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Date:   8/27/07

 

   Comments

Hi everybody we are back. During the past four months we have been in the process of moving and things have been a mess. We have just now got on our feet back on the ground and getting everything sorted out. So we are officially back in business - lets Go.....                           

 

Date:   4/27/07                                      

Comments

I love Victorian Jewelry and am always looking for it.  What are some of the symbolism associated with that jewelry.  Thanks, Pat

 Answer, 

Hi! Pat, I also love Victorian Jewelry.  Victorian jewelry could be read like a book because the design tells of the giver’s feelings or hopes.  Some examples of this are:  Pearls = Tears, Daisy = Innocence, Forget Me Nots = Remembrance, Butterfly =Soul, Clasped Hands =Friendship or Lasting Love, and of course the serpent one of Queen Victoria’s favorites a symbol of eternity.  Some of the gems had special meanings also.  Amethyst =Devotion, Emerald=Hope, Diamond=Constancy and the Ruby= Passion.  Victorian jewelry is fun to study and learn about.  Linda

Date:   4/10/07                                      

Comments

I have a bracelet that is marked 900 what does that mean?  Thanks, Meg

 Answer, 

Meg, This means that your bracelet is 90% silver and 10% other metal.  Pieces marked 900 are coin silver.  Silversmiths melted coins and made jewelry out of it thus, the name “coin silver”. Coin silver is a lower grade silver than items marked 925 or sterling. 

Date:   3/27/07                                      

Comments

What is a Fede Ring and what is a Gemel Ring. Thanks, Sharon

 Answer, 

A Fede ring depicts two hands clasped together.  It has been used as a wedding ring, engagement ring or as a token of affection.  This ring style was used as far back as Roman days, and was popular throughout Europe from the 12^th until the 18^th century.

The word fede means faith, or faithfulness.  The Gemel ring separates into two or three hoops attached to the base of the ring.  The word comes from Gemini: twins.  To the best of my knowledge it was popular during the middle ages. The two hands together can be faith or a love ring.

Date:   2/16/07                                      

Comments

What is Gold Stone Made of or is it a natural stone?

Answer,

  Goldstone is not gold nor a stone it is a misnomer in the jewelry field. It is a brown glass flecked with metallic particles such as copper or chromic oxide.  Goldstone was very popular during the Victorian period.

Date:   1/22/07                                      

Comments  

  I think I found a diamond in the carpet after I had it clean it is about 1/4 inch around with lots of sparkle I used the old trick to see if it can cut glass and it did. Did I found the real thing?

 

Answer,

   All I know for sure is that the item you found is harder than glass. There is an hardness scale and you can find a lot of items harder than glass. I tried this old school theory on a rhinestone and a cz "an imitation diamond" They both scratched the glass. My conclusion on this matter is that the theory of using a glass to identify diamonds is not a good test. I would take it to a jeweler and ask them if it is worth appraising. They can tell in just a few minutes if what you have is the real thing. Good luck to you.  Perry

 

Date:   1/22/07                                      

Comments  

Hi, i have a Gold lipstick case with flip up mirror, with an emblem of the Eiffel tower which is still in the original box, could this possibly be an antique or was it just a novelty item. Many Thanx. John

Answer,

    I would need more information on the gold lipstick case with the flip up mirror and the emblem of the Eiffel Tower to give you an answer.  Does it have a patent number on it?  Does it have any hallmarks does the original box give you any additional information or can you send me a picture?  Without seeing it my guess is that it's a novelty item from Paris.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

Date:   1/21/07                                      

Comments  

Hi ,

     I was wondering if you could tell me anything about this pendant. The pearl is just about 10mm .It is very old and beautiful!!

any info much appreciated, Tom

 

Answer,

   When Perry & I looked at the pictures we thought that this could be a pendant or part of a watch fob.  We can't tell if the pearl is faux or real unless we see it in person.  Try rubbing your front teeth across it if it feels gritty like sand then it is probably real.  It looks like the gold is gold plated but again we can't be certain from a photo.  I will say that it looks like a lovely old piece.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

 

Date:   1/8/07                                      

Comments  

How can you identify garnet as genuine?

