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

In The News:


PerezHilton.com

Lea Michele: A Style Revolution
PerezHilton.com
From starring on Broadway to playing the lovable Rachel Berry on Glee, Lea Michele has come a long way with her career and her fashion sense. CLICK HERE to view Lea's fashion style evolution through the years!!! CLICK HERE to view Lea's fashion style ...

and more »

Snag Great Discounts On Fashion To Look Great For The Memorial Day Weekend
Houston Chronicle
Do it in high style with fabulous 40% discounts off fashion items at AMIClubwear from May 22 to May 29 using coupon code USA40. AMIClubwear encourages patriotic Americans to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend in great fashion styles by offering ...

and more »

CBS News

Cannes style flourishes despite soggy red carpet
Reuters
By Alexandria Sage | PARIS (Reuters) - With respected French designer Jean Paul Gaultier a member of the Cannes jury this year, celebrities at the swanky film festival on the French Riviera knew they had to step up their fashion game.
Cannes style shines despite rainy red carpetLondon Free Press
From fashion to film: Jean Paul Gaultier on his week as a Cannes jurorThe Independent

all 245 news articles »

Sydney Morning Herald (blog)

10 fashion apps your phone needs
Sydney Morning Herald (blog)
For those who like shoes with their news, there's a new breed of fashion apps making waiting rooms and the ride to work a little more fabulous. 1.ChicFeed (Free) This one is for the Street Style photography junkies. Easy to navigate, the app curates ...

and more »

Surf the Waves in Style With Roxy Clothing at Next
Sacramento Bee
For the women and girls, there are fabulous ranges of Roxy swimwear, bags, flip flops and summer clothing: all with the signature sun, sand and surf inspired prints. Style favourites this season include Roxy's polkadot swimsuit, cream and green floral ...

and more »

Style: A festival of fashion
Pacific Sun
No need to worry about dressing conservatively or following any one style. At places like Far West Fest, July 21, or the Fairfax Festival, June 9-10, the dress code calls for "anything goes." These communities recognize no fashion boundaries and ...


Just Jared

'City of Style' makes a fashionable debut
Los Angeles Times
The book, which hit shelves Tuesday, takes a look at the different elements that influence and make up LA style and includes profiles of fashionable Angelenos and styling tips. Times fashion critic Booth Moore reviewed the book in this Sunday's Image ...
Brittany Snow on Vintage and How LA Changed Her StyleRacked
Mandy Moore & Kristen Bell: 'City of Style' Release Party!Just Jared

all 3 news articles »

USA Network in Partnership With MR PORTER.COM Brings to Life the Stylish World ...
Sacramento Bee
COM, the premier online global retail destination for men's style, present SUITS & STYLE, a fashion and lifestyle collaboration celebrating the return of the second season of the hit original series SUITS. Inspired by the complimentary sensibilities of ...

and more »

Celebrity fashion offences
Herald Sun
WELCOME to Style Police, a weekly look at celebs who have crossed the line in the fashion stakes. Brooklyn Decker makes us feel woozy, Linda Thompson squeezes into a Herve Leger bandage dress and Jane Fonda outshines many of the vapid A-listers half ...


GlamScene (blog)

DailyCandy Fêtes “Fashion Star” Finale With Suave in Style
GlamScene (blog)
So it's no surprise the scout partnered with Suave Professionals to send NBC's first season of “Fashion Star” off in style. Amid coif makeovers, manicure stations, and chocolate galore, the site gave fans the chance to mingle with the show's three ...

and more »
Google News

Sunglasses; Function Doesnt Have to be Ugly

There are many reasons that we wear sunglasses. They keep... Read More

Louis Vuitton Handbags

Louis Vuitton is a name recognized throughout the world. Known... Read More

Staying Professionally Chic In The Heat

Whether you live in a warm climate year round or... Read More

Step By Step Making Your Own Spring Fashion Tube Blouse And Matching Thong Sandals

Ladies,Spring has come for some of us and will happen... Read More

Turn Back the Clock with Throw Back Jerseys from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and College Sports

Throw back jerseys are all the rage across the United... Read More

The Brand of Ugg!

There are few trends that last longer than one season.... Read More

How to Choose Lingerie

In my business, I talk to a lot of gals... Read More

Guide to the Latest Fashion Labels

From the runway to the impulse-buy section at the grocery... Read More

Oakley Sunglasses! A Global Brand That Defines The True Meaning Of ?Vision?

It's amazing that it has been 30 years since the... Read More

Belly Rings: Sexy is as Sexy Does

Body piercings have been the object of much controversy --... Read More

Using Silver to Enhance Fashion on a Budget

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about... Read More

A Couture Fashion

Haute Couture is a French phrase for high fashion. Couture... Read More

Lipstik Clothing Is At The Top When It Comes To Fashion Forward Childrens Designs

If you have a little girl, you will absolutely love... Read More

Why Fashion Matters

Fashion has suffered its share of browbeating and scorn. To... Read More

Fruity Fashion Picks & Tricks for Summer

Summer is here so it's time to freshen up that... Read More

Your Wild and Crazy Side with Zombie Contact Lenses

Zombie contact lenses are a whole new concept in the... Read More

Leather Jewelry - a Touch of Forbidden (and Friendship)

Most people will agree that leather jewelry is great. Whether... Read More

Why Ladies Craze for Women?s Sandals?

Talking about sandals in front of women is absolutely a... Read More

Fashion After 40

With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body... Read More

Beaded Earrings Cultivate an Exotic and Sultry Look

When we think beads, we normally think of bracelets, anklets,... Read More

Eyewear Frames - Catch the Wave of Fashion

With so many eyewear choices it can be difficult to... Read More

Why Weight Train During Pregnancy?

There was once a time that a pregnant woman was... Read More

Rubber Band Bracelets: Be In the Loop

Those colorful loops of rubber should be quite familiar to... Read More

Recycle Vintage Furs

Vintage is all the rage in fashion from sparkling costume... Read More

The Marc Jacobs Handbag is a Reflection of Style and Sophistication

The Marc Jacobs handbag is a reflection of style and... Read More