Vintage Jewelry Unleashed ~ Vol.7 ~ July 2006

Table of Contents:
New Items | Tips | Trends

New Items at Vintage Jewelry Online.com

This month's newest collection debuts vintage Ladies' estate gold watches. Three can be worn daily and one, the BEREX Watch Company Swiss14k white gold watch is more geared toward eveningwear. Purple seems to the favored color this month and I have some from all eras... Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and even a fabulous DeMario faux pearl and purple set. Another WWII Miriam Haskell pin is also among July's listings as well as a vintage bracelet. And yes, that is a 1930's Hobe' pin you see. To see them all in a group, click here.

Here are this months featured items. I hope you enjoy looking at them. The new featured highlights are found on the home page and include:

• an Art Deco sterling carnelian & marcasite ring #AS-00064
• a Hobe' wire works large turquoise and clear pin #CS-00217
• a dramatic purple DeMario 3 strand necklace & earrings set #CS-00231
• an Elgin 18K white gold & black enamel ladies' watch #FG-00139
• a beautiful Victorian red orange coral pin #VE-00243
• an amethyst purple glass silver overlay Victorian necklace #VE-00246
• an Edwardian glamorous fringe purple rhinestone necklace #VE-00270

Jewelry Tips

How to take Care of Estate & Vintage Watches

Vintage watches, like vintage jewelry need to be handled with care. The old adage less is more applies with vintage watches. The less they are handled, the longer they will last. They should not be worn for doing sturdy work, like yard work or skiing, as they are more delicate than modern watches. Vintage watches also require periodic service and cleaning. By taking care of your vintage watch, you will have years of great service, and a quality heirloom to pass from one generation to the next.

Definition of Vintage Watches

A vintage watch can be considered any watch that is older than 1960. Most of the items I will be offering will be older than that, but the same care still applies.

Taking Care of Your Watch

General Do's

• Store your watch in a covered case away from extreme heat, cold and dust.
• Keep your watch in a dry spot when it is not in use. A good covered watch display or holder is perfect.
• Make sure your watch is kept dry at all times. Most vintage watches can be fixed, but water and rust is the #1 killer of watches.
• Clean your watch with a non-abrasive jeweler's polish cloth to remove fingerprints and tarnish on the metal parts. A Sunshine cloth or a Jewelers Rouge Polishing Cloth are both excellent choices. Fingerprints should be removed before your watch is put away or stored.
• The crystal can be cleaned with a soft cloth, to buff the glass or crystal. Do not use a liquid on it.
• Have your watch professionally serviced at least every two years if you wear the watch regularly. Use someone you trust and do not try and do this yourself. Watches need servicing otherwise the oils inside dry out and this can cause excessive wear to the individual parts.

General Don'ts

• Be very careful not to drop the watch.
• Avoid extreme cold and moisture of all kind. But use common sense. You can where the watch daily, but don't wash dishes or go swimming or skiing with it.
• Should your watch get wet or you see moisture forming on the inside of crystal, have it serviced immediately.
• Don't trust the "water proofing" on vintage wristwatches.
• Keep your fingers away from the inside of the watch mechanism and all moving parts.
• Do not try and clean your watch yourself. It is a complex process that takes a trained professional. You shouldn't wait for your watch to stop working before getting it cleaned, oiled and adjusted.

Winding your watch

• You may wind your watch fully every day of use, but most watches will run for 26-30 hours so make sure when you wind it, the watch is completely unwound.
• If you do not wear your watch regularly make sure to wind it at least once a week. This will ensure it keeps proper time and stays in good running condition.
• To wind your watch, turn the stem away from you until you cannot wind further and you feel resistance. The mainspring is made to wind up all the way once a day. If you do not wind it fully, it will not keep accurate time.

Jewelry and Fashion Trends

The natural look is back or did it ever go away? This includes everything custom made and most assuredly the arts & crafts looks. Try smooth and shiny, or rough and hammered. For spectacular interest, add jewels to create a rich fashion statement. Remember, fashion comes and goes but true art lasts forever.

• Arts & Crafts Sterling Pearl & Green Garnet pin #AS-00006
• Arts & Crafts Style Sterling Lily Pin #AS-00017
• Hand made English Crystal & Rondel Flower Necklace #CS-00067

Exotic Bracelets and bangles are it for summer, but they have to be stacked and colorful, mixing and matching colors and styles and that includes charm bracelets, even bakelite ones.

• Sterling Hammered Deco link bracelet #AS-00001
• Arts & Crafts sterling hammered wide bracelet #FG-00007
• Cream corn yellow disc bracelet #BC-00037
• Cream corn, red & blue poker disc bracelet #CB-00024
• Sterling Taxco feather motif hinged bracelet #CE-00013

Big showy chains and necklaces made with organic materials and metallic metals are definitely big for summer. Cut out and pierced silver links can be combined with gold of different finishes and sizes to create an elaborate showy splash of metallic.

• Red Faceted Geometric Transparent Bakelite Necklace #CB-00017
• Sterling filigree cut out Victorian opera length 61" long necklace #VE-00042

Best wishes,
Shelley