Answer,

Sally, Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your letter I have had a house full of company for the last two weeks.  Perry & I usually take our jewelry in question to a jeweler who is a gemologist.  Identifying stones is not always easy.  To begin with not all garnets are red they come in other colors. If the Garnet you treasure is good take it to a jeweler and let them look at it under a loupe they can give you a great deal of information about it's value.  I hope this helps some.  Bet Wishes, Linda & Perry

 

Date:   12/17/07                                      

Comments   

I notice that when shopping for Vintage Jewelry on line people refer to stones as being Watermelon Stones what’s with that?  Sally

Answer,

Watermelon stones are glass stones that resemble the colors of tourmaline.  The term “watermelon” comes from when this stone has a pink inside with a green trim. 

Date:   12/7/07                                      

Comments   

What is Goldstone?  I love Victorian jewelry and have a stickpin with it.  Anita

Answer,

Goldstone is not gold nor a stone it is a misnomer in the jewelry field. It is a brown glass flecked with metallic particles such as copper or chromic oxide.  Goldstone was very popular during the Victorian period.

 

Date:   12/5/07                                      

Comments

I have a Razza gold tone lion head necklace. It was told to me that it was created for the MGM hotel/casino, Las Vegas, back in the early 1970's or late 60's for their grand opening, and was given to high rollers. Do you have any info on this item? Would you know what the retail value of this item might be?

 

  Answer

 Denis, I wish I could help you but I don't know anything about the Lion Head Necklace made by Razza being created for the MGM Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas.  You could possibly write to the Hotel to see if they might have any information about that.  I do know that this jewelry is becoming more and more collectible.  Most of the large figural animal head pendants made of gold tone metal sell for about $75.00.  This jewelry was designed by Luke Razza in the 1960s and early 70's. Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

Date:   11/26/07                                      

Blog for holiday shopping 

If your thinking about buying some Vintage Costume Jewelry as gifts for family and friends.  I have a few suggestions.  When you are spending your hard earned money don’t settle for second best.  Always look for quality.  Quality pieces have pronged settings, substantial weight, smooth plating and bright stones in excellent condition.  Worn plating, darkened or cloudy rhinestones, missing parts, missing stones, and chipped or scratched enamel all lower the value of a vintage piece.  Sloppy soldering and haphazard stone replacement should also be avoided.  Signed pieces by famous designers will always cost more but remember there are many beautifully crafted unsigned pieces.  Happy Holidays

 

Date:   11/17/07                                      

Comments

I was at an Antique Show last week and two woman were talking about Berlin Iron Jewelry can you explain to me what that is. Thanks, Rita

 

    Answer

Berlin Iron Jewelry is Iron Jewelry that was lacquered black and was worn in place of gold and silver jewelry that was donated for the war effort during the Napoleonic Wars.  Most of it was done in delicate openwork patterns and was made in Germany.  This type of jewelry was produced well into the mid 19^th century and a bit later.  The later pieces of Berlin Iron Jewelry are less austere and more naturalistic.

 

Date:   11/12/07                                      

Comments

WHITE GOLD

White Gold is created from yellow gold alloyed with white metal.  All white gold is Rhodium plated to create a bright white finish.  Rhodium is a shiny, white metal that is extremely hard.  White gold was originally developed to imitate platinum during World War II (during this time in the U.S. platinum was considered a strategic material and its use was prohibited for most non-military applications like jewelry making.       

Date:   11/07/07                                      

Comments

Jelly Belly Blog.  My friend Tammy asked me the other day to look at a piece of jewelry that was her Grandmother’s it was Turtle Pin with a large center stone that was blue she wanted to know if it was a Jelly Belly.  I had to tell her no she was very disappointed.  A Jelly Belly is a clear Lucite cabochon that is the predominate feature of a pin.  As part of their World War II efforts, Trifari installed Plexiglas windshield & turrets in military bombers.  The company would only use flawless material.  They were left with rejected material and rather than throw it away Alfred Phillipe had cabochons cut from the Plexiglas and incorporated them into jewelry designs.  This was called their clear line or Jelly Belly.

