Archive for May, 2009

PostHeaderIcon Vintage Art Costume Jewelry

Vintage Art costume jewelry is most widely known for its wonderful Christmas pins.  Lesser known is the Art non-holiday jewerly, which can be very lovely.  Here's a little about Art jewelry.

Art Christmas Tree Pin (Click for Larger Image)

Art Christmas Tree Pin (Click for Larger Image)

Art Company History

The company name was MODEART ("MODE-ART"), and it manufactured jewelry from the 1950s through the 1970s. However, the jewelry was signed "ART".  Here are the marks used for Art jewelry:

  • "ART" all in capital letters.
  • "ART" plus the copyright symbol, first used in 1955.

Style and Collectibility

Art made some gorgeous bracelets, in Hollycraft and Florenza styles.  You won't find these all that often, but if you do and it is in good condition, buy it.  I've also seen brooches in the Florenza style -- very pretty.

Art made quite a few figural pins that are worth collecting, as well as some very  nice "bug" pins (butterflies and other insects).

However, Art is best-known for its variety of Christmas pins, and Christmas tree pins in particular.   While they don't sell for top dollar (compared to Weiss or Warner), they are wonderful and very wearable.  (Not to mention very much worth collecting.)  Invest in at least one Art Christmas tree pin.

Art costume jewelry is generally quite affordable for the beginning collector.  While I have seen some demi-parures go for over $50 on ebay (and that's even with some correctable flaws), most sets are lower.  You can usually pick up a nice brooch for a small amount.

All that being said, here are some Art jewelry auctions for you to peruse.  Just click the link for more information and a larger image.

VINTAGE SIGNED ART HAND PAINTED FLORAL BROOCH
VINTAGE SIGNED ART HAND PAINTED FLORAL BROOCH
Paypal   US $15.99
VINTAGE CHUNKY ART SIGNED 2 STRAND NECKLACE WOW
VINTAGE CHUNKY ART SIGNED 2 STRAND NECKLACE WOW
Paypal   US $9.00
VINTAGE SIGNED ART CAMEO LADY PORTRAIT PENDANT BROOCH
VINTAGE SIGNED ART CAMEO LADY PORTRAIT PENDANT BROOCH
Paypal   US $225.00
Vintage Red Rhinestones Necklace Choker Link Signed ART
Vintage Red Rhinestones Necklace Choker Link Signed ART
Paypal   US $79.95
Vintage Signed ART Topaz Rhinestone Necklace Earrings
Vintage Signed ART Topaz Rhinestone Necklace Earrings
Paypal   US $125.00
Vintage ♥♥ ART ♥♥ Signed Enamel Asian Necklace Earrings
Vintage ♥♥ ART ♥♥ Signed Enamel Asian Necklace Earrings
Paypal   US $68.00
Vintage Antique Signed ART Faux Pearl Pin Brooch 1950s
Vintage Antique Signed ART Faux Pearl Pin Brooch 1950s
Paypal   US $98.50
Vintage Signed ART Enamel Brooch Pin Angel Fish
Vintage Signed ART Enamel Brooch Pin Angel Fish
Paypal   US $59.95
Vintage signed ART pastel RHINESTONE enameled NECKLACE
Vintage signed ART pastel RHINESTONE enameled NECKLACE
Paypal   US $42.99
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PostHeaderIcon Jomaz Vintage Jewelry

Jomaz costume jewelry tends to be elegant.  The designs tend to be more on the petite-to-medium side, at least when it comes to costume jewelry.  Let's talk a litle about this costume jewelry manufacturer, and then go see what's available.

Jomaz Jewelry History

Jomaz Demi Parure (Click for larger image)

Jomaz Demi Parure (Click for larger image)

Jomaz is an offshoot of the company Mazer Brothers.  Joseph Mazer left the family business to strike out on his own and founded the Joseph J. Mazer Company in 1946 and used the following marks:

  • "Jomaz" in capital letters, used from 1946 through 1981.
  • "Joseph Mazer" in capital letters (no specific dates known, other than between 1946 and 1981).

The Joseph J. Mazer Company closed in 1981.

Difference in Mazer Brothers and Jomaz Jewelry

In general, Mazer Brothers jewelry brings the higher prices.  Partially because it's older -- it was manufactured from the 1920's through to 1951.  The jewelry was a little higher end and quite well made.

Jomaz jewelry is newer, as it was made up through 1981.  Although not always quite in the same league as the Mazer jewelry, it's still well-made and lovely.  Not to mention very collectible!

And as you can see, Jomaz sometimes used very interesting stones in the jewelry.  The photo above, the green stones are a beautiful emerald-color plastic that has been carved with a sunburst pattern.  It's almost impossible for a photo (at least one of my photos) to capture the amazing effect.

