Vintage Czech Bridal White Woven Bead Bracelet
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1950 item# 952045
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$45 SALE
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A wonderful match for our braided necklace of the same pattern, this lovely bracelet fresh from a Midwestern estate is comprised of tiny white glass beads, the kind often called "sugar crystals." Strands of them are intricately braided together to form it. Lots of work went into jewels of this type, most of which are of Czech origin and date from the 1930s or 1940s. (Braided and twisted designs were also popular in the 1950s, but those tended to be much larger and of mixed materials.)
The visible woven area is 7 inches long, to which the end caps and fastener add about another 3/4 inch. Width tapers subtly from half an inch to 3/8 inch at the ends. Condition is excellent; it takes high magnification even to notice surface wear on the end caps.
One of the bracelet's jump rings is marked Czechoslovak and the jump rings and clasp on the necklace are identical, so we feel confident both are Czech. The beads on the bracelet have a slight pearly iridescence, whereas the necklace is matte, but that small difference wouldn't be noticed when worn. If you're interested in both pieces, let us know and we'll work out special pricing. They're already on sale, but we can do even better on a combined purchase.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping, with an equivalent discount on international delivery. Please e-mail to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Art Deco Moderne Copper Athena Goddess Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1930 item# 723110
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$98
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A perfect gift for one of the goddesses in your life -- or a treat for yourself to wear whenever you want a little extra magic -- these antique copper dangle earrings have a really powerful presence. They aren't massive, but simply packed with style, dimension and gleaming color. It's hard to look away from them.
Athena was the goddess of wisdom and handicrafts, but is pictured most often helmeted, in her guise as goddess of war -- meaning the more disciplined, strategic side of it. In ancient Greek mythology, she advised heroes including Odysseus, Jason and Heracles. Hers is definitely a useful spirit to have whispering in your ear!
Here she's shown as a proud Deco era beauty with a streamlined helmet defined by sweeping lines that project speed and dynamism. Athena's gorgeous profile in high relief is backed by flat metal and anchored to a rope-twist hoop that dangles from a sleek button top. The earrings are entirely of copper, except for screw fasteners of white metal, which can easily be slipped off and replaced by hooks, if you prefer them.
The drops measure just under an inch round and total hanging length is just under 1.5 inches -- suggesting that the dimensions are exact by European measurement. Most likely origin is France (where Art Deco design was called Moderne) and probable dating would be 1925-1930. Condition, as you see, is fantastic and provenance is a Midwestern estate that contained other little-worn jewels from this era.
There's no charge for insured U.S. Priority shipping and glamorous gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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1930s Vintage Egyptian Revival Pink Cartouche Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1940 item# 723082
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$85
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Most of us know the discovery of King Tut's tomb and the first worldwide tour of his treasures led to a rage for Egyptian-styled jewelry in the Art Deco era. Fewer are aware there were earlier Egyptian crazes (circa 1800, inspired by Napoleon's campaign in North Africa, and again in Victorian times, prompted by major archaeological discoveries and the opening of the Suez Canal). Further, the tomb's bounty toured museums once more in the 1970s and another revival of the style took place. Because of this, you always have to look very carefully at jewels with an Egyptian motif, to determine when they were made.
These earrings, I've decided, come from the 1930s, late in the Art Deco period. Their color is decidedly early 20th century; this grayed-down pink suited the icy Edwardian palette and was held over, even though richer jewel tones also entered the mix after World War I. Screw-type fasteners also suggest origin before 1940, when clips became dominant after phasing in for a few years. The reason why we have to rule out the 1920s is because the plastic isn't Bakelite or celluoid. Its brilliant finish suggests lucite, which wasn't developed until 1931. By then the Great Depression was on and popular taste favored the cheap and cheerful, leading to the heyday of a genre known as "art plastic" into which the earrings fall. All the intricate Egyptian details -- bird, ankh, crook, flail, feather and so forth -- that are molded here are also hand-painted. Under close inspection, age-appropriate surface wear can be noted both to the black paint and gilding of the metalwork. Thus, although the earrings look rather new at a glance, they really can't be; they just haven't been worn much. Dating circa 1932-1935, they'll very soon be antique, by American 75-year standards, if they aren't already.
Size is about 1 inch tall and 3/4 of an inch wide, big enough to make a statement without overwhelming, and of course these fasteners could be easily replaced by posts, if you prefer them. Provenance is a Midwestern estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Exciting Big Antique Art Deco Egyptian Revival Earrings
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1930 item# 721145
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$140
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& Gift-Wrap if Desired)
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Most of us know the discovery of King Tut's tomb in the 1920s led to a craze for Egyptian-styled jewelry. Fewer are aware there were earlier Egyptian crazes (circa 1800, inspired by Napoleon's campaign in North Africa, and again iin Victorian times, beginning with the 1860s opening of the Suez Canal). Further, when Tut's treasures toured the world once more in the 1970s, it was "deja vu all over again." Because of this, you always have to look very carefully at jewels with an Egyptian motif, to determine when they were made.
