Jewels and Finery

My visit to Butler and Wilson shop South Molton St London

2012-01-31T12:08:00.000Z

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!

2012-01-19T14:29:00.001Z

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

2011-12-31T11:25:00.002Z

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

2011-12-14T20:11:00.002Z

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

2011-11-27T14:23:00.001Z

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

2011-11-24T06:18:00.001Z

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

2011-11-18T09:14:00.001Z

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

2011-11-05T12:58:00.002Z

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

2011-11-04T09:19:00.001Z

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

2011-10-24T19:39:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-21T08:07:00.001+01:00

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

2011-10-17T15:28:00.002+01:00

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

2011-10-14T10:11:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-11T08:54:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-07T09:40:00.001+01:00

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

2011-10-05T13:46:00.000+01:00

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?

2011-09-29T10:18:00.001+01:00

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

Tussie Mussie Vintage Brooch

2011-09-23T07:02:00.000+01:00

A Tussie Mussie vintage brooches are quite rare to source nowdays. The brooches have a little "tube" area that can hold a small posy of flowers. Popular originally during the Victorian period, where both men and women used them to stop the flower ends staining their clothing, hold a small posy and add decoration all at the same time.
Jewels and Finery has one available at the moment. Its quite small and will just about fit a small sprig of heather or a flower similar. Very collectible with this one dating to the early part of the twentieth century.

Rare and collectible vintage jewellery.

Pop it beads vintage necklaces

2011-09-21T10:13:00.000+01:00

Now who can remember Pop it bead necklaces from their childhood? They were plastic beads that you could join together to form either one necklace or several bracelets. These vintage necklaces originally began to be made in the 1950s. Firstly made for adults and then in the sixties children versions were made. Eventually after the sixties and seventies they died out of popularity and hence production.

Here are two versions of the Pop it beads necklaces available on Jewels and finery recently.

Kitsch vintage jewellery that is so fun to wear and collect. The fifties versions are now quite hard to find but the 1960s ones are still available in a wide range of bright colour.

Art Deco Jewellery

2011-09-20T10:49:00.000+01:00

Art Deco jewellery is very popular, it is one of those styles that is sought after by collectors and fashionables alike.
Original Art Deco vintage jewellery dates from the 1920s to the 1930s, it is modern, luxurious, exotic and graphic. Short hair of the times needed long earrings to create femininity. Layers of bangles and beads to go with the flapper dresses.
The style became more abstract, angular and linear in shape, created to echo the new machine age of the twenties.

Both the above pieces of jewellery are from the Art Deco period.

Vintage cameo brooch and perfume container from Avon

2011-09-19T11:00:00.000+01:00

Just added a vintage cameo brooch with perfume container by Avon produced in 1970.
The cameo was one of the first vintage brooches produced by Avon in the seventies. Originally Avon began their jewellery range with glace brooches and then moved onto producing normal jewellery without perfume containers.

The perfume is unusable today and I wouldn't recommend smelling it!

Vintage Jewelry by Sarah Coventry Part 13, Spring 1976

2011-09-01T17:59:00.000+01:00

This is now part 13 of the Spring brochure 1976 for Sarah Coventry jewelry. Ideal to help name, date and for information on the seventies era vintage jewellery. Some of the pieces are timeless and can be worn with ease today.
Page 40

A = Ember Tear earrings
B = Golden Teardrop Hoop necklace.
C = Ember Tear Choker 16".
Ember tear choker 18" (not shown)

Note the wire chokers were all the rage in the mid seventies, especially the ones with a single initial pendant or large charm.

Page 41
A = Rain Flower earrings (pierced dangle removable)
B = Rain Flower necklace 15 - 16" adjustable.
C = Springtime choker 16 - 18" adjustable.

Note in the seventies short length necklaces of 16" and under were the fashion. However nowdays 16" chains are the average size to pendant and chain necklaces - but they are never referred to as a choker!

Page 42

Golden Dove pendant 21"
Nite Owl pendant 24"
Madame Butterfly pin (gold tone) Silver tone - not shown.
Fifi pendant 21"

This summer of 2011, owl pendants and other jewellery enjoyed another revival. Still available to buy new. Owl jewellery has always been popular and is worn and collected by people of all ages.

Page 43

The sting pin. (bee)
Slick Chick pin. (bird)
Tiger Fish pendant 24" Fish)
Hercules pendant 24" (dog)
Professor pin (owl)

Just a few related pieces of vintage jewellery available on Jewels and Finery

Vintage owl brooch with small pewter owl ornament

Vintage owl pendant necklace by Elizabeth Arden

Cubic Zirconia earrings

Opaque moonstone white brooch

This Sarah Coventry booklet has 62 pages, so a few more to go!

Monet The Master Jewelers by Alice Vega

2011-08-15T18:18:00.000+01:00

A new book is just out on Monet vintage jewellery. Monet The Master Jewelers by Alice Vega was first published a couple of weeks ago and is not one to miss. A large and heavy book filled with the history of Monet or previously Monocraft jewellery. Adverts that date their jewellery and plenty of pieces arranged in decades until the eighties.

The company may have started in 1927 as an initials business, producing the monograms that were a popular trend of the 1920s & 1930s for initially cars. The Great Depression, saw them move to handbags as few could afford cars. Expanding their business into jewellery, the company went from Monocraft to Monet in 1937. They produced a YSL line in the 1980s and in the 1990s manufactured the Christian Lacroix line. In 1996 saving the company from bankruptcy, Liz Clairebourne company took over. Still having a name for quality and style Monet continues to expand today
.

Great book on jewellery, well written and researched and contains page after page of jewellery, definitely one to buy and keep in your reference library.

Here are just a few of the Monet jewellery pieces that are available on Jewels and Finery at the moment.

Monet green star brooch

Monet shell clip on earrings

Turquoise vintage brooch by Monet

Vintage golden vintage brooch of a butterfly 1960s

White contemporary flower brooch

We do have many other pieces in stock that we add every week onto the website.

Mirella Vintage Brooches

2011-08-03T07:17:00.000+01:00

Good morning, I have wrote about vintage jewellery signed Mirella before. W A P Watson the company who produced the Exquisite brand also produced Mirella. Named after an employee, the brand was for fancy goods and mirrors. However I discovered a short time ago that they also produced a few pieces of jewellery under that name - well two brooches it seems!

This was the purple vintage brooch that I brought a while back.

I have seen this brooch not only signed Mirella but also signed Exquisite.

This is the other brooch (below) that I have just brought signed Mirella. It is the only other one that I have seen under the Mirella brand. Both brooches are in my own collection but we source Exquisite and Mirella jewellery that will be added to the page on the above link regularly.

Both pretty floral designs and hand enameled with mock marcasite. Would say they date to the 1960s.
We have added more vintage brooches over the last few weeks in floral designs as well as with many other looks.

BJL Signed vintage jewellery

2011-08-02T12:06:00.000+01:00

BJL signed vintage jewellery is a mystery to many vintage costume jewellery collectors.
So if you have any knowledge of the company that made the jewellery please get in touch.

To jog memories here are a few pieces to help things along.

Signed lily flower brooch and matching clip earrings - also signed. My own collection

BJL made many pretty enamel and marcasite brooches and earrings. Looking at the style and findings of many of their pieces - they made jewellery from the 1920s up to the 1960s at least. Not only the enamel ones but a range of vintage necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets. Some of the jewellery was signed with block lettering BJL on a square plaque. But there are unsigned ones to look for.

This is an unsigned vintage brooch with a hummingbird. (own collection as wing damaged) A brooch in the same coloring was signed BJL found in America
.

Unsigned vintage brooch of leo by BJL

Signed vintage brooch for Sagittarius

Both of these brooches are from BJL as size, findings same and they appear to match in style.

Which leads me to the infamous vintage lily brooch in enamel and marcasite. Made in numerous colourways. Is this by BJL? The backs are very similar to the ones that are signed BJL. The lily brooches are in both pot metal with a C shaped fastening. Also they are available with rhodium plated backs and with a safety fastening. SO DO YOU HAVE this brooch with a signature? Please share any information.

Pot metal with C shaped fastening - my own collection.

Lily enamel and marcasite brooch - with a safety fastening.

Comments appreciated.

Carnival Glass or Iridescent Glass Jewellery

2011-07-26T09:47:00.000+01:00

Little is written about the beautiful blue and black vintage jewellery called Carnival or iridescent beads and glass pieces.

Now I call this type of jewellery - carnival. The name came from my mother and her mother, so this is part of my heritage. It is available in blue and black colours mostly and can be found in both antique and vintage necklaces, earrings, brooches, hat pins and bracelets. Also any other jewellery that used beads and glass. Now days the iridescent look is available on plastic beads.

Vintage carnival necklace 42 cm or 18 inches

Samples of "iridescent" jewellery developed from Roman glass that changed colour over time. It is produced by spraying, adding or fuming (a type of smoking pieces) metallic salts onto coloured glass. It then produces an oil on water effect. The colours and intensity depends on the base glass and amount of salts added. It would have looked enchanting by candle light and is still very pretty when reflected by electric lights today

Treble strand vintage carnival or iridescent necklace

It seems to have first come into fashion at the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Probably as a result of the changes in mourning jewellery, when people still wanted a bit of decorum and to retain the black look, but also were starting to crave a bit of colour.