 

Date:   11/02/07                                      

Comments

My mom just cleaned out her jewelry box and gave me some really pretty costume jewelry. The back of the topaz pin says adele simpson but I cant find a picture of anything similar to it. Can you tell me anything about it?

I also have a really pretty Trifari Rhinestone pin that looks like it needs to be cleaned. Can it be safely cleaned and if so what do I use?

Answer

Anne, You are very lucky to have any jewelry by Adele Simpson.  Her jewelry is very rare and sold for high prices in the 1940s and 50's. The production of her jewelry was limited so there is not much of it.  As far as cleaning any Rhinestone Jewelry such as Trifari you must be very careful that no moisture gets behind the Rhinestones.  I brush jewelry gently with a soft dry toothbrush to loosen dirt, especially around prongs and settings.  Do this over a cloth so if a stone falls out it will not be lost.  I clean my rhinestones by dampening a toothbrush with glass cleaner then gently brush over the stones and dry with a soft cloth. I hope that this helps.  Best Wishes, Linda

Date:   10/18/07                                      

Comments

I bought a gold tone pin at a flea market last weekend on it says 585. What does that stand for? Tom

Answer, 

Tom,  In response to your question 585 is a European Karat marking which is equivalent to 14 karat gold. Hope you had a great time at the Flea Market and you found a great piece.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

Date:   10/18/07                                      

Comments

What exactly does it mean when someone says they have a piece of acrostic jewelry? Thanks, Sandy.

 

Answer,

 

Acrostic jewelry is jewelry that holds a message.  The stones in this type of jewelry are arranged so that the first letter of the name of each stone spells a word.  For example, the Victorians did this with regard rings or hearts with stones.  In “regard” the first stone is a ruby followed by an emerald, garnet, amethyst and another ruby along with a diamond.

 

Date:   10/16/07                                      

Comments

   I acquired a vintage silver link bracelet with four links and at the center of each link is an opal surrounded by intricate scroll work and a large silver bead on each side.  I cannot find what types of opals these are or if they are man made. They fire yellows, oranges, pinks, greens, and specks of silver and black.  It is stamped Taxco and I suppose it to be from the late 40's or early 50's.  Opals are enclosed from the back.  It's quite lovely but I can't quite figure out the four opals. I would like information. Thank you.l

Answer,  

      Your bracelet sounds beautiful.  Being stamped Taxco we know that it comes from the silver mining center in Mexico.  Since I have not seen the bracelet I can only assume that the Opals might also come from Mexico.  Great looking Opals are hard to find and expensive.  There are three types of Opal pieces sold: Solids, which are one piece of natural Opal stone, Doublets, which are 2 pieces and Triplets which are 3 pieces. Doublets are usually one piece of real Opal with a piece of black Opal or some other stone glued to the back of it.  Triplets will be a doublet with a dome of clear substance on the top of it. Sometimes if you look at synthetic Opal from the side it mostly has vertical striations which are quite uniform whereas a natural Opal is generally wobbly and layers go all over the place. Synthetic Opal will be perfect in most cases whereas natural Opal is flawed.  If it looks too good then it probably isn't a natural stone. If you take this to a jeweler he can give you more specific details on your bracelet. Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

Date:   10/08/07                                      

Comments

     Can you tell me if there is any way to identify genuine cairngorm or how to tell the difference between it and glass or other imitations? 

Answer, 

  A.   Hi!  Thank you for visiting or website.  Cairngorm is a yellow or smoky brown clear quartz found in the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland.  The mines are now exhausted and real Cairngorm is hard to come by.  This beautiful stone was used in Victorian jewelry or in old Scottish jewelry.  Heat-treated Brazilian Amethyst is used as a substitute in some Scottish jewelry today along with Topaz.  If you use a 10x loupe which magnifies the piece 10 times a piece of glass can have bubbles which are found in man-made materials or an "orange peel" effect and concave facets which are indicative of glass.  I hope this information helps.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

 B.    In regards to glass and other imitations sometimes they are slightly concave on the bottom side and mold marks. Gem stone are hand cut and shape The bottom side is always flat.     By Francis the Rock Hound

 

