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Rare 1940s Retro Aluminum Bracelet with Later Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1950 item# 604052
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$35 SALE (Reduced from $49)
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This sensational Retro bracelet and the Retro Revival earrings didn't begin life together, but aren't they a great match? Both are big and bold, with the soft silvery glow of aluminum.
The bangle bracelet, which dates from the World War II era, is real "Rosie the Riveter" stuff -- very sleek and powerful. It's about 3 1/2" in outside diameter and 2 5/8" inside. Age-appropriate surface wear enhances the patina and attests to its vintage status.
The post earrings that look so good with it are more than 2 1/4" long and a inch wide. They're in such great condition that they can't have much age. Regardless, they're loaded with chic and incredibly comfortable: unbelievably lightweight for their size. Probable dating would be the big-hair 1980s.
Aluminum, BTW, was prized for jewelry in the Victorian age. Shortly after its discovery, it actually cost more than gold.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Antique Deco Earrings Jeweled in Suffragette Colors
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Rhinestone:
Pre 1940 item# 601191
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$135
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When you see green, white and violet together on historic jewelry -- as in these spectacular Art Deco earrings -- this unusual color combination usually means the piece was first owned by a member of the Suffragette movement. To them, the first letters of these colors stood for Give Women (the) Vote. Green also represented hope; white signified the purity of their intentions; and violet was a reference to dignity ("the royal purple").
To the Suffragettes' efforts through many decades in the U.K. and U.S., we modern women owe our right to vote. That was finally extended to all American women in 1920 and to all in Great Britain in 1928. Thus, although most of the jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian or transitional, some dates from Art Deco times. The last celebratory pieces marking their achievement would have been made around 1930.
These earrings are a bit of a puzzle for dating. The look of the fancy, massive stones and geometric half-orb of gilt metalwork between the green and purple feathers is sheer 1920s -- but clip fasteners didn't come along until Late Deco times, shortly after 1930. Frankly I doubt that these backs are original, and I mean the whole backs. The clips are attached to panels of filigree that would have been very easy to install after removing earlier screws. I expect backs like these were sold for exactly that purpose, because they do such a good job of concealing all evidence of prior fasteners. One would have to take them off to be sure.
Of course their precise age doesn't matter now. By American 75-year standards, they're already antique or almost. What's important is that they're in fantastic condition, with glamorous large stones that are probably Czech, and large enough to look really important when worn (1 1/4 inch tall, an inch wide and half an inch thick.) And these early clips are surprisingly comfortable, as well as quite secure.
Suffragette jewelry has been rapidly gaining value since the TV movie "Iron Jawed Angels" appeared in 2004, revealing what those gals went through (including hunger strikes and beatings). Wearing Suffragette jewels is a great way to show your pride and appreciation and, now that the genre has been rediscovered, they're getting much harder to find. If you like these, you'd better not delay.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Fine Retro Modernist Peridot Leaf Earrings by Dodds
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Designer:
Pre 1960 item# 587080
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$90 SALE
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These bold Retro Modernist earrings of stylized leaf shape use peridots to particularly exciting effect. The fresh green color of the stones made them a huge favorite in the 1950s. After the privations of the Depression and then the war years, people were in the mood for REAL GEMS -- and Brazil obliged with major peridot discoveries. Thus, they became affordable for almost everyone.
An inch wide and more than an inch long, the earrings have shimmering white metal settings and rows of faux pearls like dewdrops on the stems. The mounts and clips are most likely of rhodium or chromium, both members of the hard-wearing platinum family, since they still shine so brightly. Making these vintage beauties even more special, they're signed Dodds. Dodds jewelry is scare, especially if signed -- and their mark isn't always legible, whereas it's very clear here. The firm, which closed around 1960s, was famous in the mid-20th century for its fashion-forward designs, high-quality fabrication and superior materials, including genuine stones.