Fenton in the US in around the 1908 period started to use this technique for making pressed glass bowls and glasses. Its popularity increased from the 1900s up to the 1930s, when the cheaply produced decorative bowls, plates, and glasses were prizes at carnivals fairs. Hence where the name "carnival" derived from. The decorative glass was produced in large quantities and in many different colours. The most popular colours for pressed glass were marigold, amethyst and then the much scarcer blue. The popular blue and black glass jewellery was the colours used most and the many other colours are not represented as much. Common sense tells me that it was more expensive to produce the darker colours that light, but I am not a glass making expert?
Then there was a further revival of carnival glass jewellery in the late 1970s to early 1980s and it is still produced today in lesser quantities.

Vintage Italian clip on earrings

The clear glass jewellery with the "Northern Lights" effect called aurora borealis (AB) was developed in the mid fifties and gained more popularity over the darker carnival jewellery.
Again common sense tells me that aurora borealis was being developed, when the second world war stopped many new innovations. After the war, the trend was for colour - hence the darker and more somber colours were forfeited for the bright cheerful AB effect.

Aurora borealis clip vintage earrings (Sorry already sold)

The jewellery was produced in Bohemia in the late Victorian era. But it was also produced in the UK, USA, Germany, France and many other countries.

West Germany vintage carnival glass earrings

The dating to the jewellery is made by reviewing the original findings, but also by the feel of the glass. Early samples are much heavier than later ones. They also have a better quality look to them.

Vintage blue long necklace with carnival glass beads

See also Ornate clasp vintage necklace in blue carnival beads

Costume Jewellery by Judith Miller - a book review

2011-07-23T11:13:00.000+01:00

Okay I have tried to write a review on this book several times, but I am really having difficulty because its one of the worst books on costume jewellery I have read ever!!

The content is available readily on the Internet. Many vintage costume jewelers and historians have very comprehensive and correct factual information available that is free to view.

Red aurora borealis vintage brooch signed Exquisite

AURORA BOREALIS rhinestones were first made about 1955. So any jewellery with this is not 1930s/1940s but would date from the late 1950s onwards........

Vintage brooch with faux pearls, aurora borealis rhinestones and citrine coloured navettes

With the title "Costume Jewellery" I expected relevant information on UK costume jewellery. and especially written by someone from the UK, but no the book is also published with the "Costume Jewelry" title aimed at the US market. There is very little written about UK costume jewellery apart from Butler and Wilson and Vivienne Westwood. Most of the jewellery is only obtainable from the US and most is now quite rare and expensive. You also need to be wary of fakes.

This is a lily flower in marcasite and enamel. This brooch is available in a wide range of coloured enamel. They were made from the early part of the twentieth century until the 1970s. One size does not fit all. The earlier ones are of pot metal, not rhodium plated and the clasp is very different C shaped not the roll over clasp.

Unbelievably the "Unsigned Gems" chapter contained signed vintage jewellery- not sure what that was all about?? It would have been extremely helpful to show the backs of the jewellery and clasps.

Ciro vintage earrings

The only thing I can say without being terribly rude, is that if you like to look at pretty pictures of jewellery only - then buy this book. But if you are a complete novice and want to actually learn about costume jewellery - then there are many other good quality books available.,Ones that are well researched and contain excellent information that is correct - the Warman's Series is an excellent place to start.

Purple vintage long necklaces

Vintage Wedding Jewellery

2011-07-21T08:57:00.000+01:00

Today its is very fashionable to wear vintage jewellery on your wedding day. But this is not a new idea. Many moons ago when I married this saying was a popular tradition to follow "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue"
So vintage wedding jewellery was an easy option to choose for the "something old".

Now days, beautiful vintage style wedding hair pieces can be created out of brooches and necklaces. This replaces the tiaras of Victorian and Edwardian times that were made to break down into smaller pieces of a brooch and a necklace - to wear after the wedding. So you no longer have to have bucket loads of money to add that something special to your wedding.

Another growing idea is to adore your wedding bouquet with brooches and other finery to make it extra special. I love this idea as you can be so creative. It can also be something for the bridesmaids to keep afterwards. Some brides often collect vintage brooches to give as wedding favors to their family and friends. Though I would not recommend buying brooches with missing rhinestones, as its not that easy to replace them. In fact it is something of an art and from memory there just isn't enough time in the day to prepare as it is.

White weddings became popular in Victorian and Edwardian times (due to Queen Victoria herself) and have remained so to today. But many other cultures use more vibrant decoration on their wedding day such as in this blog on Indian wedding jewellery wrote last year.

Not forgetting the groom:)

This is just a small sample of the vintage jewellery available on Jewels and Finery.

Sarah Coventry Vintage Jewelry P12 - 1976

2011-07-19T08:31:00.000+01:00

Continuing with the 1976 Spring brochure from Sarah Coventry. This is part 12. Ideal for helping to name and date Sarah Coventry vintage jewelry and to see what else was available in that series.

Page 38

A = Complete necklace minus tassel from the Emberwood range.
B = Short necklace (20") and tassel.
C = Short necklace and bracelet.
Earrings have a removable dangle and for pierced ears.

Page 39

A = Taste of Honey earrings for pierced ears.
B = Taste of Honey necklace.
C = Taste of Honey earrings (clip)
D = Applause necklace in 28", 35 - 63"

This week we have started to divide the signed vintage jewellery category to different companies, signatures and designers to make viewing easier.

So here are a few of the latest pieces of vintage jewellery added to Jewels and Finery.

Moonflower vintage brooch signed Sarah Coventry

Silvery Sunburst vintage brooch 1960s - 1970s.

And just a couple of old favorites.

Sarah Coventry cufflinks and tie pin in green signed also GB

Cool Vintage Jewellery For The Summer

2011-07-12T08:22:00.001+01:00

Summer is definitely here in the UK, with tropical sunny days and just a little rain. On Sunday I came to put on my vintage jewellery and as the day promised to be very hot, ended up choosing a cool gemstone necklace. Best choice as even when I felt hot, the necklace remained cool.

Here are just a few to consider:)

Modern amber gemstone necklace

Amber is not cool to the touch, it has a warm waxy feel. But there are quartz crystals in this modern necklace in a cream and amber flecked colour to cool you down. Short length of 40 cm or 16 inches.

Vintage agate necklace

Agates now come in all sizes and colours. Many are dyed vivid colours. But they are also still available in their natural state and transformed into beads. Cool to the touch. This necklace has moss agate beads and is vintage with a screw fastening. Short length of 16 inches or 40 cm.

Dark hearts necklace and bracelet with MOP and hematite

A mix of two natural materials. Mother of pearl and hematite. Both cool to the touch. Pretty dainty two piece jewellery set. With an added bonus as hematite is said to protect against all harm!

African bead Picotite necklace

When we first held this necklace it was like a heavy metal bead piece but the beads are in fact spinels and probably Picotite. Rare brown beads with black gemstone beads combined. Long necklace of 80 cm or 32 inches. Very cool to the touch and very natural in style.

Contemporary rose quartz and hematite necklace

Moonstone orange & hematite necklace

Two hematite necklaces combined with gemstones of rose quartz and beautiful orange moonstone beads. Hematite I feel is underrated. It has a "Cleopatra" or Egyptian style when in these fringe designed necklaces.

Wear with a white top or dress for an exotic contrasting look.

Turquoise bead vintage necklace

Real jade vintage necklace and earrings 1970s

Necklaces of small beads or chips are so versatile as they can be used as necklaces or wrap around your wrist as a bracelet. they can also be pinned to a hat as a hat band. Wear one on its own or more than one in contrasting colours. Here are two with real turquoise and jade. Many pieces of turquoise now is not the actual stone but a coloured look a like, so be careful when buying it.

Pale pink & purple necklace and earring set

A 1990s not quite vintage necklace and pair of earrings. This set has pearls with white opaque jade and quartz of rose, amethyst and a pale blue. Very pretty jewellery set. the earrings are clip on with a screw for extra comfort. I have just brought a set that has screw on earrings that I would not wear a I like pierced ones. So I have matched up some earring findings and will change then to become pierced earrings as soon as the findings arrive. Remember that some necklaces can be made longer with an additional extender chain.

Sixties Heart Name Vintage Brooches

2011-07-06T12:38:00.000+01:00

Anyone else remember having a heart shaped opaque white vintage brooch with your name on. Produced in the sixties and marketed at children or the young at heart!
They were painted with different flowers and the name was in gold lettering. Safety fastening to the back in silver tone metal.Every child wanted one and over the last few years have come across a few - now they are of course classed as vintage jewellery.

This was me aged about 5. The brooch long lost and I would like to find another with my own name on. But a year ago, we brought and subsequently resold one, from a lady who wore one to work most of the time. She worked in a canteen and used it as a name badge.

Jewels and Finery now has 2 for sale in the names Karen and Lily.

Karen named heart shaped vintage brooch

Lucite white vintage brooch named Lily

Named brooches and other initial jewellery has been popular down the decades. I also remember in the 1970s wearing a choker necklace. Very popular amongst teenagers at the time. It was in a silver coloured metal wire with a pendant initial on. Then more recently shaped brooches that is still available, of brightly coloured enamel with names on - again for children.

Here are another two pieces of jewellery with initials on from different eras.

The letter R brooch

Letter A initial vintage keyring from Avon

When did you last wear a named brooch or piece of jewellery?

Vintage Jewellery SALE - On Bone China Brooches, Earrings and Pendants

2011-07-05T07:34:00.001+01:00

Summer special sale of some of our vintage jewellery. Today its reductions across the whole range of vintage bone china brooches, earrings and pendants. Names like Denton, Artone and Bilston. As well as many unsigned beauties.
Summer flowers in pretty colours of yellow, pink, green and blue, from the Staffordshire Potteries. Many now no longer in existence. Ideal to pin to summer hats and bags. Or to wear in the day or evening.

