Posts Tagged ‘Christmas Tree Costume Jewelry’
Mylu Costume Jewelry
Mylu costume jewelry is most well known for its wonderful Christmas pins. While Mylu did also make figural pins, it's the Christmas ones that are most collectible.
There isn't a whole lot known about Mylu's operation, aside from Lynne Gordon and Marge Borofsky founded it. Mylu was for a short while a division of Coro, presumably in the late 1960s to early-mid 1970s. Marge and Lynne eventually joined with Tancer II.
If you are searching for what's most collectible for Mylu costume jewelry, make a beeline for the Christmas tree pins -- worth more than the Santas, angels, etc.
And here's something to note; Mylu sometimes made earrings to match the Christmas jewelry. If you can find a brooch and earring set that's in good condition, snatch it!
Meanwhile, here are some pieces of Mylu vintage jewelry from which to shop. Enjoy!
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 VINTAGE MYLU gingerbread cookie CHRISTMAS TREE PIN bkpc  US $195.00
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 MYLU Peppermint Christmas Tree Brooch Pin Rhinestones US $145.00
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 VINTAGE MYLU PEACE CHRISTMAS TREE PIN w dangles US $199.99
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Eisenberg Costume Jewelry
Eisenberg is one of the costume jewelry giants. From Eisenberg Originals in the early 1900s all the way through to today's Eisenberg Ice, the jewelry dazzles the senses.
Let's learn a little about the history of Eisenberg, then find out how to get some of the glorious costume jewelry.
Brief History of Eisenberg Jewelry
Eisenberg Ice Christmas Tree Pin (Click for larger image)
It all started back in 1914, when Jonas Eisenberg founded the company in Chicago. And believe it or not, the company didn't make jewelry! Instead, they made women's clothing; the jewelry was just to use for the store displays.
Soon enough, as the story goes, ladies were clamoring not for the clothes but for the jewelry. That's when the folks at Eisenberg decided that there was something to this costume jewelry business, and Sam Eisenberg (Jonas's son) ran with it. The rest is history!
Since those humble beginnings, Eisenberg has spent many years making classic costume jewelry. When other companies like Coro and Hollycraft closed their doors due to changing consumer tastes, Eisenberg hung in there. And still produces wonderful jewelry today!
Eisenberg Jewelry Marks
You need to be aware of the marks and their approximate dates, because with so many years in business it's sometimes hard to keep up with them. The most important marks to know about are the marks for Eisenberg Ice. Why?
From about 1945 through 1958, much of the jewelry was signed Eisenberg Ice in block letters. Then fast-forward to 1985, and Eisenberg Ice was used again -- only this time in script letters and having a copyright symbol.
So just because the mark says Eisenberg Ice, don't assume it's the 1945-1958 mark. Know before you bid or buy!
The various Eisenberg marks include:
- "Eisenberg Originals" 1935 through 1945.
- "E" in block or script, 1943 through 1945. This is extremely rare.
- "Eisenberg Sterling", "Eisenberg Original Sterling", 1941 through 1945.
- "Eisenberg", "Eisenberg Ice" in block letters with no copyright symbol, 1945 through 1958. "Eisenberg Ice" was occasionally also used up into the 1970s, although most jewelry in that era was marked with a hangtag.
- "Eisenberg Ice" in script letters with a copyright symbol, 1985 through to present.
This isn't all the marks, but they are the ones you will run across the most often.
What to Look for in Eisenberg Costume Jewelry
Eisenberg is famous for their "icing" -- the generous use of small rhinestones to create a cascade of shimmering light. Although Eisenberg made some relatively unadorned jewelry, it's their rhinestone costume jewelry that is so wonderful.
Also look for their Christmas tree pins, which are also lovely (and very popular). The company has re-released some of their older designs, so check the mark to see if you're getting a recent version or the original version.
If you can find them, as they are kind of rare, look for some of the fabulous enameled jewelry they made back in the 1970s. Painstakingly created, they are exquisite examples of what enameled jewelry should really look like. (Part of the reason it's rare is that Eisenberg didn't mark a lot of their jewelry in the 1970s.)
And finally, Eisenberg is also very well known for their glorious fur clips; if you find one in good condition at a reasonable price, grab it!
Well, now it's time to take a peek at the wonderful world of Eisenberg jewelry! As always, click on the link for more details and a larger picture. Have fun!
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 Vintage Eisenberg Ice Earrings US $19.99
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 RARE OLD EISENBERG ORIG NECKLACE SIGNED LARGE BOW PEARLS CRYSTAL US $125.00
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 Vintage EISENBERG ICE Amber Rhinestone Clipon Earrings US $11.49
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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 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.
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Christmas Tree Pin Success!
When it comes to Christmas tree pins, they are a hot commodity. Not only year 'round, but especially it seems in October, November and December.
Christmas Tree Pin, signed JJ (Click to Enlarge)
I mentioned in an earlier pin post that I really hadn't gotten into collecting Christmas tree pin costume jewelry, but that I was going to change that this year. Little did I realize how hot and heavy the bidding would be!
But after losing several auctions, I finally snagged the JJ Christmas tree pin with two cats that I have been wanting. I just think it's too cute! And you know, I wore it this weekend and got compliments wherever I went.
Oh, remember I was talking about costume jewelry books and book value? This is one case where the current cost is higher than what's listed in the book.
Art Christmas Tree Pin
Another pin I managed to get (finally) is a Christmas tree pin by Art. Since my friend Jennie got this pin as a gift in the late 60's or early 70's, I know the approximate date of when the pin was produced.
This pin is fairly available (not rare), but there was still some fierce bidding going on at times. I had lost several auctions for this Christmas tree pin by Art before I finally won one.
Eisenberg Tree
I also managed to win an auction for an Eisenberg Ice Christmas tree pin. Again, after losing a few auctions. It's not particularly old, but I really like the design. What can I say, I like glitter and sparkle!
What About a Pin for You?
If you like wearing Christmas jewelry and don't have much in the way of trees, maybe now is the time to start. I personally like the signed trees, but you should buy what you like.
So, here's a as well as a small sampling below. Have fun browsing!
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 Rare Old Rhinestone Christmas Tree Pin Signed JJ US $29.95
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 Old PAKULA Christmas Candle Tree Pin Earrings Set US $79.95
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 Old Rhinestone Christmas Tree Pin Brooch Signed PELL US $49.95
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 Old Christmas Tree Pin Signed GOLD CROWN INC US $49.95
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 Old Rhinestone Christmas Tree Pin Signed HEDY US $39.95
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 Rhinestone Dove Christmas Tree Pin Signed JJ US $29.95
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