Around 60 years old already, these earrings will be antique before much longer, by American 75-year standards. Remarkably, their condition is simply superb; it takes high magnification to notice the very slight age-appopriate wear.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift wrap is also free if desired. Thanks for looking!
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Swinging 70s Hot Pink Floral Huge 5 1/2-Inch Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1980 item# 535238
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$75
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Definitely *not* for shy violets, these fabulous vintage earrings will turn every eye your way! They're exciting for size, color and the way they dance as you move. Of frosted hot pink lucite in an array of floral, leaf, shell and prism shapes, they're accented by faux pearls and gilt metal chains with surface detail for extra sparkle. The tops, two inches round, are fixed to clip backs for comfort, because you wouldn't want this much weight on a post. The drops add another 3 1/2 inches to length and an amazing lot of glamor.
No doubt these were first worn by a Disco Queen of the 1970s, but she treated them gently and they're in marvelous condition. Provenance is the collection of a former antique shop owner in the Hamptons.
Frankly, I've never seen any costume earrings this remarkable or as perfect for summer, so I promised myself they'll be mine unless they sell very quickly. If you love these as much as I do, seize the day! You couldn't do more to enhance all the pink clothes in your warm-weather wardrobe -- and why do less?
BTW, there are two vintage pink plastic garland necklaces in stock now that would be perfect companion pieces. If you're interested in a set, e-mail and we can work out special pricing.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Vintage Espo Sterling Dome Ring Paved with Rhinestones
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Designer:
Pre 1960 item# 534361
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$75 SALE (Reduced from $98)
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This ultra-glamorous Retro cocktail or dinner ring is unusually fine for a costume jewel and in marvelous condition, with every stone intact and apparently original. A lovely pattern of openwork like rays of light emanates from the central cluster of stones and the detailed edges of these simulate millegrain. The stones are fascinating in themselves, being not quite white but more like champagne diamonds and their tiny size makes them persuasive pretenders.
Most sterling jewels with rhinestones date from the early 1940s, when lesser metals were required for use in World War II. However, probable dating for this beauty is circa 1950, since that's when the ESPO mark was introduced by Providence-based Esposito Jewelry company. The brand was stocked by better jewelry stores for about two decades in the mid-20th century and is popular now with many collectors, due to its high quality. Current size is about a US 5, easily changed since the back of the shank isn't ornamented, and provenance is a Florida estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking.
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Vintage Retro West German Necklace Pink Floral Necklace
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1960 item# 530214
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$75 SALE
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This luscious necklace looks like a lei of frangipani blossoms, but will never wilt. While it seems fresh from the islands, it's actually a vintage jewel from West Germany -- source of many of our loveliest 1950s designs -- and much in the Haskell spirit. As you know, West German jewelry is highly prized for its fine and innovative craftsmanship, and prices have been steadily rising since German reunification in 1990. There will never be more of these goodies, so be sure to stock up while the getting's still good.
Marked M West Germany on the back of its pretty clasp, this beauty is comprised of two strands of dazzling, faceted beads that shimmer like crystal prisms. Maybe best of all, it's pink, the color we all want most because it flatters every complexion and suits today's fashions so well. Length is about 17 inches and condition is lovely. On the back of the clasp and its push-in fastener, you'll notice age-appropriate loss of gilding, but it takes extremely high magnification to see any wear at all to the beads. I believe they've been recently restrung, which is great for security's sake. Provenance is a Pennsylvania estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Superb W. German Retro Woven Fruit Basket Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1960 item# 530208
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$98
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These adorable Carmen Miranda-inspired earrings date from the late 1940s or very early 1950s, when the "Brazilian Bombshell" known for her fruit-laden accessories thrilled movie-goers around the world. Their "Made in Western Germany" mark makes them even more collectible, both as a sign of excellent Old World craftsmanship and because of increasing scarcity. There will never be more since, as you know, the place ceased to exist in 1990.
