Juggling my other commitments, I started by listing costume jewellery at Specialist Auctions. Most of it came via my aunt who lived in Santa Monica for years, and regularly attended the MGM Saturday props sales, picking up no end of glitzy gaudy vintage costume jewels. There follows a selection of vintage costume jewellery for sale in my shop.The so called demi-parure above in the black box, is by Sara Coventry and comprises a central pendant or brooch and a pair of large emerald cut rhinestones. These were given out to successful 'Party Hostesses' for the Sara Coventry items sold at in home parties. If you would like further information click here.
This stunning brooch above is named 'Blue Lagoon' and was made by Delizza & Elster for Sara Coventry and is just gorgeous, the shades of blue crystals is incredible. Details hereWay back then when my aunt collected vintage costume jewels, they were little collected, and only a very few of those she bought from MGM are annoted as to who wore the item, or where it was used in the making of a film. I've been in touch with MGM several times to see if they have searchable archives, so I can verify my aunts notes, but never even receive an email in reply, so not much hope there. I have a feeling the set below (I call it 'Lady Di' since it is so much like the gems she wore) may have come from there.
This green and clear crystal rhinestone set is one of my favourite parures - this reminds me so much of the late Lady Diana Spencer, it is typical of the type of choker set she would wear. It is for sale on Specialist Auctions and if you would like more information - please click here.
And here we have the gorgeous green frog who has almost been sold twice, but he seems destined to stay with me, and I really don't mind because he is gorgeous. His huge emerald cut green back is quite stunning in person - info here.
Everyone has heard of Whiting & Davis Mesh Purses, but did you know they also did a range of costume jewellery ? They rarely marked it, but the quality stands out a mile. Shown above is a gorgeous crystal intaglio set of large pendant and matching ear clips. It is for sale in my shop on Specialist Auctions - full details are here
Another of my favourites - Amberina crystal. It is that ruby red which has a tinge or deep orange in it, and it is extremely difficult to produce. This brooch is Amberina and is for sale too - full details here
Above is a high quality pound sterling sign, or possibly a stylised initial 'L' This is an unusual and high quality brooch made by the high-end manufacturer BSK. Click here if you would like to see more images
Finally here (above) is one of a pair of really unusual lilac crystal Weiss ear clips. They are a rare colour in fantastic shape from around the 1950's. Not bad for half a century old ! More info is here.I have to confess that while searching out and researching vintage costume jewellery, I have become addicted. My own personal collection is now almost as big as that of my aunts! And believe it or not it is quite hard to part with some of them. Especially some of those shown above.
This is just a taste of the vintage costume jewellery I have to list, and all the items shown are listed in my shop Collectables Net on Specialist Auctions. But I have several hundred more items to list - the problem is finding the time to do it !
That Lady Di set is to die for. Going to look at the price - I may 'haggle' a bit though !
ReplyDeleteSuper pictures. Thank you.
Beryl
My passion in amberina glass/crystal. Going to look at the listing to see how big it is. Really pretty, and looks like an open back setting making it even more glowing. Always reminds me of the red hot embers in the bottom of a real fireplace.
ReplyDeleteDonna
That turtle would suite my aunt who collects turtles - are you sure its a frog ? The head looks like a turtle to me.
ReplyDeleteIts her 40th birthday soon, so ill go and have a look at it.
Dierdra
That blue D&E is quite stupendous. But how do you know it is by D&E if it is signed by Sara Coventry ?
ReplyDeleteAND how do you know that the semi set (Celebration) was given away to successful party hostesses ?
No saying it wasn't but curious how you know.
Debs
Hi Debs
ReplyDeleteYes, the D&E for Sara Cov is quite something. I belong to the online group "Discovering Juliana Jewellery" and participate in the verification process. Each verified piece must be approved by others in the group as conforming in style, construction, materials plus other factors, before it can be claimed to be "verified". It is a complex subject but one which I find interesting.
The 'Celebrity' range of vcj from SC are firmly established within the vcj community as being the line which was not available in any retail outlet, and which was solely awarded to the 'party hostesses' who sold the most SC at their household part plans.
Their system is similar to that of Tupperware where one woman has a party at her home, inviting many others who are free to buy, and try on, items. It was highly successful because it was one of the earliest.
There is more information on the page relating to that set about how having party plan at the time made women feel like they were 'important' again, as they had felt during the second world war.
Hope this helps.
Erica
I'd give my eye teeth for that blue brooch it is incredable.
ReplyDeleteBut my kid needs braces so will have to walk on by................
Dannielle