So see the special offers from our home page at Jewels and Finery.

More Vintage Rings From Sarah Coventry P11 - 1976 Spring Brochure

2011-07-04T08:03:00.001+01:00

More vintage rings from the 1976 Spring brochure produced by Sarah Coventry. Now part 11 and showing pages 36 and 37. Vintage jewellery produced in this year and displayed in the brochure; not only helps with identification, but with the actual name and description. It will also show if there was other pieces of jewellery that you can obtain to complete a set.

Page 36

A = Venetian Treasure.
B = Mixer in silver tone.
C = Finesse.
D = Angel Fish
E = Mixer gold tone.
F = Nosegay (adjust 4 - 6)
G = Day-Glo
H = Sundown.
I = My Valentine.
J = Sport (adjustable 4 - 6 & 6 1/2 - 9)
K = Moon Cloud
L = Avante
M = Frenchie
N = New Lustre
O = Cotillion
P = Serenity Cross - silver plate
Q = Harbor Lites
R = Sweet Briar
S = Serenity Cross - gold plate
T = Spanish Lites

Page 37

A = Zuni
B = Frosted Flower
C = Deco.
D = Starbright
E = Caged Pearl (simulated pearls and adjustable 4 - 6 in gold plate.
F Caged Pearl in silver plate.
G = Blue Rose
H = Evening Sky
I = Rome
J = Cher (adjustable 6 1/2 - 9)
K = Cameo Portrait
L = Silver Bubbles
M = Alexandria
N = Harvest (adjust 4 - 6 & 6 1/2 - 9)

We do not have many Sarah Coventry rings on Jewels and Finery at the moment. But do have a couple waiting to be photographed. So in the mean time some - other vintage rings to covert.

Vintage inspired rhinestone stretch ring

Northern Lights Jewellery set signed Sarah Coventry

Vintage ring mosaic 1920s

Butterfly and Dragonfly vintage jewellery

2011-06-27T14:19:00.000+01:00

As its so hot today. I thought I would just showcase a few vintage brooches with butterflies and dragonfly designs.

Enamel or cloisonne style vintage brooch with butterflies.

Three vintage brooches of a butterfly, hat and bird.

The enamel brooch is slightly unusual by shape. The three brooches can be used together or separately. Pin to a sun hat or t-shirt.

Fur vintage brooch

Art Deco vintage inspired brooch

Now for a couple of dragonfly brooches. One in enamel and the other covered with Swarovski crystal rhinestones.

Ice blue pre owned dragonfly brooch

Pre owned brooch colour topaz

But as I write this blog post its started to rain and looks as though its going to thunder. Typical English weather.

Signed Vintage Jewellery

2011-06-23T09:05:00.001+01:00

Recent updates to Jewels and Finery have resulted in a new category - signed vintage jewellery
So I thought I would write this blog to explore what a signature on vintage jewellery means.
It is certainly useful for dating and recognizing the jewellery's origin. The signature can be of several different meanings: designer, brand, country of origin, pat pending, company...

Designer
Jewellery may have the designer's name on a plaque (on the back) or etched on.

This pair of vintage clip on earrings signed KJL is a good example with the signature on the back of the earrings.
Also this piece has an etched signature - vintage brooch by Schatz

Brand
Brand signed vintage jewellery is very common. Exquisite is a brand from the company W A P Watson and so is Corocraft and Jewelcraft both from the company Coro.

Silver flame vintage brooch signed Corocraft

Abalone vintage brooch signed Exquisite

Country of Origin
Often a piece of jewellery will have a signature that refers to the country of origin. Useful if that country does no longer exist as this will help with dating. Common ones found are W. Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, China, England, Japan, Czechoslovakia,

West Germany signed vintage clip on earrings.

Hong Kong signed vintage necklace

Pat Pending
Seen on jewellery that is usually pre dating 1955 as after this date the © came into use. May have a number which can be traced and used in dating.

Lambournes vintage tie clip with pat pending and number.

Just the pat pending and number on these vintage brown cufflinks.

Company

Many companies will have also sign their jewellery, unfortunately many modern companies do not. Avon sometimes will but mostly does not now. Marks and Spencer does nearly all the time still. Miracle nearly always did with a few exceptions. Sphinx used a mixture of signatures and 4 digit numbers. Ciro Pearls used the name Ciro or CP. However when the company was taken over in the late twentieth century the newer jewellery remained unsigned and just boxed.

Peacock vintage brooch signed Sphinx

Signed Grosse pre owned necklace

Now for a question is this vintage brooch signed Sarah Coventry - is it a brand or company?

Just follow the links to see the signatures and backs to each piece of jewellery.Answer to the Sarah Coventry question will be posted in the comments shortly.

Vintage Jewellery by Sarah Coventry Spring 1976 Part 10

2011-06-18T08:43:00.000+01:00

This is part 10 of vintage jewellery by Sarah Coventry taken from the Spring 1976 collection.

By publishing this catalogue - it will help in identifying, naming and dating pieces from the company. They were available at home parties and later at some stores worldwide.

Page 34

All photographs should enlarge.
A = Pebbles ring
B = Lovely Lady ring
C = Misty ring
D = Blue Feather ring

Page 35

A = Caress ring
B = Golden Lace ring
C = Silvery Lace ring
D = Papillon ring
E = Charity ring
F = Bamboo ring in gold tone.
G = Bamboo ring in silver tone.
H = Cotton Candy ring
I = Madam Butterfly ring in gold plate
J = Dusk ring
K = Mellow ring
L = Madame Butterfly in silver plate
M = Fickle Heart ring
N = Ebb Tide ring
O = Rosalie ring
P = Scroll ring
Q = Affection ring
R = Night Out ring
S = Victorian Pinkie ring

On Jewels and Finery - all our Sarah Coventry vintage jewellery can be found in Signed designer jewellery

Now here are a small number of rings now available.

Art Deco ring by Avon

Swarovski crystal ball vintage ring - rubbing to gold plate on this one.

Faux jade ring 1970s by Exquisite

Liquid Lights ring and necklace by Sarah Coventry 1971.
All our rings are under vintage rings.
Part 11 will be out soon - we are now about half way through the catalogue. Enjoy the weekend.

Cleaning Vintage Earrings

2011-06-14T09:48:00.001+01:00

There are now two guides on Jewels and Finery on cleaning vintage jewellery. The latest is specific to cleaning earrings. Cleaning Vintage Earrings

Vintage, antique and second hand pre owned earrings have in the past been worn by someone else that we sell. They have to be cleaned hygienically - that means all clip on, screw backs and pierced types. The guide tells you how to do this.

This guide can be used for cleaning your own earrings that you have worn from new - they do need a bit of TLC once in a while. I am also now wary about new earrings as once watched in amazement at a young woman go through a rack of new earrings in a supermarket and try them all on. She put them back on the cards afterwards for the next buyer eeewww !!
So now unless I buy new earrings that are sealed packaged or firmly sellotaped onto a card - they get cleaned before use.

The photographs today are of different findings and mechanisms used in jewellery making.

Vintage clip mechanisms in gold tone metal on a plastic button earring.

Vintage earrings with both clip and screw back mechanisms.

Earring posts with backs or clutches

A finding used for pierced ears that fastens so they can not fall out.

Screw back earring findings that are similar in use to a clip on ones.

A hook or shepherd hook style finding/fastening on earrings - these are the easiest to replace if you so wish.

Earrings with all plastic backs - these are clip ones above, but they can also be for pierced ears (first photograph on this blog).

Fish Figural Vintage Jewellery

2011-06-07T11:05:00.000+01:00

Morning, as its a sunny and hot June! Thought I would have a look at figural vintage jewellery and at fish ones. It is the start of the holiday season and summer........

This design is seen quite often, think that Coro did something similar and many look-a likes followed.

Because here's another one with a slight different look. You have to look closely at the front to see, but the backs are very different.

Fish necklaces are available. This one is quite new and made in the last few years. Look out for the genuine 1950's articulated fish necklaces - they are so cute.

Brightly coloured vintage brooches are available in all sorts of fish designs. Tropical fish, large sea fish including sharks and eels (very popular on Chinese made jewellery) and a few by artistic license.

Brightly enameled to this cute and cheerful whale vintage brooch!

Wear brooches on a hat, hairband, clothing or a bag. They brighten up any outfit for just a few pounds. Wear fish or sea themed jewellery to work as a reminder of a holiday soon.

Changes To Jewels and Finery's Vintage Jewellery Categories

2011-06-03T05:35:00.001+01:00

For the whole of May we have been busy changing around the categories for our vintage jewellery. This is so we can double the number of items available.

Black, brown and amber vintage necklaces

This necklace will be added shortly.

So far vintage brooches are arranged by colour. The following brooch is under the white, cream and clear vintage brooches and pins.

Rhinestone pearl ribbon vintage bridal brooch

Vintage necklaces are now arranged by length and then colour. Short (16 inch and under) and long (over 17 inches)

Blue vintage pop it necklace

Iona marble silver vintage necklace

Well all the Bank holidays are over for a while. Summer is here at last - so enjoy the sunshine and top up your vitamin D levels.

Scottish Vintage Jewellery - Ptarmigan or Grouse Foot Brooch

2011-05-21T10:08:00.003+01:00

Okay so you either like them or thing they are grouse!

