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

---

How You Can Be The New It Girl

I was reading an Instyle magazine article featuring Sharon Stone. You know, that Basic Instinct actress who happens to be a genius, with an IQ worthy of... Read More

Lion Jewelry: The Pride of Royalty

"I'll show you who's boss!" is what the sight of lion jewelry says -- no, roars! In a crowded room, the people most likely to shine out... Read More

Top 5 Most Often Carried Handbags

Handbags have become the most popular accessory on the market and there's no reason to wonder why. There are so many styles and trends to choose from... Read More

Celebrity Engagement Rings

Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement rings say bigger is so much better. Just have a look at what style engagement rings celebrities... Read More

10 Online Shoe Shopping Tips

Tip #1 - Know Your Feet.The best way to buy shoes that will fit your feet properly is to take their shape into consideration. Do you feet... Read More

Kennith Cole Shoes

The Kenneth Cole men's shoes Reaction collection offers men everything from thong sandals to stylish dress shoes. This grandiose collection of footwear comes in all different varieties,... Read More

Kate and Laura Mulleavy

If you've been following the fashion scene, by now you've most likely heard the names Kate and Laura Mulleavy. New to the fashion world and hitting it... Read More

Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion

Reading glasses or readers have evolved from those old black granny glasses of the past. Today's reading glasses offer style and glamour making them as fashionable as... Read More

My Shopping List: Shoes, Dress, and a Hairdresser

Change is a funny thing. When seasons change, so do people and their way of thinking. For some of us it can be scary and for others... Read More

Get Fashionable With Womens Flipflops

The hottest fashion trend for feet this summer is women's flipflops.No, I don't mean the rubber thong variety flipflops. I mean groovy, embellished flipflops, or slides, for... Read More

Is Your Designer Handbag Authentic?

You pay a pretty penny for a Gucci bag or any other designer handbag be it Fendi, Prada, Chanel or Dior. Your friends are drooling over that... Read More

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can be temporary, for example, body painting, or permanent, such as shaping, dyeing, and scarification, tattooing, and piercing.... Read More

2005 Fashion Runway Hits are Fabulous

I was flipping through this months Elle. There's some terrific style information in it! Looks like we've made it full circle to the 1970s. For some of... Read More

Handbag and Purse Trends 2005

Handbags are becoming the most popular fashion accessory on the market. The popularity of handbags (especially in the last year) has taken everyone by storm including handbag... Read More

Baby Jewelry: Infant Fashion as Keepsake

Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute touch, and it can be a keepsake for when the baby is all grown up. The sentimental... Read More

Celebrating a Special Occasion with Jewelry! How to Buy Jewelry? (Part I)

Nothing more personal than our response to color. Color is the new language of passion, and nothing captures it better than distinctively styled jewelry.Leave her speechless with... Read More

Have a Cause? Wear a Rubber Wristband!

They are the hottest wearable right now, despite the fashion gurus adding the adjective 'once trendy' while referring to them. Yes we're talking about rubber wristbands. You... Read More

Pearl Jewelry: The Epitome of Elegant Simplicity

Pearl jewelry catches attention because of its uncomplicated and serene elegance. It may seem like an oxymoron, but sometimes the simplest things are the ones that are... Read More

How to Look Slimmer

No matter what their size, most women want to look slimmer. By wearing clothes that are appropriate for your body shape you can look as much as... Read More

Fashion After 40

With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body of the twenty-something, is it possible to look fashionable as the years pass and your body begins... Read More

Five Must-Knows When Getting a Kanji Tattoo

Japanese tattoos are cool. But if a personal translator is out of your league how can you avoid becoming a kanji fashion victim and get stuck with... Read More

Ralph Lauren 2005 Spring & Summer Collection

The Ralph Lauren Spring & Summer 2005 Collection is simply fabulous! The collection ranges from Shimmering Luxury to Breezy Elegance to Throwaway Glamour - the common element... Read More

Fashionable Silver Earrings for Anytime and All the Time

It's been said that silver jewelry makes a person look youthful and energetic, while gold makes a person look sophisticated and mature. Hence, silver is a popular... Read More

Turn Boring Reading Glasses Into Fun With Color, Shape And Design!

There is no use fighting the fact that at some point everyone needs reading glasses. There is no reason to tie yourself to a boring pair. Have... Read More

Earrings Are A Fashion Statement!

Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe, whether we are headed for a day at the beach, to the office, or to a wedding. Your... Read More

Dolphin Jewelry Promotes Environmental Awareness

"And when the day comes that we can communicate intelligently with dolphins, they may introduce us to the concept of survival without aggression, and the true joy... Read More