Jewelry from the early days of West Germany, immediately after World War II, influenced a generation of innovative designers including Haskell, Hagler and DeMario. From these earrings, it's easy to see why. Unusual materials are featured -- actual hand-woven baskets -- and the attention to detail is magnificent. You can see the nubby texture of oranges and lemons, and even the ends of the bananas show where they were separated from their stems. These are simply the finest quality fruit basket earrings I've ever seen. Size is impressive, too: 1 1/4 inches round and 3/4 inch thick. Condition is lovely, with only miniscule losses evident under high magnification. There's age-appropriate wear to the gilding on the backs and clips, of course, but the original paint on the fruit is so sound that I can't tell whether it's wood or hard plastic. Provenance of these beauties is a West Coast estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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1930s Vintage Necklace Earrings Set by Bugby and Nile
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Designer:
Pre 1940 item# 529377
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
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$95 SALE
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The graceful shape of scallop shells has been associated with feminine beauty at least since Botticelli painted the irresistible Aphrodite floating to shore on one. She's associated also with roses, gold and laughter -- celebrating the sweetness, richness and gaiety of romance -- and every one of those elements is beautifully captured here in a set of jewels perfect for today's love goddesses. Sweet pink, blue and dewdrop crystals nestle in shells richly surfaced with soft rosy gold and rise on stalks within the centerpiece rose playfully formed of three scallops. The earrings, still more whimsical, have swirling antennae that turn shells into butterflies. Could anything be girlier? I don't see how.
This is a gorgeously crafted demi-parure, in which each rhinestone is prong-set and those on the necklace are also open-backed for extra sparkle. Even the reverses are lovingly detailed with bright-shining dimensional frames that overlay the ruffly shells that show a brushed finish in front. This level of intricacy suggests the jewels date no later than the 1930s, as do the earrings' screw backs and time's clouding of some rhinestones. Despite their age, which makes them almost antique by American 75-year standards, these show only minor surface wear. The necklace, 16 inches long, has quite a large central element (4 1/2 inches by 2 inches) and the earrings measure about 1 1/4 inches by 3/4 inch. Provenance of these charmers is -- wouldn't you know it? -- a Deep South estate, specifically that of a Georgia belle.
The maker, whose mark appears on the earring backs, was the Bugbee & Nile Company, in business from 1896 to 1943.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Amazing 35-Inch Vintage Beaded Necklace or Belt, 1960s
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1970 item# 529376
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$75 SALE
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Looking for a spectacular accessory that will add color and style to just about any outfit? Here it is, featuring literally every shade in the rainbow and long enough to wear at your waist or hips, as well as around your neck.
This versatile vintage beauty is comprised of two strands of wooden beads from which oodles of beaded drops dangle. It's well-crafted, with meticulously detailed tigers, elephants and other animals, and its condition is marvelous; you have to search hard to notice any wear. Provenance is an East Coast estate and most likely dating would be late 1960s or early 1970s, when jewelry like this was exactly what we hippie chicks in college liked to wear. Now it's perfectly in tune with today's fashionable safari and Boho styles.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Art Deco Enameled Rhinestone Bluebird Brooch 1930s
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Rhinestone:
Pre 1940 item# 511022
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$45.
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The early Art Deco period was all about luxury, but then came The Crash and, as people entered the 1930s, they learned to take pleasure in simpler things. That's why the costume jewelry of that era features spirit-lifting designs like bluebirds, always symbolic of happiness.
Here's a perfect example of "Depression Deco" -- impossible to look at without smiling. The form is pure Deco sleek, without the Retro furbelows that arrived later in the decade, but it has the warmth of a yellow gold finish plus oodles of heavenly blue -- both sapphire rhinestones and sky blue enamel. There are also touches of white enamel on the feathers and red for the eyes, not to mention two wide arcs of diamond rhinestones on the wings. Condition is quite good, with only the minor wear you'd expect 75-year-old enamel and gilding to show under high magnification. This is a quality piece, heavier than you'd expect it to be. Size is 1 1/4" by 1 1/2" and provenance is a New York estate.
Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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