These stunning gilt brass earrings, I've decided, are most likely from the 1920s, based on the depth of the patina, the extent of surface wear, the punchy Deco colors and of course the portrait of King Tut. The ear wires are obviously newish and the drops would have hung from screw fasteners originally. Very little wear is apparent to the naked eye -- they look absolutely fantastic -- but, under high magnification, minute losses of enamel and gilding can easily be found. Wear should be significantly less extensive on jewels only 30 years old, rather than around 80.
Crafted on a very grand scale, these beauties measure a whopping two inches round and are highly dimensional. I've never seen a pair at all like them, so they're really quite special. Provenance is an East Coast estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping and gift-wrap is always free when desired. Please e-mail erinharris@comcast.net to confirm availability, order or request more photos. Thanks for looking!
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Elegant Retro Vintage Crescent Moon Earrings w/ Pearls
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1960 item# 691467
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$55
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The end of World War II witnessed a major renascence of fashion. After the privations of wartime and the 1930s Depression, women were ready for glamor and femininity again -- and costume jewelry makers responded with some of the prettiest designs of the 20th century.
These charming vintage earrings are an excellent example of the mood: an update of the traditional crescent moon form, featuring stylized modernist lines, engraved details at the base and luscious pearls that may be real. Cultured sea pearls did appear often on high-quality costume jewelry of the era and these feel somewhat rough against the teeth, instead of smooth like glass. They also show minor variations in size and color and they're carefully prong-set. Since they haven't been examined by a jeweler, however, we're pricing the earrings as if the stones are simulated.
The gold surfaces have a real look, too, although they're plated. The golden hue is subtle, not a bit brassy; it's very much like electrum (an alloy of gold with silver). This color is extremely difficult to photograph, somewhat paler than it appears here.
Size is not quite an inch tall and about half an inch wide, condition is lovely (showing only slight surface wear under high magnification) and provenance is a Midwestern estate.
There's no charge for insured U.S. shipping (with an equivalent discount for our international customers) 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 Art Deco Moderne Wide Cuff Bracelet
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1940 item# 629377
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$85 SALE
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Want a bracelet as Art Deco as the Chrysler Building? Here's one that's sure to win raves, whenever you wear it -- a boldly sophisticated cuff about 1.5 inches wide and highly dimensional. It's fashioned of superb brass, very weighty stuff, which is what allowed it to survive in such marvelous condition.
The outer surface gleams, having been polished through the years, but the rich patina within its decorative recesses and on the reverse firmly attests to great age. Dating between 1925 and 1935, the bracelet is most likely French, although we found it in London. Art Deco design, in France, was called Moderne. Since it can be widened or squeezed at will (carefully, please), this jewel should fit just about anyone.
When polishing, you'll want to do so by hand with a cream, avoiding chemical dips that would strip the patina out of those wonderful radiator-like grooves.
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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Retro Vintage Pink Nosegay Corsage Brooch
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1950 item# 627373
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$38
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This delightful vintage bouquet brooch was most likely crafted by its original owner. During the Depression and World War II years, women got very clever about creating their own accessories -- first because there was no money and then because most metals were commandeered for the war effort. The idea was to strike a note of cheer during dark times, so these items are usually very colorful. They're a treat to own, for that reason and because they're absolutely one of a kind. Needless to say, these pieces are also rare, since so many were tossed out when life got better.
Made to be attached with a corsage pin, our pretty bouquet brooch is of pastel pink and dark green raffia on wires wrapped with ecru-colored tape that looks original. It measures more than 3 inches in each dimension and is in great conditon, relative to age and the delicacy of the materials.
Provenance is a Texas estate.
BTW, if this appeals to you, be sure to see our similar red poppy corsage brooch from the same source. If interested in both, please e-mail and we'll work out special pricing for the pair.
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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Big Retro Red Poppy Corsage Brooch Rare and Fun
Catalogue:
Estate Jewelry:
Costume:
Unsigned:
Pre 1950 item# 627360
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GlitzQueen History and Art to Wear
Phone: 505.205.1404
$40 SALE (Reduced from $50)
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This delightful vintage poppy was most likely crafted by its original owner. During the Depression and World War II years, women got very clever about creating their own accessories -- first because there was no money and then because most metals were commandeered for the war effort. The idea was to strike a note of cheer during dark times, so these items are usually very colorful. They're a treat to own, for that reason and because they're absolutely one of a kind. Needless to say, these pieces are also rare, since so many were tossed out when life got better.
Made to be attached with a corsage pin, our pretty poppy is wonderfully detailed. Stiffened crepe paper forms its petals and is the perfect texture and red-orange color to simulate the real thing. The flower's "innards" are likewise very convincing, made of raffia. Tiny leaves of green crepe paper top the stalk, which looks like it was re-wrapped with green florists' tape not long ago.
Total length is almost 7 inches, which further contributes to the garden-fresh illusion. Condition is marvelous, relative to the item's age and the delicacy of the materials. One teeny leaf may be missing. It would be easy to replace that, if you like, and you might want to steam the flower head lightly in order to reshape the petals for extra fullness; some are a little scrunched from storage. Provenance is a Texas estate.
BTW, if this appeals to you, be sure to see our similar pink raffia nosegay brooch from the same source. If interested in both, e-mail and we'll work out special pricing for the pair.
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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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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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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