Date:   10/01/07                                      

Comments

When were Dress Clips and Fur Clips popular and can you tell me how to tell the difference.  Thanks, Terry

Answer, 

    Dress Clips were popular in the 1930’s.  They were made in many different types of material from Platinum & Diamonds to Pot Metal and Plastics.  Dress Clips have a flat-hinged clip with prongs that grasp the fabric and hold the clip in place.Fur Clips were popular in the 1940’s and they were also made by many different manufactures and materials. They can be distinguished from Dress Clips because the prongs on the back are two thin sharp-tipped prongs.Coro patented the Duette in 1931 and Trifari patented the Clipmate.  Both of these creations were brooches that consisted of two Dress Clips or Fur Clips that would come apart from the pin and could be worn separately or as one large brooch.

Date:   9/26/07                                      

Comments

How can you tell what kind of plastic is being used in a piece of jewelry?  Thanks, Maria

Answer, 

     Some of the things you can do to identify plastic is look for mold marks or seams. Bakelite usually does not have this but Thermoset plastic or thermoplastic does.  Acrylic and celluloid tend to yellow with age.  Vulcanite and ebonite have a faint yellowish cast. You can also identify different things by smell.  Sometimes rubbing a piece until it is hot will help you distinguish by smell.  Celluloid smells like camphor or mothballs.  Galalith smells like burnt milk.  Bakelite smells like formaldehyde/carbolic acid.  Tortoiseshell smells like burned hair.  Vulcanite and ebonite smell like sulphur.  Cellulose acetate smells like vinegar.  Bakelite is heavier than other plastics.  It will make a clunking noise when tapped rather than the lightweight clinking sound of plastic.  Bakelite can also be tested by using 409, Scrubbing bubbles or Simichrome Polish.  When a piece of Bakelite is rubbed with one of these it will leave a yellow residue on the cloth.

Good Day

Date:   9/23/07                                      

Comments   

What is the difference between a Trademark and a Hallmark? Tony

Answer,

The Hallmark is a guarantee of the quality of the material that is contained in the merchandise.  It is an official  mark which is incised, punched or stamped on gold or silver to show quality and to signify purity of metal according to “sterling” or “carat” standard.  The Trademarks are the names of the manufacturing company or of the artisan.

 Date:   9/10/07                                      

Comments   

How can you tell what kind of plastic is being used in a piece of jewelry?  Thanks, Maria

  Answer,

    Some of the things you can do to identify plastic is look for mold marks or seams. Bakelite usually does not have this but Thermoset plastic or thermoplastic does.  Acrylic and celluloid tend to yellow with age.  Vulcanite and ebonite have a faint yellowish cast. You can also identify different things by smell.  Sometimes rubbing a piece until it is hot will help you distinguish by smell.  Celluloid smells like camphor or mothballs.  Galalith smells like burnt milk.  Bakelite smells like formaldehyde/carbolic acid.  Tortoiseshell smells like burned hair.  Vulcanite and ebonite smell like sulphur.  Cellulose acetate smells like vinegar.  Bakelite is heavier than other plastics.  It will make a clunking noise when tapped rather than the lightweight clinking sound of plastic.  Bakelite can also be tested by using 409, Scrubbing bubbles or Simichrome Polish.  When a piece of Bakelite is rubbed with one of these it will leave a yellow residue on the cloth.

 Date:   8/25/07                                      

Comments   

What do the colors mean in a “Regard” ring?  Laura

  Answer,

Laura, The gemstones in the ring spell out the word REGARD: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Diamond.  The Victorians were very sentimental the jewelry from this period is full of symbols, lucky charms, and talisman words or ideas.  Linda

 Date:   8/25/07                                      

Comments   

Amber Jewelry

  Answer,

I had someone ask me the other day about Amber Jewelry so I thought I’d write about it.  Amber is fossilized tree resin. Light Yellow (honey colored) is the color most associated with the name, it can be a variety of shades of yellow, brown or even red (cherry amber). The color of amber can vary according to the depth of water into which the tree fell.  Amber can be translucent, opaque, or a combination of both. Amber will darken over the years as it is exposed to air.