Since the Victorian era when Scottish jewellery became popular. The birds foot of the Ptarmigan has been used in the jewellery industry, to produce claw brooches.
Originally worn on kilts, shawls and cloaks - it was prized for good luck especially when on a game hunting trip. Still very collectible vintage jewellery today.
Grouse bird foot brooches can be found in both silver and costume. The silver ones are hall marked and were made by the Ward brothers. (Ideal for dating with the hallmark) The brothers were originally producing jewellery in Scotland but also opened another factory in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, as the popularity was such for their Scottish and other jewellery.
They also produced costume grouse pins under the Mizpah range.

The signature is above with two hearts and an arrow through. Not signed Mizpah on some pieces. Made by Quarrier Ward and the Ward Brothers - the designs now owned by Miracle.
Some brooches are unsigned and may be displayed on just a card.

The real feet are decorated with Cairngorm stones usually of glass but some are the real gemstone. They can also be found with amethyst coloured stones. Again some of the stones are real amethyst and usually on the silver versions.
Earlier brooches are made with very skinny feet and later versions being fatter. I think the later ones are not real feet but manufactured. Different finishes are also available with either smooth silver or silver tone to a pattern on the jewellery. Still made today by Miracle as still very popular Scottish souvenirs.

Also available in just silver tone if you do not want a real foot!

Hollywood vintage jewellery - Are All signed?

2011-05-08T14:58:00.001+01:00

Following on from my last blog about vintage jewellery. In particular Hollwood signed jewellery from the Bloxidge Brothers in Birmingham.
Not all of their jewellery was signed. Here is a pink rhinestone jewellery set from my own collection.

The brooch, necklace and clip on earrings are all unsigned. The box is of celluloid. Only the clip earrings and necklace fit the box - the brooch would have been brought separate.
The indents in the boxes pad are an exact fit. So believe this to be the original jewellery in this box. Something you have to look at very carefully. Its not unknown for people to re-use or change the boxes with their jewellery in and identification by this method has to be undertaken methodically.

Have a good Sunday, back soon.

Hollywood Vintage Jewellery by The Bloxidge Brothers.

2011-05-04T10:04:00.000+01:00

Vintage jewellery signed Hollywood was produced here in Birmingham (UK) by the Bloxidge Brothers between 1917 up to about 1972. A very big thank you to Patricia for that information.
With most costume jewellery, some pieces were signed and some were not. I would love to know if this company signed their jewellery right from the start or just in the late 1950s onwards - when several copy right court cases were in progress.
Dating can be difficult when a popular design is made for several years. However the industry used to produce several different ranges through out each year. So certain styles can be attributed to certain decades. Also using the knowledge on the different time lines of findings, an educated guess can be formed. Only if written evidence is available can the jewellery be narrowed down to an actual year.

Looking at these Hollywood vintage brooches:)

Plain gold and silver tone costume jewellery was produced in the early 1970s. Not all, but the style and fastening look to be around this decade. The sculptured art look was very evident during this time.

"Frosted" coating to this brooch by Hollywood. Very Christmas in style. Again looking at the two tone design and back dates to around the 1960s.

Now this brooch is very interesting. This design is signed Hollywood. But we have the exact same design in a gold tone signed Capri (US company 1952 to 1977)? Not copied but made by the same company - but who was it? 1960s/1970s

Nice and chunky vintage brooch/pendant necklace. Totem pole design from my own collection. Signed Hollywood. Difficult to date this one.

Does this design remind you of another company famous for its Lucky heather brooches? Signed Hollywood in block capitals with what looks like a " after the name only. C style fastening circa 1940s/1950s.

Mock marcasite vintage brooch signed "HOLLYWOOD" in block capitals.safety fastening . Timeless design but would guess at the sixties for this one. Earlier pieces would have been in marcasite, not molded.

Hollywood produced countless different designs and colour ranges and finishes. Shortly I will be creating an album of Hollywood jewels to view on our Picasa account - just scroll to the bottom of this page to see the photographs recently added. So far we have Sarah Coventry, Exquisite, Miracle and associated, Jewelcraft, Coro and Corocraft, Cameo jewellery and Sphinx albums for information.

Jewels and Finery - Bank Holiday Royal Wedding/early May information

2011-04-28T10:58:00.000+01:00

As we approach the Royal wedding and another Bank Holiday weekend. Just a reminder that although Jewels and Finery is still open for purchases. Jewellery will not be sent out as we are closed from midday Thursday 28th April until Tuesday 3rd May 9 am. When we will be back to normal service.

The sun is shinning today and I hope it will be the same through out the weekend!

Until next week - here are a few pieces of vintage jewellery with some second hand and new ones with a "Royal" and "wedding" flavour.

And just a few of the latest new additions:)

Have a great weekend.

Vintage jewellery for May

2011-04-27T14:46:00.000+01:00

April has just flown by and with May just after this Bank Holiday weekend, I thought I would look at May.
Traditionally the birthstone for this month is the emerald, as well as used for the astrological signs of Taurus and Cancer.

The flower of this month is the white Lily of the Valley (association - making the right choice). For W. A. P. Watson and the Exquisite Birthday jewellery - they used the flower pansy (association - you are in my thoughts and the sacred sign of the Holy Trinity).

Vintage jewellery often depicts flowers. So looking around my garden blue Forget-me-nots (association - loyalty) are everywhere.

Purple Honesty (association - fascination) and the yellow tree peony (association - anger, indignation and shame) are out.

The garden Bluebells (association - constancy and humility) are also still in full bloom. Spring flowers of daffodils (association - respect, regard and chivalry), tulips (association - wealth and importance) and iris (association - passionate and love) can be seen along the roads.

So its quite easy to wear jewellery that is in season or give to someone who was born this month.

Have a good Royal Wedding day and enjoy the May Bank Holiday.

Have a Happy Easter weekend

2011-04-21T08:21:00.000+01:00

Vintage rabbit jewellery - chattering animal brooch!

Time just flies lately. Can not believe that its over a week since my last blog. It does not help having a spring cold that put me in bed for a couple of days and slow recovery. Unfortunately with this MS lark, any simple virus knocks the stuffing out of you.

Edwardian antique jewellery - daisy brooch

It has been wonderful weather for Easter, sunny and warm. I can not remember when I have had to water the garden pots so early because they have dried out. The cherry tree is spreading its blossom all over the garden - maybe we will have another bumper years of fruit. The apple trees are also heavily laden with blossom, which means we will have a good apple year I hope. Haven't even looked at the grape vine to see if its survived yet!! Its been in now about 2 years and last year had a very small bunch of grapes.Was hoping for a better year but the number of plants and trees that we have lost is unbelievable.

Vintage black grapes brooch

Our fish however are being terrorized by the heron. Although they are securely netted, the constant stalking around the pond in the early hours does not help. So they have stayed at the bottom of the pond only venturing up later in the day and then so nervous!!

Pre owned fish brooch with turquoise accents

Multi coloured fish brooch - second hand jewellery

No our fish are not this colorful. Mostly gold, white and very large black ones.

So this Easter weekend we will be mostly in the garden trying to make it look a bit nicer. So what ever you are doing have a good one. Happy Easter.

Vintage Jewellery Sarah Coventry Collection 1976 Part 9

2011-04-11T08:55:00.000+01:00

After a glorious summer weekend in April! I thought I would complete another part of the Sarah Coventry Collection from the Spring 1976 catalogue. To help name and date some of the vintage jewellery produced by the company over that season. Photographs will enlarge when clicked on.

Page 32

A = Sarahlite Earrings in sterling silver
B = Saralite Pendant 16" - 18" in sterling silver.
C = Diamond Accent pendant 16" - 18" adjustable in gold tone.
D = Cultured Treasure Ring in gold tone.
E = Cultura Pearl Pendant 16" - 18" (simulated) 12K gold filled chain.
F = Cultura pearl Earrings (simulated) in gold tone.
G = Sterling Chai Pendant 16" - 18" adjustable in sterling silver. Rhodium plated chain.
H = My Love Pendant 16" - 18" (Cultured pearl) in gold tone.
I = Silvery Moonstone Earrings in silver tone.
J = Silvery Moonstone Pendant 16" - 18" silver tone.
K = Genuine Ivory Pendant 16" - 18" gold tone.
L = genuine ivory earrings in gold tone.
M = Jade and Pearl pin in gold tone with a cultured pearl.
N = Jade n' Pearl Pendant 16" - 18" adjustable in gold tone.
O = Tiger Eye Butterfly Pin in gold tone.
P = Jade n' Pearl Ring ( cultured pearl)

All posts 14K overlay and all for pierced ears.

Page 33

A = Filigree Jet Bracelet in silver tone.
B = Sterling Faith Cross 16 - 18" in silver tone.
C = Filigree Jet Pendant 16 - 18" in silver tone.

Sterling Birth Chain 22" in sterling silver with beads of gemstones for each birth sign (D - I).

Sterling silver charms with gemstones for birthday months (J - O).

D = January - Garnet.
E = February - Amethyst.
F = March - Aquamarine.
G = April - White Sapphire
G = May - Emerald.
H = June - Alexandrite.
I = July - Ruby.
J = August - Peridot.
K = September - Sapphire.
L = October - Rose Zircon.
M = November - Golden Topaz.
O = December - Blue Zircon.

Latest additions last week of gorgeous vintage, antique and second hand jewellery with a few new pieces.

Capri vintage brooch in gold tone with a feathered leaf design.

Abalone shell ring signed Avon adjustable

Goldstone blue and silver ring - new jewellery

Blue rhinestone vintage clip on earrings.

Vintage green rhinestone clip on earrings very glamorous.

