Fashion & Style Information

Vintage Costume Jewellery Sparkles Again


Men and women have worn costume jewellery since the Romans developed the ability to cut glass imitations of precious gemstones. Jewellery was worn to enhance appearance, display wealth and affirm love, friendship and loyalty. The reasons for wearing jewellery remain the same today, but the popularity of styles changes. Vintage costume jewellery is experiencing a revival these days as sparkling vintage rhinestone brooches are roaring back in style. Here are a few things you'll need to know to help you pick out the right pieces.

What is it.

Costume jewellery is defined as jewellery that is made from non-precious materials such as cut glass.

Parures.

It is a set that includes a necklace, brooch and pair of earrings.

Demi-parures.

It includes a brooch and a pair of earrings.

Missing Stones.

Steer clear of an item with any missing stones. They are very difficult to replace.

Faux Pearls.

Watch closely any pieces with faux pearls because they chip easily and these chips cannot be fixed. Also, soap, cream and perfume can erode faux pearls.

Enamel.

Pieces with enamel can cause problems. Small areas of enamel damage can be retouched but large areas are very difficult to repair.

Condition Matters.

Good condition is important with vintage costume jewellery. Pin clasps that don't work, hinges that are suspect may not be replaceable because they may no longer be made. Before you purchase, double check that all the pieces are in original condition and in good working order.

Names to Look For.

The biggest name in Canada for vintage costume jewellery is Sherman and it was usually signed. Other makers to be on the look out for are Trifari, Coro, Schreiner, Hobe and Schiaparelli.

Care.

Once you've found something you like, you'll want to take good care of it. Store your vintage costume jewellery separately in small plastic bags to guard against scratching.

Where To Find Great Vintage Costume Jewellery.

Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and Ebay are all good sources for vintage costume jewellery.

Value.

Prices range from under $20 for unsigned pieces to much more for signed sought-after pieces, parures and demi-parures.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Gold Coast Bulletin News

Eighties fashion style still strong
Gold Coast Bulletin News
A CINEMATIC landscape of strong architectural shapes provided a 3D setting for Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins to launch the department store's ...

and more »


Designer, alum looks at fashion at Swarthmore
Swarthmore College The Phoenix Online
Fashion, style and clothing design have played a large role in many social and political movements. The history of fashion is extensive, ...



Sydney Morning Herald

Going Gaga Over Product Placement
NBC Bay Area
The camera's not just a prop for Lady Gaga, whose wild fashion style taps into retro elements. As the New York Post notes, she inked a deal with Polaroid in ...
Lady Gaga undone was Stefani Germanotta and very brunetteFocusOnStyle.com (blog)

all 554 news articles »


Fine Artist
Global Times
Li Chevalier adores black and white, both in painting and fashion style. Her long black hair sits elegantly disheveled on her shoulder, ...



Flagler College Gargoyle

Students thread campus fabric with personal fashion, style
Flagler College Gargoyle
Just because New York Fashion Week is over, doesn't mean that the fashion stops. Is it possible for a college to ...



Jason Wu Names A Few Of His Favorite Things
Huffington Post (blog)
Jason Wu's voluminous frocks and pencil skirts became must-haves for well-heeled women everywhere when Michelle Obama donned his white beaded one shoulder ...



Would You Buy an Amy Winehouse-Designed Fashion Line?
People Magazine
When you think of Amy Winehouse, impeccable personal style might not be the first thought that pops into your mind. The singer, 26, is often seen in scruffy ...

and more »


The Linc

Street style inspiration from around the world
The Linc
For the fashion conscious, there is often nothing more important than the designer ...



17/3/2010 EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy announces pregnancy
Seraphine
Famous for playing Sonia Fowler in the popular soap, Natalie has a funky down-to-earth fashion style so it will be interesting to see what maternity clothes ...

and more »


Kuyah Ladies Fashion Store Online
I-Newswire.com (press release)
(I-Newswire) March 16, 2010 - Launched in 2003 by Central Saint Martins fashion Graduate Carolina Turner, Kuyah is firmly established as one of the UK's ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2006