 Date:   8/14/07                                      

Comments

Why does the pin stick out past the brooch on older items of jewelry?  I don’t think it looks very attractive.  Patty

  Answer,

Patty,  Prior to 1900 or so, brooches has a simple “C” catch with no locking mechanism, and the pin often extended out beyond the “C” far enough to weave back into clothing for security.  They were intentionally made this way to provide a bit of security that the brooch wouldn’t fall off.

 Date:   8/11/07                                      

Comments

Why was Hair Jewelry popular and when?  Thanks, Kathy

  Answer, Queen Victoria’s passion for sentimental or “commemorative” jewelry helped popularize jewelry made from human hair. The hair of a deceased loved one could be intricately curled or woven into delicate designs or sentimental scenes which would then be preserved under glass in brooches.  Sometimes these pieces of hair jewelry were inscribed on the back to identify the donor.  Later in the century, hair was woven into watch chains, bracelets, and earrings they were given as tokens of affection.

 Date:   8/7/07                                      

Comments

I purchased a necklace and the man whom I bought it from said that he thought it could be Jade it is yellow.  I always thought that jade was only green.  Would it be possible that this yellow stone is Jade?  Thanks, Ken

  Answer, Julie, The c before the date indicates that the item has been circa dated.  That means that an approximate date is given which is a ten-year window on either side of the given date.  A circa date of 1920 indicates a date somewhere from 1910 to 1930.

 Date:   7/21/07                                      

Comments

Hi! I often see an item I like with a letter c before the date like c1940.  What does this mean?  Thanks, Julie

  Answer,

  Jade comes in the widest variation in color of all the stones of the earth.  It can be found in deepest black to pure white, with rainbow colors in between.  It comes in yellow, mauve, brown, gray, and every degree of greenness.  To answer your question yes that yellow stone necklace could indeed be Jade.  If you are friendly with a jeweler he or she can tell you what it is or isn’t.  The yellow is rare and you may have a real “find”.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

 

 Date:   7/20/07                                      

Comments

  I have a garnet ring my Grandmother gave me before she died I wore it to work the other day and my friend said she thought it  might be a fake or a doublet.  What is she talking about? Jamie

   Answer, Jamie.  Doublets and Triplets are composite stones made up of two or three pieces of material to look like something they are not.  They are made to deceive.  A “doublet” refers to a sandwich like stone created by bonding two pieces of material together with a colorless glue; a “triplet” refers to two pieces of material joined together with a colored bonding agent in the center, or three pieces of material sandwiched together.  This type of deception is not new, both doublets and triplets have been around for a long time.  They were especially prevalent in the Late Victorian era, around the turn of the century. Garnets were used a lot because of its luster and durability.

 Date:   7/12/07                                      

Comments

I purchased a piece of Jewelry from an Antique Mall and the woman told me it was a piece of Scottish Jewelry.  Can you tell me what that she meant by that.  Thank you, Rita

  Answer, Rita, Scottish jewelry is usually made of native silver and agate stones that our indigenous to Scotland.  The amber-colored stones are known as cairngorms; many resemble our topaz.  Sometimes called “smoky quartz,” these semiprecious gems are found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. Perry is extremely found of agate stones he loves the variously colored stripes or clouded colors.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry 

 

 Date:   5/30/07                                      

Comments

I happen to have a set of black onyx cufflinks along with 2 shirt studs complete with a round row of diamonds done in a circle applied onto the black onyx. The shirt studs are marked on the reverse. Bte     then further over the letters SGDG. They are also marked PARIS across from the previous letters. On the movable flap there are the initials ''R & G''. What do you know of this vender? I would adore to  hear from you at your earliest  convenience. Many thanks, Martha

 Answer, Martha, Your black onyx cufflinks and shirt studs with diamonds sounds lovely.  They were made in France, Paris to be exact.  The SGDG stands for Sans Garantie du Gouvernement and the Bte is short for "brevete"

(Patented.)  I believe the "R & G" is the hallmark for the company that made this.  I had no luck in searching for this so I am unable to give you any information on this part.  If I were you I  would do a search on line for different French Jewelry Companies.  Good Luck.  Thank you for writing to us.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

 

 Date:   5/28/07                                      

Comments

I have an old ring that my boyfriend gave me.  The inside of the ring has 14K H.G.E. are those the initials of the person who made the ring?