Long vintage blue glass bead necklace circa 1920s.

Lots of more jewels will be added over the next week - weather permitting and we do not spend too much time in the garden!.

Vintage buttons and beads

2011-04-04T08:53:00.000+01:00

We have a second website - Jewels and Finery Craft that is slowly being stocked. It has vintage buttons and beads, as well as other vintage and second hand craft material.

Here are some of the unusual buttons and beads available in single or small amounts.

Vintage police buttons. Officer or the superintendents would wear these. Old style with a pin. This allowed the buttons to be removed for washing the garment or if promoted there was not need to give the man another jacket (waste not, want not of old)!

1960s vintage beads in plastic. Bright pink and white in mixed sizes and shapes.Love plastic beads as the 1970s Hong Kong beads are gorgeous as well as many of the unusual shapes and colours that are not available today. Our beads come from damaged jewellery or craft beads that someone no longer has use for, they are cleaned and packed for use straight away.

We have called these lumpy vintage beads. They are made of glass with a lumpy surface. There is probably a technical term for this technique!

Vintage buttons made in England still on the original card. They are quite thin and slightly irregular in shape.
This card has buttons of caramel or toffee colours. Made of an early plastic, which we have not tested.There are a few of these cards available in different colours.

Now here is our gallery of beads for Monday...

We will be adding more over the whole Jewels and Finery Craft website this week.

Emmons & Sarah Coventry Jewelry Fashion Show - Book Review

2011-04-03T10:52:00.001+01:00

This morning thought I would review the book Emmons & Sarah Coventry Jewelry Fashion Show by Deborah A Robinson

I love collecting some of the Sarah Coventry brooches and matching clip earrings. The jewellery was well made and in a huge variety. Here in the UK, a lot of the range can still be found. This book has been very valuable. It has allowed me to find most of the pieces, name and date them.

It has over 1,200 items in clear colour photographs. Along with an invaluable reference guide, accessories, original catalogues, advertisements and the awards given.Company information and when the home parties came to the UK and Canada.

Excellent reference book to buy, especially if you are collecting or selling vintage jewellery.
My only gripe is that this is an American book, and so I still find some pieces of jewellery specific to the UK that I can not name.
Would I buy this book again - yes definitely.

Flower vintage brooch by Sarah Coventry unable to name

In January 2010, I decided to buy a book a month on jewellery, to help us identify and reference items we sold or collected. Now I know I said one a month but sometimes I could not help sneaking in another book. Hence I have managed to build up quite a large library of over 50 book. That's not counting the 3 on order for March/April 2011. Each I will review - as and when I remember to include them for photographing.

So have a Happy Mothering Sunday.

Fake vintage jewellery on the Internet - Warning

2011-03-29T11:39:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I was browsing the list of companies after goggling "vintage jewellery"
Finding several blogs/websites referring to vintage jewellery that were not as described. I though I would just make it clear the difference between real vintage jewellery and fake/wrongly advertised that really should be called -vintage style new jewellery. It would be regrettable for some one to buy what they thought was real unique vintage jewellery; only to find that they had brought a new piece of jewellery available in their thousands on the high street/web at present.

The word "vintage" is an age definition - not a designer or type of jewellery or clothing, etc.
It means that if something is vintage then it is at least 25 years or over and can be up to one hundred years of age. At one hundred years and over it becomes antique. If it is less than 25 years old then it should be refereed to as second hand.

Most of the long chain necklaces with charms on, are either new jewellery that should be sold as "vintage style" or "vintage inspired". Some sites have used old real vintage components or charms and this should be included as part of the description. There are of course a few genuine vintage necklaces with charms for sale.

Watch out for vintage Bohemian jewellery on EBay, from sellers outside the UK. Much of this is in fact new jewellery being sold at high prices as vintage. Not authentic vintage Bohemian jewellery as the descriptions imply.

Also watch for misleading/fake Sphinx vintage jewellery. The Sphinx jewellery company used numbers on some of their products. But unfortunately many are now attributing any piece of jewellery to Sphinx - if it has a number on. The only way it can be identified to the company is if you can find an identical piece with the Sphinx logo on. The same applies to many other makers/manufacturers including Haskell, Trifari, jelly belly jewelry, etc. There are unfortunately fake and of lesser quality items being sold as the genuine articles. Care needs to be taken. If unsigned, look at the genuine Haskell or other makers on the internet. Books are also available that takes you through the components used. (E.G. Miriam Haskell Jewelry: Cathy Gordon & Sheila Pamfiloff) Does it look the same quality. Look at the plaque, does it look as though it is different to the coloured metal of the rest of the jewellery. It often looks as though it is not quite right.

Even if the bidding on EBay is high - does not automatically mean this is a genuine item. A vintage Haskell parure or set, sold in the last few hours on EBay US for $750.00 approximately £468.40 with 35 bids. One of the earrings only had a plaque with a signature, which did not match the colour of the back. This set was a fake Haskell.

All pieces shown are genuine vintage and second hand jewellery.All for sale on our website.
We do have a growing range of vintage inspired jewellery which is all brand new.

Corocraft and Jewelcraft - vintage Coro jewellery in the UK.

2011-03-28T09:45:00.002+01:00

It has always puzzled me - why I have sourced plenty of vintage jewellery signed Jewelcraft. But very little marked Corocraft. When Corocraft was the biggest seller for international company Coro. In the sixties I can remember that most of the jewellery that I came across was Corocraft. My only conclusion is that many pieces were unsigned and sold only with a pad, tag, card or box which were named.
Both Jewelcraft and Corocraft were the names used by US company Coro. In the sixties, they were the biggest selling company of costume jewellery in the UK. Exquisite jewellery by W A P Watson being the second.

Jewelcraft bracelet.

Looking at information for Coro in the UK. This is what I have found out so far...

Vintage enamel necklace signed Jewelcraft

Emanuel Cohn, a New York business man founded the Coro empire in around 1902 and called it E Cohn & Company. In 1904 Carl Rosenberger became a partner and the firm was renamed Cohn and Rosenberger. However Cohn disappeared and in 1911, his family sold their share to his partner Carl. He was responsible for the growth; and by combining his and Cohn's name - Coro was born.
They had started with one sale's room in New York. From there they welcomed their wholesale customers. As the business grew, taking on more salesmen, each was assigned to territories. Jewellery samples packed in large trunks were shown to jewellery and department stores across the United States.

Silver flame vintage brooch signed Corocraft

In 1933, a show room was established in London, at number 1 Argyll Street, just off Oxford street. At the time the show room, was in a warehouse. Famously the street also housed the London Palladium. In fact it is recorded number 1, became number 10 Argyll street, which was right next door to the theatre. Managers White and Barber took control and supervised the showroom. How long the showroom was in situated there is as yet unknown. Did it escape the ravages of the bombs dropped in that area in WW2? Did the company move to a larger premises in the 60s?

Possibly and unsigned Corocraft necklace.

From 1933, Coro wanted to build a factory in Sussex. They planned to sell jewellery across Europe from this base, but faced firstly a court case with Ciro Pearls and then the war. It was 15 years later in 1948 that their plan to set up a base in England succeeded. The court case with Ciro Pearls took many years to resolve. Ciro (a UK company) did not want the US company to use the name Coro. It was too similar, eventually after years of wrangling Coro agreed to use only the name Corocraft & Jewelcraft in the UK not Coro. So in 1948 production of Corocraft eventually got started.

Vintage clip on earrings in cream enamel signed Jewelcraft

Corocraft was Coro's high-end range. Many pieces were in sterling silver with a gold plate, particularly during WW2 and in the 1950s, when other metals were in short supply.
The Sussex plant was involved in all areas of production - that is apart from the production of the main molds. Those were produced in the US. Hence Corocraft jewellery was produced in the US as well as the UK. But Corocraft was primary designed for the English market. So from 1933 to the seventies it became the highest selling range for Coro.

White enamel necklace signed Jewelcraft

Jewelcraft branding by Coro had started in 1920s in the US. It was produced in England and was sometimes signed "made in England". The brand Jewelcraft is now owned by the company Gem-Craft. Gem-Craft was started by Coro's head designer in 1948. Gene Verri had been in employment since 1933 and with permission started the company that continued after Coro was incorporated into Richton and ceased in 1970.

In the late sixties, Swarovski brought the UK part of Coro. They intended to market more costume jewellery in Europe. But this did not happen and within a few years, the plant at Sussex and the London base closed.

Vintage red leaf and berry brooch signed Jewelcraft

Today, vintage jewellery collectors will find many Jewelcraft signed pieces in the UK. In particular necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets.
Surprisingly their are less signed Corocraft pieces here. Mostly because they were produced unsigned and distributed on cards or boxes with the logo on. The gold plating on the Corocraft pieces has not stood the test of time and use either. Many of the pieces are showing rubbing to the plating.

Star vintage brooch signed Corocraft

Coro signed brooches, earrings, necklaces, etc can be found in the UK. Having been imported into this country, but not in the huge and beautiful range as in the US.

Jewelcraft signature - can be rubbed and difficult to read.

This is just a brief synopsis of Coro in the UK brought together from various sources. Including the excellent book by Marcia Brown Coro Jewelry: A collector's guide.
I would welcome more information from people employed by the company in Sussex and London with their memories.

Jewelcraft signature

Black and Gothic jewellery anyone can wear!

2011-03-23T13:48:00.001Z

Wearing jewellery is a part of every days attention to detail. A simple pair of earrings or brooch can lift a plain outfit. A necklace will draw attention to the neckline and a bracelet will show off your hands.