When it comes to Jomaz jewelry, look for a very good condition, as it's on the newer side.  Brooches and earrings seem to be the most available, with some necklaces and bracelets available at times.

Look for either parures (demi or full) if you can find them.  Otherwise, Jomaz jewelry figural pins are also collectible.  Prices tend to be reasonable and at least some of the pieces should be in most everyone's budget.

Now with that information in mind, I'll leave you to browse the collection of Jomaz jewelry available.  Have fun!

VINTAGE JOMAZ MOONSTONE RHINESTONE EARRINGS SET
VINTAGE JOMAZ MOONSTONE RHINESTONE EARRINGS SET
Paypal   US $39.95
40S PAVE TURQUOISE PEARL PUFFY HEART BROOCH BY JOMAZ
40S PAVE TURQUOISE PEARL PUFFY HEART BROOCH BY JOMAZ
Paypal   US $65.00
Vintage Jomaz Mushroom Brooch
Vintage Jomaz Mushroom Brooch
Paypal   US $34.99
BOUCHER MAZER JOMAZ AVON PIN BROOCH AMETHYST LEAF
BOUCHER MAZER JOMAZ AVON PIN BROOCH AMETHYST LEAF
Paypal   US $11.50
Vintage Jomaz Gold Tone Rhinestone Flower Pin NoRes
Vintage Jomaz Gold Tone Rhinestone Flower Pin NoRes
Paypal   US $2.30
3 PEICES BROOCH EARRINGS JOMAZ JEWELRY STONES FLOWER
3 PEICES BROOCH EARRINGS JOMAZ JEWELRY STONES FLOWER
Paypal   US $125.00
Jomaz Clamper Bracelet Vintage Chunky Abstract Fabulous
Jomaz Clamper Bracelet Vintage Chunky Abstract Fabulous
Paypal   US $329.99
Stunning Jomaz Pave Clear Rhinestone Brooch
Stunning Jomaz Pave Clear Rhinestone Brooch
Paypal   US $225.00
Amazing Jomaz Grand Parure Turquoise Glass wRhinestones
Amazing Jomaz Grand Parure Turquoise Glass wRhinestones
Paypal   US $749.00
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PostHeaderIcon Beau Jewels Costume Jewelry

Beau Jewels jewelry is for anyone who loves rhinestones done in a feminine style.  It tends to be colorful (few pieces with all clear rhinestones) and eye-catching.

Beau Jewels Earrings (Click to Enlarge)

Beau Jewels Earrings (Click to Enlarge)

Not a lot is known about Beau Jewels and its history.  The jewelry is thought to be made by Bowman Foster, Inc. which is no longer in existence.

The jewelry is thought to have a timeframe of sometime in the 1950s to sometime in the 1970s.

Beau Jewels Markings

Interestingly, Beau Jewels seems to have marked only the earrings!   The mark is "Beau Jewels" imprinted into the metal (not raised or on a cartouche).

Because Beau Jewels only marked the earrings, there are a lot of unmarked pins out there!  The only way to know for sure is to find the marked earrings and make the match.

The construction of a Beau Jewels piece tends to be lightweight for its size and brooches were made with lots of rivets.  But don't let the lightweight fool you -- the jewelry is still made well.

Until you are familiar with the style of Beau Jewels pieces, it's best to buy only earrings or sets that include marked earrings.  (Me, I can't wait to find the brooch that goes with the earrings above.)  :)

Faux Mabe Pearl AB RS Set Pin Earrings Beau Jewels
Faux Mabe Pearl AB RS Set Pin Earrings Beau Jewels
Paypal   US $101.99
Vintage Beau Jewels AB Rhinestone Baroque Pearl Pin Set
Vintage Beau Jewels AB Rhinestone Baroque Pearl Pin Set
Paypal   US $59.99
VTG UNSIGNED BEAU JEWELS RHINESTONE BROOCH
VTG UNSIGNED BEAU JEWELS RHINESTONE BROOCH
Paypal   US $74.99
Vtg BEAU JEWELS Art Glass NAVETTE RHINESTONE Brooch
Vtg BEAU JEWELS Art Glass NAVETTE RHINESTONE Brooch
Paypal   US $27.99
Vintage Costume Jewelry Beau Jewels Rhinestone Earrings
Vintage Costume Jewelry Beau Jewels Rhinestone Earrings
Paypal   US $28.00
Vintage BOW BROOCH pearl rhine turq coral BEAU JEWELS
Vintage BOW BROOCH pearl rhine turq coral BEAU JEWELS
Paypal   US $54.99
Emerald Green Blue BEAU JEWELS Earrings
Emerald Green Blue BEAU JEWELS Earrings
Paypal   US $20.00
Vintage Estate Jewelry Beau Jewels Rhinestone Earrings
Vintage Estate Jewelry Beau Jewels Rhinestone Earrings
Paypal   US $28.50
VINTAGE BEAU JEWELS THERMOSET GREEN BRACELET EARRINGS
VINTAGE BEAU JEWELS THERMOSET GREEN BRACELET EARRINGS
Paypal   US $29.99
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PostHeaderIcon Vintage Weiss Jewelry

Weiss jewelry is known for its classy appearance. Not to mention the glorious sparkle! Let's talk about Weiss jewelry, its history and what to look at when you buy it.

