch or necklace that you are trying to date is more likely to come from.

The following pages are taken from the Spring edition of the jewelry collection 1976, Sarah Coventry inc.

Page 44

Pixie Pets - a range of jewellery aimed at teenagers. Sarah Coventry produced several ranges aimed at the younger girl.

A = bluebird of happiness bracelet.
B = blue bird of happiness necklace.
C = Tina ring adjustable 1 - 4.
D = Pinkie ring.
E = Swingin' bear necklace 14 to 16 inch adjustable in silver tone.
F = Guppy pendants 14"
G = Guppy bracelet
H = Ann 'n Andy pendants 16"
I = Color trio bracelet with three changeable fronts.

Page 45

A = Bittersweet necklace (31" and 36" chains)
B = Bittersweet earrings (pierced)

Page 46
Earrings from Sarah Coventry

A = La grande hoop with surgical steel.
B = Chicken clips with one pair in gold tone and another in silver tone.
C = fashion loops in gold tone.
D = fashion loops in silver tone.
E = hula hoops with 14K overlay.
F = wedding band with 14k overlay.
G = tailored classic with surgical steel in silver tone.
H = Dove of peace with surgical steel wire.
I = twister with surgical steel in silver tone.
J = Charisma with surgical steel in silver tone.
K = Charisma in gold tone with surgical steel.
L = fiesta with surgical steel.
M = pierced ear wires with one pair in gold tone and another in silver tone.
N = twister in gold tone and surgical steel.
O = tailored classics in surgical steel and gold tone.
P = Zodiac circle in surgical steel.
Q = wedding ring in surgical steel.

A ll the above earrings were available but needed either the chicken clips or ear wires to make them for pierced ears or for clip on style earrings.

Just a few of the latest additions to Jewels and Finery

Vintage molten ring - adjustable 1970s.

Ceramic vintage pendant signed Countess made in England.

Amber cluster vintage clip on earrings.

Vintage Flower Brooches

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:39:00 +0000

This week Jewels and Finery has launched a new category - vintage flower brooches. This is just one of the categories we have in vintage brooches.
We intend to have just the single flower brooches here, not floral bunches and bouquets designed vintage brooches, but just ones like the small sample below. The category will eventually include the following vintage flower brooches.

This beautiful mock pearl large vintage flower brooch by Jewelcraft. Jewelcraft was a name used by Coro and most of the Jewelcraft vintage jewellery found in the UK was made here in Sussex.

Another UK produced single rose vintage brooch by Hollywood. A Birmingham based firm that produced large quantities of vintage jewellery from the early part of the 20th century until the late 70s.
This is another larger than average red rose brooch that is enameled and has textured gold metal.

Lily flowers are often produced as brooches. Single blooms have been added to our new vintage flower category. This is a gorgeous light purple enameled vintage brooch.
But if your tastes are a little darker, then go for this lily vintage brooch in black.

Back soon with some more pics from our vintage jewellery and an update on Sarah Coventry's brochure .

Vintage Christmas jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:07:00 +0000

Its nearly the end of October, time has just flown so quick and it will soon be Christmas again - whether we are ready for it or not.
During the festive season a few years ago now, I started to wear vintage Christmas jewellery and it not only brightened up a plain outfit but it made me smile and feel more Christmasy.

Now every year I wear a different piece of vintage Christmas jewellery every day. It may be a themed piece like a vintage Christmas tree brooch or a pair of sparkling vintage earrings. Lets face it, when in the year will you get away with wearing rhinestone and diamante vintage jewellery during the day to work or out just shopping. So I make the most of this time - it makes me feel good and happier, it is also a better talking point other than the bad winter weather!

Now I did not start of with buying lots of Christmas themed jewellery in one go as far too expensive. Each year I buy one or two pieces and add them to the ones stored at home. Of course I have lots of bright sparkle jewellery that I keep for special occasions and they get a daytime airing as well.
Over the years that we have sold vintage Christmas jewellery; it has become obvious which type of jewellery is most popular.
Top is vintage Christmas tree brooches. Well you have one at home and probably in the office, they are in shops and standing in the middle of the high street. So why not one on your shoulder or bag. Putting up the tree is part of our Christmas tradition.

Floral jewellery is the next popular with white Christmas roses, poinsettia and holly with its bright red berries, being the flower choice.

Vintage brooches of Father Christmas and stocking are the next favourite with bells, garlands and toy themed jewellery coming just after in the popularity stakes.

Sparkling vintage jewellery is not just for parties and evening do's. Put on a pair of shimmering earrings and a diamante bracelet every morning in December. Or add a rhinestone necklace to several layers of plain black bead necklaces for your office outfit. You will positively sparkle every time you walk past the a lighted Christmas tree.

Now I have to stop at this point and just point out that I have been talking about jewellery for women. But there is no reason why a man can not join in the fun. Its this time of the year you can attach a Christmas vintage brooch pin to your jacket or on your tie instead of a vintage tie pin. Hats just scream to have a little Father Christmas brooch pinned over that designer logo.................okay just put it next to it then!
Now men, if your thing is sparkling necklaces and bracelets - then go for it. Who cares in this day and age, be yourself.

Why vintage Christmas jewellery - well very few firms make special Christmas themed jewellery now days, as its too expensive. Older costume jewellery was often better made and is still available in a greater variety.
My take on life is that you only live once so make the most of it, let your confidence shine through and start a new Christmas tradition this year. Have a Happy Christmas.

Suitable Halloween vintage jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Its that time of the year again - Halloween - stores filled with bats, spiders, pumpkins and ghouls! So just for the fun of it and the fact that my brain is still full of cotton wool from a bad cold! We have chosen some vintage jewellery pieces suitable to wear for Halloween on the 31st October and can be worn during the rest of the years.