Today, I thought I would look at the black and Gothic jewellery . Wearing black jewellery with a white outfit will just offset the look from being too pale or wedding like. The two tone colours of black and white creates the biggest visual contrast.
Wearing black Gothic clothing can look somber. But add just a hint of a sparkling rhinestone can set you apart.

Vintage earrings droppers in antique gold

Just a simple pair of earring can lift an outfit without wearing any other jewellery.

Black will go with most other colours, so is the most versatile colour accessory to choose.
The Victorians were famous for their love of Gothic jewellery. When the country went into mourning, along with Queen Victoria, on the death of her husband. Black became the fashionable colour in jewellery. Black beads of jet and glass, earrings and bracelets. All in carved black jet or faceted black glass beads.

Medieval motifs were commonly used in the nineteenth century such as snakes, crosses, unicorns, lions and flowers.

The sixties and seventies saw a rock, hippie and semi Gothic style of heavy rock music influencing dress. Bikers and rockers mixed together. Dragons, grotesque jewellery and braided bead necklaces were in fashion. What do you wear with a long flowing dress but lots of beaded jewellery.

When the eighties world were going all out for large and focal jewellery. A Gothic and rock culture flourished also. In the post punk years, the "look" changed to the black Gothic style of the late twentieth century. Black with red creates an anarchist feel. Or jazz black up by adding a great big bold splash of red - A large red rose brooch on a black hat. Or if wearing red adding black accessories can look stylish rather than coquette.
Jewellery creates an individual and no matter what style or era. If you feel good, comfortable and confident, then go ahead and wear it.

Collectible jewellery from to-days Gothic age will be the Alchemy Gothic's range and almost certainly fantasy necklaces produced by Anne Stokes. Enameled rock band merchandise and crafted Steam-punk jewellery, with its cogs, wheels and chain, recycled into works of art.Although this type of jewellery has been around since Victorian times.

We have lots of different vintage jewellery that will suite everyone.

Vintage Jewellery Signed Hollywood

2011-03-19T08:58:00.002Z

Its a beautiful bright sunny spring morning here in Solihull, UK. So I thought I would write a short blog on vintage jewellery signed Hollywood.

For a long time now I have had a suspicion that this jewellery was linked to Birmingham. Not only because the designs were similar to vintage jewellery by Exquisite - another Birmingham/Solihull company. But in the Birmingham Rag market there was a stall named "Hollywood Jewellery"
I would like to thank Trevor for confirming this and giving me the name of the company.
So just with a little research so far:

Hollywood jewellery was produced by the Bloxidge Brothers in Birmingham. Two addresses so far are Regal Works of Icknield Street and Soho Road, Handsworth. Soho Road is not confirmed though yet.
The company were producing jewellery as early as 1929 and possibly earlier. They ended production around the 1980s.
Most of their jewellery was to supply the Woolworth Stores.

If anyone worked for the Bloxidge brothers, or knew anyone who did or for Woolworth and can shed a bit more light on the company or jewellery i would love to know.

Not to confuse the jewellery with two other companies that are entirely different. That is "Joseff of Hollywood" and Hollycraft" both US companies.

Hollywood signature - our photographs should enlarge.

Part 8 on vintage jewellery by Sarah Coventry 1976

2011-03-01T09:57:00.000Z

Just a couple of pages from the Spring 1976 booklet published by Sarah Coventry jewellery for today.
We have a photographic schedule arranged for today and have lots of "new" vintage jewellery and second hand jewellery to add. As well as some of our vintage inspired jewellery.

So back to Sarah Coventry's vintage jewellery from the seventies. We hope this will help with dating some of your jewellery and naming the pieces. As well as seeing what other items were available for that set:

Page 30

A = Candelight bracelet, silver tone.
B = Button pearl earrings in small simulated pearls, silver tone.
C = Fashion wrap necklace/belt 43" in silver tone
The above was also available in gold tone

Page 31

A = Snow Lace earrings, clip on.
B = Snow Lace earrings for pierced ears.
C = Snow Lace pendant 24"
D = Tassel Magic Necklace/Bracelet 30"
E = Tassel Magic Earrings, clip on

Vintage wedding jewellery with faux pearls and cream beads

2011-02-24T19:16:00.001Z

Spring is definitely on its way this week. Purple iris bulbs are starting to emerge and the shrubs are bursting into bud. The poor garden has taken a huge cold spell this winter that has devastated many plants. At this moment, we are not sure whether we have lost the two large "palm" trees or yuccas. The lavenders have died along one border and the we have also lost a large shrub in the front garden.

Pre owned diamante floral brooch

But its been too wet to do anything, except clear up all the yucca leaves, into about 6 bin bags and filled the green bin to the top.
Lucky we brought in the banana plants in large pots and not leave them in the garden, other wise I think we would have lost them too.

Peta-Lure vintage jewellery set signed Sarah Coventry

So while I decide how what to plant in the empty spaces - we added many pieces of vintage jewellery and pre owned jewellery suitable for use as wedding jewellery.

Bridal clear rhinestone vintage jewellery set

In our traditional wedding jewellery category, you will find faux pearl bead necklaces both vintage and pre owned. Clear rhinestone jewellery of brooches, earrings and necklaces.
Cream and ivory coloured jewellery of necklaces and brooches. All to compliment wedding attire for both the bride and bridesmaids.

Vintage three strand necklace in peach, cream and gold

Of course we have added lots of other vintage brooches as well.

Vintage faux pearl necklace with three strands beads

Preserving antique,vintage & second hand jewellery in Sold Gallery

2011-02-19T08:54:00.002Z

Preserving the antique, vintage and second hand jewellery that we sell in the Sold Gallery.

I know I mentioned this earlier this week , but just thought to expand the reason. What else to do on a very wet Saturday morning in Solihull?

Over the last 3 years, when we have sold a brooch, necklace or pair of earrings, we have just deleted the photographs and information. This is a shame because, many times we have researched and it may contain relevant information on that piece of jewellery. Maybe it was about the manufacturer, the era or the construction.

Wanting to continue to share that information. We have now developed a Sold Gallery. Now once a vintage necklace or an antique brooch is sold we will gradually move it to this Gallery for display.
We hope this will help others to identify vintage jewellery manufacturers and designers. Help date their own antique/vintage/second hand jewellery. Or just to look at some lovely jewels as I love to do!

Just a quick reminder on how we categorize on Jewels and Finery:

Antique jewellery
Brooches, earrings and other pieces that are a hundred years old or older. This includes Victorian and now Edwardian jewellery.
Vintage jewellery
Generally the jewellery in this category on the site are genuine necklaces, cufflinks, bracelets and other jewels, that were made between 1910 and the end of the 1980s. Vintage is said to be over 25 years old. However it is very difficult to date exactly and so we have chosen our time line for easier and quicker listing.
Second hand jewellery or pre owned jewellery
This is more modern jewellery that dates from the 1990s up to the present day. It is all been in someone else's possession previously. Some is worn and some may not be. We do find that many of the brooches, earrings, pendants and accessories have been given as presents. Not being to the new owner's tastes, they are then resold to us. Some have not been out of the boxes.
All our antique, vintage and second hand jewellery is usually only available in quantities of one. Once sold we may never source the same piece again.
Unlike our last and most recent category:
Vintage Inspired Jewellery
This is brand new jewellery that has appealed to us. It may look retro or vintage. It may be of a historical design. It may be in gemstones that have taken millions of years to form. But we do have small amounts of each. So if you like one ring, you can also buy it in another colour!
And lastly not forgetting that we do sell earring backs for pierced earrings and pillows and pads for clip on earrings in earrings accessories.

Here are a few of our latest editions:

Antique fleur di li brooch - Now this is jewellery with a past

These are very pretty resin roses and daisies - vintage floral cameo brooch

Vintage inspired stretch ring - '50s inspired jewellery

Available in two finishes - silver and antique silver

Gorgeous vintage teardrop rhinestone clip earrings

Part 7-Sarah Coventry. Vintage jewellery from the 1976 Spring brochure

2011-02-16T09:02:00.001Z

Sarah Coventry Jewelry Collection 1976 Spring brochure

Continuing with showing the pages of vintage jewellery from the seventies brochure today. This is now part 6 - almost half way through the booklet. By showing the pages, it can help to identify the name and the other pieces that were available at the time. Also it is one of the best ways to date vintage jewellery.

Page 26

A = Half Circles, earrings in silvertone.
Gold tone not shown but were also available.

B = Holiday Circles, earrings for pierced ears in silver tone.
Gold tone were also available.

Holiday Garden Necklace

C = Tortoise tone
D = White
E = Black
Available in 33" & 36" chains.
Other colours were available of melon & eggshell/aqua & eggshell - see the booklets front cover. View the first Part1 in this blog under Sarah Coventry.

Page 27

A = Flip set earrings (3 pairs)
B = Summer Flirt necklace in 22" & 29" chains.
C = Summer Flirt earrings

Page 28

A = Contessa pin/pendant
B = Contessa ring
C = Contessa bracelet
D = Contessa earrings - pierced, dangle removable.
E = Centurion earrings
F = Centurion pin/pendant
G = Antiqued chain 24" in gold tone
Available in silver tone but not shown.

Page 29

Charisma necklace 16" adjustable in gold tone.
Also available in silver tone but not shown.
Charisma earrings in gold tone
Also available in silver tone - not shown.
The pierced earrings were also available and can be found on page 46 of this booklet - to be produced in a later blog this year.