About Weiss Jewelry

Weiss Earrings (Click for larger image)

Weiss Earrings (Click for larger image)

Albert Weiss founded Weiss jewelry in the year 1942.  Mr. Weiss was experienced with costume jewelry, as he had spent some time at Coro.

Mr. Weiss designed most of the jewelry that bears his name.  his company operated from 1942 through to 1971, when it finally shut down.  Unfortunately, many of the great costume jewelry companies closed their doors about this time, due to the jewelry styles changing so much.  Hence, Weiss jewelry falls very much into the "most desireable" costume jewelry years.

Weiss jewelry is know for both classic looks and for loads of wonderful, excellent-quality rhinestones.  The jewelry was well-made and has stood the test of time.

In the photo, it was pretty much impossible for me to capture how beautiful the earrings are in person.  They are done in shades of Autumn colors and are sparkly to the max!

Weiss Jewelry Marks

Weiss jewelry was marked as follows.  The years listed are when the marks first appeared.  Please keep in mind that a mark may have been used for many years.  The only real mark that can be dates is the one with the copyright symbol (after 1956).

  • "WEISS" printed in caps.  Sometimes raised in a cartouche or imprinted.  Approximately 1942.
  • "Albert Weiss" in script, approximately 1951.
  • "WEISS" in script, approximately 1951.
  • "Weissco", approximately 1951.
  • "WEISS" with the copyright symbol, unknown for sure, but most likely after 1956.

There is a fair amount of unmarked Weiss jewelry floating around; this is because Weiss (like quite a few manufacturers) made some unmarked pieces.  They would sell this jewelry to department stores, who would put their own labels on it.

However, until you are very familiar with the genuine article, don't pay big bucks for something labeled as an unmarked Weiss.

For awhile, there were also a lot of Weiss fakes flooding the market; this was when Weiss jewelry was going for large sums of money.  Once again, don't pay a large amount for a Weiss piece until you are familiar with the genuine article.

Weiss Christmas trees are very popular, and if you can get your hands on one in good condition for a reasonable price -- grab it!

Buying Weiss Costume Jewelry

Weiss is easily found, but generally commands a larger sum than say, Coro or Trifari.  But happily for us who love the look, the jewelry isn't out of the range for most collectors.  Keep in mind that pieces without rhinestones sell for lower sums than those with rhinestones.  And clear rhinestones go for less than pieces with colored rhinestones.

But enough with the talking!  Here are some gorgeous Weiss jewelry pieces at the place where you can find the best prices.  Have fun shopping!

Vintage Weiss Signed Clear Rhinestone Clip Earrings
Vintage Weiss Signed Clear Rhinestone Clip Earrings
Paypal   US $6.99
IRIDIZED RHINESTONE CLIP ON EARRINGS SIGNED WEISS
IRIDIZED RHINESTONE CLIP ON EARRINGS SIGNED WEISS
Paypal   US $5.00
Signed WEISS Yellow and Orange Enamel Daisy Pin Brooch
Signed WEISS Yellow and Orange Enamel Daisy Pin Brooch
Paypal   US $9.99
Vintage Signed Weiss Blue Rhinestone Clip on Earrings
Vintage Signed Weiss Blue Rhinestone Clip on Earrings
Paypal   US $119.99
Vintage Weiss Necklace Earrings Signed Clear Demi
Vintage Weiss Necklace Earrings Signed Clear Demi
Paypal   US $19.99
Weiss Signed Thermoplastic Blue Color Crystal Earring
Weiss Signed Thermoplastic Blue Color Crystal Earring
Paypal   US $24.50
Weiss Teardrop Earrings signed 1 1 4Long
Weiss Teardrop Earrings signed 1 1 4Long
Paypal   US $14.99
Vintage Weiss Turquoise Clip On Earrings Signed Weiss
Vintage Weiss Turquoise Clip On Earrings Signed Weiss
Paypal   US $4.99
Weiss Signed 6 Candle Christmas Pin
Weiss Signed 6 Candle Christmas Pin
Paypal   US $29.05
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