Vintage Jewelry Unleashed ~ Vol.8 ~ August 2006

Table of Contents:
New Items | Tips | Featured Designer

New Items at Vintage Jewelry Online.com

This month's newest collection displays some wonderful Victorian, Art Nouveau and Deco influenced jewelry. Even the sterling Napier bracelet and necklace has an Egyptian Revival design. There is some jet, a fine gold, diamond and pearl lavaliere and a fine book chain necklace with an ornate design. There is also a sterling curb bracelet with a heart. Check out the Q&A to see what is so special about this bracelet. 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 Nouveau faux amethyst dog collar necklace #AO-00059
• a blue Czech flat back rhinestone Deco necklace #AO-00076
• a sterling Napier Egyptian Revival Carnelian Scarab bracelet #CS-00265
• an Edwardian 10k-12k gold diamond & pearl lavaliere #FG-00171
• an arresting jet stretch bracelet #VE-00242

Jewelry Tips

Questions & Answers from Vintage Jewelry Online Visitors --

Here is a small handful of questions I have received that I thought most people would find useful. Please feel free to ask me your own questions.

Q. #1 I see quite a few pieces of jewelry identified as an unsigned Schreiner. How can you tell?

A. #1 First lets say, with the exception of Trifari, you will find legitimate unsigned pieces that can be attributed to a particular designer. The trick is to know and recognize those particular characteristics attributable to that specific designer. Schreiner pieces can be identified by:

• Individually set prong stones that have piecrust settings with dogtooth prongs
• Typically has a layered or tiered stone design
• Rhinestones are set pointed side up and have a sophisticated color combination
• Pins have a hook and eye construction on the back of the pieces
• See item #CS-00044 for example of construction

Note that Juliana, Austrian and Regency pieces also use piecrust settings.

Q. #2 Friends told me the Albert Weiss Company didn't manufacture their own pieces. Is this true?

A. #2 Your friend is correct. Albert Weiss did not have his own factory. They used jobbers that produced their jewelry for them, although he did submit designs for others to make. Members of one of the Jewelry Clubs I belong to, tell me D&E and Hollycraft both produced for Weiss. Similarly, Eisenberg and Kramer also did not produce their own pieces either. To view some items by Albert Weiss see:

• #CS-00022 Sapphire Blue RS Set
• #CS-00048 Black Diamond Set
• #CB-00047 Casein RS earrings

Q. #3 What is the difference between a patent number and copyrights on jewelry?

A. #3 Patents are for either a design or mechanical parts on jewelry. A mechanical part, may be a trembler or a clasp closure or even a dress clip. One of the most well known patents is the design and mechanical ones from Coro for their line of duettes. Pat. Pending means a company has applied for a patent but it has not been granted yet.

A copyright is another way to protect a design. After WWII copyright protection was approved by the government, which is why you'll see the copyright symbol on pieces produced after 1955.

A trademark protects the name and style of the logo of the company.

Q. #4 Where did the term Bridal Bracelets come from and were they always in pairs?

A. #4 Bridal bracelets are actually biblical, I believe from Genesis. They are officially known as wedding bracelets. The man would approach his brides' parents (Isaac and Rebekah) favor by presenting a massive earring and two bracelets. After they agree, he 'ups the ante' with more expensive pieces and eventually a ring. These pieces are all part of a dowry.

In Victorian times a gentleman would give two bracelets as an engagement present... two to symbolize him and the bride. Heart shaped bracelets were also sometimes used as betrothal jewelry as it wasn't until around 1890 that the engagement ring became established and customary.

• #VE-00063 Pair of Gold Filled Wedding Bracelets

August Designer -- McClelland Barclay

This month we are featuring McClelland Barclay. I am reprinting an article that originally appeared in the Fashion & Costume Jewelry Magazine, (VFCJ) written by Patricia Gostick on McClelland Barclay. She has updated the article since it first appeared and there are new photos as well.

McClelland Barclay produced jewelry for a limited time, although he also designed sculptures, bookends, candle holders, desk sets, dishes and other metal household items. While he is best known for his brilliant deco designs, his sterling jewelry commands equal respect. Click here to read Patricias extremely informative article.

Best wishes,
Shelley