New vintage & second hand jewellery added this week to Jewels and Finery

Marcasite vintage brooch - signed Kigu

Vintage brooch signed MASJ '85

Vintage blue agate Celtic brooch signed Miracle

Centurian Roman soldier cufflinks - pre owned

More from the booklet in future blogs, as well as book reviews on jewellery and much more...

Sarah Coventry and other International designers and companies vintage & second hand jewellery is available in our International jewellery category. UK companies and designer jewellery can be found in our UK signed jewellery category.

New categories to Jewels and Finery

2011-02-13T07:59:00.000Z

This last week we have been busy adding more new categories to our website.

As well as our wide range of genuine vintage jewellery we have added vintage inspired jewellery which has brand new jewels that have a look from history.

Last weekend as I deleted sold items from the website, I thought of having a sold jewellery gallery, where we could move all the pieces sold into and use it as a showcase with information to date and identify jewellery.

So here are a few of the items added this week. First from our genuine vintage jewellery categories.

Star burst vintage brooch

Faux turquoise and pearl vintage brooch by Monet

Vintage men's jewellery - tie clip Damascene & MOP

These are just a few of the brooches and rings, we will be adding necklaces, bracelets and earrings shortly.

Crystal crown brooch

Unicorn crystal brooch with Swarovski stones

Stones red enamel ring

Stretch crystal ring - inspired by the 1950s stretch vintage jewellery

More great jewellery will be added this week. So have a great Sunday.

Spring Trade Show NEC 2011

2011-02-09T18:44:00.000Z

Busy week attending the Spring trade show at the NEC Just outside Birmingham.
The show is full of suppliers from furniture to jewellery, packing material and ornaments. In fact too many things to name.

I love looking at the huge variety of jewellery and because the show is so big - that is all I usually manage in a day.
Small wholesalers and designers to large names like Pandora, showcase their new ranges.

So back from the show, we have added a few vintage and second hand pieces. We are also preparing a new category but more of that in a blog soon.

Floral brooch by MASJ - second hand jewellery

Vintage butterfly brooch by Monet

Vintage AB & clear clip on earrings

We have also managed to add a few vintage and second hand knitting, sewing and crochet patterns to Jewels and Finery Craft.

Vintage sewing pattern - maternity nightgown 1950s

Family Aran sweaters - pre owned knitting pattern

Crochet cot cover - second hand crochet pattern

Sarah Coventry Vintage Jewellery Brochure 1976 Part 6

2011-02-01T12:40:00.000Z

Whoops been a while since I wrote a sequel to the 1976 Spring brochure. So here is part 6 and I must try harder to keep up with blog posts now!!
Page 22

A = Heirloom pendant 25"
B = Old Vienna pin/pendant 24"
C = Old Vienna ring.

Page 23

A = Outer space pendant 20 - 22" adjustable.
B = Four dimension necklace/bracelet 33" in gold tone.
B = Above available in silver tone but not shown.

Page 24

Page shows the Black Charmer necklace or pin 30"
Black charmer earrings in clip only.
Versatile jewellery as the brooch can be attached and worn with or without the dropper.
The necklace can be converted into a choker style.

Page 25

A = Ultra versatile earrings
B = Ultra versatile necklace 24"
C = Mystic Lady necklace 31"
The headline says that 24 different styles can be achieved with this versatile ensemble. Detachable droppers and coloured pieces to interchange.

New vintage jewellery and second hand jewellery have been added this week and so much more to come.

Fuchsia vintage brooch by Exquisite July birthday

Silver and emerald ring - second hand jewellery

In Jewels and Finery Craft we have added a few more vintage buttons this week.

Vintage wedding jewellery 2011 & A Happy New Year

2011-01-05T11:51:00.002Z

2011 already, it just comes around too fast. So Happy New Year.

Last year we wanted to split Jewels and finery - which we did, into antique, vintage and second hand jewellery and our other website which now has vintage and second hand craft beads, buttons, findings, books and patterns.

Crystal 1930s vintage bead necklace for repair/restringing

So for 2011 we are going to develop (amongst other things) Jewels and Finery's vintage wedding jewellery (which also includes antique and second hand gems). Increasing the number of pieces and range. Also develop new categories to make searching a little bit easier.

Crystal bead vintage necklace - circa 1960s

Here are a few necklaces, brooches and earrings suitable for a wedding. It is lucky to have - Something old. Those small details to a wedding make it so special. So for luck try a blue brooch or pin, suitable for that - Something blue - which can be pinned to your garter or to your bridal bouquet. Much more interesting than the little blue ribbon that has been sewn onto brought garters.A vintage dress clip can also be used but care need to be taken that it is fixed securely.

Vintage faux pearl necklace dating to around the 1960s

Vintage white wedding clip on earrings

Something blue - vintage 1960s floral brooch in blue

Many more antique, vintage and second hand jewellery will be added. Once the sun shines to help photographs look more natural.

Happy Christmas & New Year

2010-12-29T10:56:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a good Christmas and have an even better New Year.

(Photograph is of the Christmas cakes made and decorated on Christmas Eve!!)

This is just a quick update to say that we are having a sale on Jewels and Finery of many pieces of antique, vintage and second hand jewellery.

Vintage brooch by Hollywood

Already reduced is our Christmas and party jewellery and vintage men's jewellery. But there will be many more great sale offers over the next few days - but only until the new year.

Modern contemporary brooch

Vintage clip on earrings

Jewels and Finery Craft now has more items on for sale, including vintage beads, buttons and other craft supplies.

Vintage brown splatter buttons - English made

Red round vintage buckle

Back to normal in the new year including book reviews, Sarah Coventry brochures and updates on Exquisite jewellery.

Happy Christmas 2010

2010-12-22T07:07:00.000Z

Every year we send Christmas cards with scenes of snow and the bookies odds are up and down to will it be snowing on Christmas day. Well this year it looks to be coming true. Its snowed for most of this month.
Writing this blog at about 6.30 am on a cold Wednesday morning, its once again snowing and we still have a thick covering on the ground. Not that I intended getting up so early but my oldest has flu and is one of the worst when he is ill.
He has Asperger's Syndrome a form of high level autism and has little awareness of time. Snow is an extreme of temperature and represents change, so his anxiety levels were raised last weekend when it came down thick and fast. As the snow has been here for a few days now, he was just starting to settle again but then he came down with flu! Oh the joys - this probably means that we will all get it now.

So with the heating just kicking in and feeling cold I thought I would show a few "warming" jewels to bring out the sun.

A large vintage brooch in the design of a vulture. Makes me think of hot desert areas and cactus plants.

Warm seas and swimming for this 1990s sea horse pre owned brooch with sparkling diamante and enamel.

A second hand snake clamper bracelet in black enamel and clear diamante - for hot swampy areas with snakes skimming the river banks and noisy insects.

And lastly this great vintage retro scarf clip of a smiling sun.

Finally managed to make my cakes for Christmas and will show the photographs next time.

Vintage Jewellery Glossary - H

2010-12-14T18:36:00.000Z

With just 11 days to Christmas, I still have yet to start making my Christmas cakes - but plenty of time left!!

So to our jewellery glossary - now on the letter H.

Haematite/Hematite - A common mineral with a high iron content. Tumbled stones are shiny, metallic and heavy for their size. Thought to energies, empower and grounds and anchors us.

Haematite and rose quartz necklace - second hand jewellery

Hallmark - A mark on jewellery to show silver/gold/platinum/precious metals as set by the country of origin.
Some require additional information such as patent, manufacturer and origin.

Hallmarked 9 ct gold Birmingham 1901

Heliotrope or bloodstone - Dark green quartz with red, brown or yellow markings. Essentially green jasper with red flecks. Thought to strengthen, add courage, support and stimulate.

Antique fob

High relief - Used to describe a cameo which is carved to create a three dimensional look.

Antique lava brooch

Horn - Animal horn used in jewellery. Some horn was thought to have magical properties. Now an outlawed practice in many countries.

This week we have added many brooches, necklace, earrings, bracelets, men's jewellery and clips.

Clothes show live 2010 video link on You Tube

2010-12-09T22:28:00.001Z

Here is one of the videos that I took at the Clothes Show Live 2010 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Its a small section about movies with dancers and models. Love the lights and the back drop.

We have added lots of vintage jewellery this week to Jewels and Finery .

Here are some photographs of the Christmas and party jewellery we have for sale at the moment.

Well its still cold, icy and some areas still have snow in the UK. The Christmas tree is up and plans have been made for Christmas itself. Who's going to cook the turkey this year? I will get round to making the Christmas cakes - late but the way that I have always done them; and they are always lovely and moist (With no orange peel and lots of nuts). But more next time and the recipe.

Clothes Show Live NEC 2010 and vintage jewellery

2010-12-06T20:33:00.000Z

On Sunday my daughter and I with her friend, went to the NEC, Birmingham for the Clothes Show Live 2010.
Aimed at teenage to twenties fashion and lifestyle, I still enjoy going.

Gok Wan presenting the Clothes Show Live show

None of the clothes were suitable or even fitted me. My diet is going well though and so maybe next year!! Plenty of choice from "market type" stalls to designer wear at lower prices. Short dresses were in plenty as well as trousers, tops, woolly hats, leather gloves and Pashmina scarves. Small bouquets offered that something a bit different from the high street fashion lines. Again I visited the vintage section with clothes, jewellery and accessories.

This year there was a section for making clothes and accessories. Cloth, buttons, patterns, yarn, sewing machines and expert advice were available. Along with colleges that offered specific fashion and textile courses.