  Answer, The H.G.E. STANDS FOR “heavy gold electroplate” many people mistake them for karat gold marks.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

 Date:   5/26/07                                      

Comments

Sometimes when I see a description on an old piece of jewelry it will have the letters AB before describing the rhinestones.  What exactly does this mean?  Thanks, Patti

 Answer, The letters AB mean Aurora Borealis.  This is the trade name used for glass or plastic that has been coated with a compound to give it an iridescent look.  This was very popular in the 1950s & 60’s and is still made today.  I love that iridescent look.  Best Wishes, Linda & Perry

 

 Date:   5/15/07                                      

Comments

I have a question about a painting on porcelain.  My Grandmother gave me a pretty pin with a painting on it which she said belonged to her Mother.  Did someone really paint this?  Thanks, 

Answer, Sometimes these paintings on porcelain are actually transfers which have been around for over 200 years.  There is a process that allows a printed picture to be transferred to a surface giving the impression that it was hand painted.  Sometimes people will even put brush stokes with paint on it to make it look like a painting.  The process used in the transfers leave tiny little dots that you can see with a jewelry loupe.  If you have no dots it is more than likely hand painted.

             Date:  3/24/2007                                       

Comments

I have a pretty Ivory Necklace that has turned yellow how do I clean this?

 

Answer, Ivory is organic and will naturally turn yellowish with age.  The color change is irreversible and desirable in antique jewelry.  Clean ivory by rinsing it quickly in lukewarm water, followed by immediate through drying with a soft, dry cloth.  It is important to know that ivory being yellow does not prove age or that the material is genuine ivory.

 

       Date:  1/29/2007                                       

Comments

I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing thru your various categories of jewelry. The web site is very professional and beautifully put together. There are so many choices of jewelry available and your rating lets me know that this is definitely a site to use when looking for special pieces to purchase

Answer, Thank You for the positive comment. Good Day    Linda

 

     Date:  3/6/2007                                      

Comments

Hi I was wondering if you could help me with an item I received from my Grandmother. It is a pin, I think silver and has some sort of inlay. I do not have any idea of the age or what it is! There are no markings so I am having a hard time trying to identify it. I have attached a picture of the pin, I am sure that will help.  If you could help me that would be wonderful

Click picture for enlargement

Answer, Hi!  It looks like you have a treasured Mosaic.  This type of Mosaic was probably made in Florence and is known as a pietra dura.  They were made of small pieces of stone such as such as malachite, lapis lazuli, coral, opal and others skillfully arranged into a black background, usually of marble.  They were usually made in a floral design and became miniature works of art.  Mosaics of superior quality were mounted in solid gold frames; sometimes pinchbeck and sterling silver.  Mosaics were popular in England between 1820 and 1860. They are produced in Italy today for tourists.  Your picture looks like its an antique.  These are rare and highly collectible.  We have a  similar piece on our website http://antique-vintage-costume-jewelry.com/antique_jewelry/an1028.htm they are hard to find. Your have an exceptional silver work with lots of great detail that was made for the Mosaic

Hope this information helps.  Best Wishes, Linda

              Date:  2/12/2007                                        

Comments

How do you test bakelite? I was told to rub the item and it puts off an odor. What does it smell like?

Answer, I too have trouble detecting an odor but it should smell like varnish or formaldehyde.  I use 409 bathroom cleaner on a cotton swab rub it on the back side of the item if it turns yellow I know that it's Bakelite. Black Bakelite doesn't always turn yellow.  Linda

              Date:  3/6/2007                                       

Comments

I bought a bracelet at a flea market last fall. They told me it was turtle shell.  How can I tell ?

Answer, When I first look at a piece of Tortoise Shell I will feel for a wavier finish. Then I will look with a 10X loop where the light color changes to the dark is made of small dark dots. If you look at some of our items at http://antique-vintage-costume-jewelry.com/vintage_costume_jewelry/tortoise_horn/tortoise-shell-horn-page1.htm I hope it add to you understanding. Perry

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