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:

OCCUPATION: Wife, mother, grandmother
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - Dec 1, 2008
It defined my new fashion style.” FAVORITE STORES: Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Bella Boutique in Peachtree City, French Connection and vintage shops. ...


Fresno Bee

'Runway's' Tim Gunn brings his style savvy to Fresno
Fresno Bee, CA - 17 hours ago
"We want to give her some education about how to get her fashion and style right." This is not a one-way trip. Gunn describes such visits as an opportunity ...


Celeb-watching, Miami style
USA Today - 4 hours ago
In the 1990s, fashion designer Gianni Versace seemed not to mind that his oceanfront mansion, Casa Casuarina, was one of the only residential properties ...


SkinnyAndTheCity.com Top Experts Create the Ultimate Lifestyle Guide
MarketWatch - 58 minutes ago
Fashion & Beauty - SATC will feature fashion and beauty items that will inspire women to find their personal style and look their best. ...


myShape.com(R) Kicks Off Style Spa Shopping Spree Contest
MarketWatch - Dec 1, 2008
... Shopping spree at myShape.com and a style spa makeover with Patty Fox, myShape Chief Creative Officer and Fashion Coordinator for the Academy Awards(R). ...


Style - Fashion News
Metro Magazine, NC - 19 hours ago
Ralph Lauren Fashion Show, Dec. 13 from 12-1 pm tips on making the wardrobe transition from fall to winter and the latest trends for the upcoming season ...


New York Daily News

Katie Couric's new 'do is a fashion don't
New York Daily News, NY - 13 hours ago
The veteran journalist has always made it a point not to let her style overshadow her skills. This short cut once again makes her appearance the big news ...


Ivy fashion prevails
Yale Daily News, CT - 9 hours ago
Fashion trends may come and go each season, but Ivy League style is, apparently, timeless. “Take Ivy,” a fashion book featuring Ivy League style from the ...


German exhibition ends in trendy style
The Sun Daily, Malaysia - 12 hours ago
... on the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology campus – Zeitgeist – ended in style on Nov 14 with a captivating fashion show staged by students. ...


TropicalFete.com

Marketing Strategies For Black Fashion Designers
TropicalFete.com, NY - 4 hours ago
"According to the July 2002 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine, African-American consumers collectively spend over 100 billion dollars in fashion and style ...

fashion style - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.