Black widow spider brooch - pre owned jewellery

A glorious black metal pre owned brooch from Claires, that is just ideal to pin to clothing as near enough a large spider. Pin it to your hat or onto a bag for great effect.

We also have a diamante covered spider brooch if you wish to sparkle

Gothic jewellery has been created across many decades - go for the obvious Gothic necklace.

Gothic skulls necklace in pewter - pre owned jewellery

Or go for something a little more subtle:

Victorian memorial vintage brooch by Sphinx

Sphinx made a whole range of Victorian revival black vintage brooches and other vintage jewellery. We have 2 different ones for sale at the moment.

For men there is this genuine biker badge which is a bit grouse.

Or for something that is a bit more subtle..

Vintage cufflinks of bloodstone

Wearing jewellery for the occasion is great fun - you do not have to be obvious but a bit subtle for the day if you so wish

Me I will be wearing a selection of vintage brooches and some newer ones. All that have a Halloween theme. If someone this year asks me "are you a witch" I'll just turn them into a pumpkin.............

Zoom feature on Jewels and Finery's vintage jewellery photographs

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:11:00 +0000

Yesterday saw the launch of the new zoom feature on our Jewels and Finery's website. So now the vintage jewellery photographs can be seen close up and in closer detail. Taking vintage jewellery photographs is an art in itself. Best taken outside in natural light for me. I have never been a fan of the bland jewellery pictures on a white background - they seem so flat and false. But that is my opinion, not for the many jewellery website around, but then I have always looked at life very differently..

Particularly like the close up detail to this second hand brooch of a silver modernist design.

This vintage jewellery set of Christmas bells in our vintage Christmas jewellery category can be viewed so close the reflection of the outdoor studio can be seen.

Look at the detail with the new zoom feature on this panther vintage bracelet.

The zoom can not be seen on these blog photographs - view them on our website - vintage jewellery from Jewels and Finery.

Now have a good weekend.

1930's filigree and rhinestone vintage jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:54:00 +0000

1930's vintage jewellery comes under the Art Deco and prewar banner. Vintage jewellery from that decade was a mix of graphic, luxury and very exotic. The thirties is most associated with bright colourful vintage jewellery, usually imported into the UK from Bohemia. Art Deco and modernist machine jewellery was in evidence but also other styles flourished in the pre war boom years.

Vintage brooches of that period were often of enamel with marcasite or rhinestone encrusted of multi colours. The signature style of Czech vintage jewellery was filigree, in a few short years it was imported into this country in the thousands such was the demand. It was evident on brooches, bracelets, necklaces, dress clips and earrings. Earring mechanisms changed from pierced to the clip and screw backs; because to pierce ears required a cork and sharp needle - modern piercing equipment had yet to be invented. Dress clips became very fashionable worn on dresses and tops singular or in pairs.

War in the UK saw a gradual change in material used, to sterling silver and "natural" occurring products such as shells, wood and seeds. With rationing until the 1950s, jewellery was available only in small quantities or "home made" Once again during the 30s and 40s, the UK saw the jewellery industry change to help the war effort.

The war brought an end to the flourishing Bohemian jewellery industry. The Jewish workers and owners either fled the country or ended up in concentration camps never to return.

Today brightly coloured rhinestone and filigree jewellery can still be found at a reasonable price. The workmanship was by far superior to today's machine made pieces. Rhinestones were prong set by hand and the filigree is in several layers. Beware when buying "vintage" filigree jewellery from Czechoslovakia as the jewellery is not real vintage but new reproductions of an inferior quality. This is very evident now on shopping channels such as Ebay.

Clown vintage brooches

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:40:00 +0000

There are so many kinds of vintage brooches to choose from, that today I thought I would have a quick look at clown vintage brooches.
Circus life has diminished tremendously during the last 50 years. In my childhood I went to the circus and enjoyed not only the clowns but the lions and elephant performances. Today circuses are still around but many have complied with the times and moved to theatrical and mostly human performances.

Clowns are either loved or hated. Hated maybe because you can not see their true expression and intent behind the face paint? Loved because they are funny and wear brightly coloured clothing.

Here are a few pieces of vintage jewellery of different clowns that we have on the website at the moment.
Very retro and fun to wear on a hat, bag, clothing or as hair decoration. Fun to collect and display in a frame or on a pillow.

So have a good weekend and don't clown around too much!!

BJL vintage necklace lily design

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Several vintage jewellery blogs ago - I asked for any information on BJL signed vintage jewellery. and information on the unsigned vintage brooches that are of the marcasite and enamel lily design. These brooches can be found in many different colours from pink, blue to green enameled ones.

The lily vintage brooches are very similar to the signed brooches by BJL, so I wondered if they were made by the same company and asked if anyone had a vintage brooch that was signed?

Thank you very much to Clare in New Zealand who recently brought this beautiful vintage necklace signed BJL

It certainly looks very similar to the lily vintage brooches. Now we know that BJL made lily designed jewellery - so there must be a signed brooch somewhere as absolute proof?

And if anyone knows who the company was that made BJL jewellery - please let me know so that I can share the information.

Vintage brooch or vintage pendant?

noreply@blogger.com (Jewels and Finery) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:18:00 +0000

Some forms of vintage jewellery are very versatile. There are a few vintage brooches that have a loop on the back to convert into a vintage pendant. Easy to do by adding a chain necklace or even a ribbon. The loop is also handy to attach a safety chain pin, most often seen on the 1950s vintage brooches.

Here are a few available at the moment on Jewels and Finery.

We do have many more of these vintage brooches available