Make up by names such as Bourjois and Rimmel, along with many other manufacturers are for sale. the choice is amazing and offers abound. Various stalls offer make overs, hair styling and massage. One celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford, has amazing stamina. Every time I passed his pink stand, he was talking to people, having his photo taken and posing with everyone. Not bad considering we were there from about 10 am and left after the last show at 7 pm!

The show was hosted by Gok Wan but I could not see him over the sea of people at his book signing.

Gok Wan being carried of stage by a whole load of hunky bare chested men

Next to the Clothes Show and included in the tickets was the Dance Show.Stalls specific to dance and many small and a large stage to watch many forms of dance. One of our friends is a member of the Phoenix Dance Company and so we watched her appearing on the large stage.

The Phoenix dance Company in action

This year I came away from the shows with enough make up to last a long time, leather bags, magazines, free samples and lots of jewellery both vintage jewellery and some new ones.

In all the hours spent at the shows, I still do not think I saw everything as there is so much to see and do. My only gripe is the lack of seats and food prices are far too high.

This year I managed to video part of the show. In fact its the first time I have videoed anything!! So shaky hand and a bit distant with muffled sound. Well what do you expect ....it was a total mistake really I pressed the wrong button on the camera and should have taken a photograph.

And that I will post this week when I have mastered You tube!!

Snowing in Solihull England

2010-11-30T18:28:00.000Z

Well with 25 days to go until Christmas, it is still very cold and snowing in most of the UK.
After the second heavy snow fall last night. Most has now cleared but the cold weather has now turned the melting snow to ice. So take care when out.

Here are some pieces of vintage and second hand jewellery to reflect the weather and time of year.

Penguins, snowflakes (of all sorts from traditional white to green with a touch of aurora borealis). White jewellery and ice blue jewellery. Just a small number of brooches Jewels and Finery has available to wear on a warm coat...............with boots or wellies, scarf, gloves, hat and of course thermals!!

Cat on scales and jewellery with a dog design

2010-11-19T18:36:00.000Z

This is Monty - who must have been watching me jump on and off these weighing scales!! Now every time he goes into the bathroom he sits on them. Wonder if he is trying to loose weight like me!!

Well I have shown photographs of cat jewellery, so here is the dogs turn.

Pewter dog brooch of a short haired retriever signed A R Brown

Long haired retriever brooch pin signed A R Brown

A R Brown I believe took over the company Kigu in the 1980s.

Enamel pekingese dog vintage brooch

Just a few brooches with dogs designs on.

Well with 36 days to Christmas, we have now started to show the last posting days on our websites. So have a good weekend

Congratulations - A royal wedding

2010-11-17T19:21:00.000Z

Well at long last the announcement of the Royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Already the souvenir mugs and plates have been produced by the Stoke on Trent potteries, and the popularity of sapphire engagement rings has increased.

Vintage bone china brooch in a gorgeous lilac colour - very unusual

Lets just hope that the wedding day weather is not like today - cold wet and raining!!

Sapphire blue vintage filigree brooch

vintage crystal dropper clip earrings

Double strand crystal glass vintage necklace

More gorgeous jewellery has been added over the last few days to Jewels and Finery and of course more to come....

Joy Christmas vintage brooch

Craft Show NEC November 2010

2010-11-08T07:51:00.000Z

I love going to the different shows at the National Exhibition Centre, just by Birmingham's airport.

Clear rhinestone 6 mm

So last week, my daughter and I took our selves off to the Craft fair which also had Christmas craft gifts and Art supplies included. It was an ideal opportunity to visit many craft stalls and see lots of different things that can be made.

Panda sew on patch to list shortly

My daughter likes paper crafts and art, so she was in her element buying things to use for Christmas cards and for her scrap booking. Although there were less knitting, beading and sewing stalls. I still found plenty to see and buy!!.

Vintage buckles

Came back with lots of ideas that I want to try out but now need to find some time.....

At long last Google shopping has stopped blocking Jewels and finery Craft and our items are now appearing in the directory (some even on first page)
Have a good week.......

Vintage Jewellery Glossary - G

2010-11-04T10:42:00.000Z

Well November has arrived and with only 51 days to Christmas now!! Usually I am running around at the last minute and panicking, but this year I am slightly more organized and have already started my shopping.
We have also had a busy week with photographing lots of jewellery as well as buttons and buckles for our craft site.

Vintage tiger brooch

Now onto the jewellery glossary and for the letter G we have the following:

Garnet - A variety of gemstone that is available in a variety of colours of red, green, violet and yellow. The dark red coloured stone was very popular in Victorian times.Garnets are thought to bring a warm fiery energy that helps fight cold and sluggish feelings.

Guilloche enamel - transparent or translucent enamel that is applied to metal that is engraved in detail

German silver - an alloy that does not contain silver also known as Tibetan silver.

Vintage bow brooch signed Lisner

Gold - precious metal. Pure gold is 24 Karat (99.9%) but it is soft. To harden more copper or other base metal is added. 18 K was used in antique (rose gold) and Russian jewellery. Gold can also be used as a gold plating or wash, as well as gold filled/rolled gold.

Antique gold fob with carnelian & bloodstone

Green Jasper - a type of quartz with a long history of being used in making amulets and ornaments. Magically believed to protect from snake bites and poisons.

Here are some of our latest photographs of vintage jewellery and vintage buckles to be added to our websites soon.

Halloween 2010 & figural jewellery collection

2010-10-31T17:26:00.000Z

This year I started collecting Halloween and witch figural vintage jewellery. I already had a simple witch on a broomstick brooch, when I saw a new brooch by Kirks Folly and had to buy it.
Now I have 4 brooches in total, some new and some older but not yet vintage. Here is my collection.

Kirks Folly Wicked Season of the Witch brooch

A little second hand witches cat brooch

Second hand enamel witch on broomstick brooch

Cat on pumpkin - new brooch

I have had various comments from just admiration at the brooches to "Are you a witch" said with all seriousness.
To my daughter who found it strange that I would want to buy a brooch to wear for a few weeks each year.

There are many Halloween themed jewellery available - from vintage to second hand. The most renowned maker for availability here in the UK is JJ or "The Jonette Jewelry Company" that have produced whimsical designs from 1935 up until recently. So sorry but you will only find black and Gothic vintage jewellery for sale only on our website

The last one of a cat has reminded me to show the latest photograph of Marla. Who in my last blog had her teeth removed. She is still left with the 4 front ones and very back teeth. Which she had polished and cleaned.

She was asleep when I went to take this but woke and is eying me suspiciously!!

So have a happy Halloween

From the Weaver Family and from Ufton - who did not want to get dressed up and have his photograph taken. That was until I balanced a biscuit on the table!!

Vist to the vets with cat & cat jewellery

2010-10-27T07:34:00.000+01:00

We have always had animals. At the moment we have 2 cats and a dog. Not to mention the pond full of assorted fish.
On Monday night, we noticed that one of the cats was having difficulty eating. So yesterday off to the vets we went and as thought, the rest of her teeth need removing, all but a couple at the back and the 4 front ones.
She is the only one of all our cats that has had this trouble and I believe its because she was a bit too young to be taken from her mother.

Marla - Taken a few years ago now

Cats have been the subject of ornaments and jewellery since ancient times. The Egyptians adored and worshiped them. Though they do try your patience, when they bring a live mouse in and promptly loose it under the settee!

Here are a few vintage brooches on our website - just for fun

Egyptian looking black love cats - pre owned brooch

This is a vintage souvenir brooch from the 1960s/1970s. Glitter metallic under a layer of clear enamel on a brass/gold coloured setting. Made in all shapes, colours and sizes, and are easy to collect.

The Jonette Jewelry company made many cat brooches. This one has a articulated tail and moves. many made in a pewter metal and in all shapes and sizes.Again another type of cat brooches (signed JJ) that are fun and easy to collect.

A modern second hand cat brooch.

One that I do not have photographed that are similar to JJ is the company Mali - they have made many chunky cat brooches in the cartoon style.

Will have to take more recent photographs of our cats to show - but off to the vets soon with a sulking cat because I won't let her go out!!

Vintage necklaces from Hong Kong

2010-10-26T10:40:00.000+01:00

Okay when the bead necklaces from Hong Kong came out in the 1970s, they irritated me. Okay they were cheap and even at that teenage age I realized that it would damage our own jewellery industry. I was right (as always she says modestly LOL) By the eighties we had lost so many manufacturers or they changed ownership and down sized - Exquisite, Hollywood, Ciro Pearls to name a couple....
Not only in this country but world wide - cheap imports left many companies unable to compete.

Hong Kong vintage jewellery Signed necklace

They were very much 1950s style with their double and treble strands, which to me a youngster was a no no. However by my twenties I often wore necklace and jewellery that had been made in the 1950s. Yes there were many older women still wearing their original bead necklaces in the seventies. My mom and nan were and they did seem old to me then (even though my mother was only in her thirties!)

Seventies chunky three strand bead necklace signed Hong Kong

Anyway I digress. Looking at the beads 40 or so years on. The different and variety does not compare to beads available (unless hand made) today. The majority are made of plastic in many different shapes either dyed or coated with a bright colourful enamel

Jewellery style is what you make it. Never one to follow fashion, just wear them on their own or with several layers of necklaces.

The ones that have been damaged can be taken apart and the beads salvaged for upcycling, as they are so different. The coating can peel off and careful storage is recommended in a well ventilated jewellery box. Not hung up which can weaken the thread of strung necklaces.

Vintage Hong Kong bead necklace

Faux malachite vintage bead necklace

Ruby red vintage beads for craft use

S shaped vintage beads