Collectors of vintage jewelry are most likely familiar with the term bakelite jewelry. This phenol thermoplastic is one of the most collectible of the vintage plastic family. I have written articles on how to identify bakelite and also the fake plastic which often tries to fool people, fakelite.
Just today I found an interesting You Tube Video on the history of bakelite that you may be interested in viewing. It was made in Amsterdam and is called "Transatlantic Chemistry: Baekland the Inventor of Bakelite."
The video explores the fascinating life story of the Belgian American inventor Leo Henricus Arthur Baekland, his experiments and adventures at the turn of the 20th century, and especially his discovery of Bekelite, the material that conquered the world, and led to a collecting frenzy in the vintage jewelry world.
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Today's Vintage Jewelry Find - Spoontiques Unicorn Brooch
My daughter is at college and I miss having her home all the time. When I get particularly lonely for her, I also get very nostalgic.When she was a little girl she loved unicorns and mystical horses, like the My Little Ponies" series. So, when I was trying to find the piece of the week for this week, this lovely unicorn brooch by Spoontiques really fit the bill.
The brooch is set in pewter and has the most fabulous detail., particularly in the area of the mane. The pin is 1 3/4 x 2 1/2" in sized and is signed and dated © Spoontiques Pewter USA 4125.
This lovely Spoontiques unicorn brooch is available from my Ruby Lane Shop - The Finishing Touch Vintage Jewelry for only $21.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Rebajes - The Master of Copper Art Jewelry
Copper jewelry from all designers is very collectible, but the real master is Francisco Rebajes. This well known designer created copper jewelry from the early 1930s to the late 1960s.
Rebajes was born in Spain, but his parents immigrated to the USA. He created modernistic copper and sterling silver jewelry in his New York studio, in Greenwich, before returning to Spain in 1967. The shop sold jewelry and objets d'art. His designs were unusual and dramatic. All pieces were handcrafted, and unique. They remain some of the most collectible of copper jewelry pieces today.
Rebajes' jewelry clearly reflects artistic and cultural influences. Many of the designs show his fondness of Pablo Picasso. His masks series are perhaps the most well known of his pieces.
The design mark is the word Rebajes with a stylized sideways number 8. It is engraved into the pieces on the back of the designs.
Here are a few recent Rebajes arrivals at Vintage Jewelry Lane. You can click the pictures for more details and additional photos.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Cutest Scottie Dog Pin Ever!
I have a fondness for dog jewelry of all types. My 
favorites are German Shepherd dog jewelry, since I have three of them. (I lost my mind one day! - long story...) But a close second comes Scottish Terrier jewelry. My parents have two of them, and they are just adorable.
So, when I came across this fabulous pin, I just had to share it with others. It's made of heavy vintage plastic with a riveted in pin back, and the colors are such deep rich shades, to say nothing of the fabulous design.
The pin is large too - it measures a big 2 3/8" and is thick and weight to feel. It's available for $30 in my Ruby Lane Shop - The Finishing Touch Vintage Jewelry. But hurry, at this price, it won't last long. (I just listed it yesterday and already has someone place an offer on it.)
favorites are German Shepherd dog jewelry, since I have three of them. (I lost my mind one day! - long story...) But a close second comes Scottish Terrier jewelry. My parents have two of them, and they are just adorable.So, when I came across this fabulous pin, I just had to share it with others. It's made of heavy vintage plastic with a riveted in pin back, and the colors are such deep rich shades, to say nothing of the fabulous design.
The pin is large too - it measures a big 2 3/8" and is thick and weight to feel. It's available for $30 in my Ruby Lane Shop - The Finishing Touch Vintage Jewelry. But hurry, at this price, it won't last long. (I just listed it yesterday and already has someone place an offer on it.)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Vintage Jewelry Word of the Week - Arabesque
The word arabesque is used to describe a design which has flowing repeated geometric forms and patterns that combine in a fanciful way. The designs often having low relief curlicues.
Often the design is very elaborate and consists of intertwined branches, leaves or flower patterns. The main characteristic is the flowing style or intertwining of the elements of the motif.
The technique originates from Baghdad in the 10th century. It was very popular in the Muslim world in both architecture and other design mediums.
The technique was used not only on jewelry, but also on jewelry boxes itself. The final result is a piece which is both romantic and feminine with a filigree appeal and look to it. The style is also very popular as etching on lockets. Cameos are also styles of jewelry which are set in Arabesque frames.
Here are some examples of arabesque patterns:
Often the design is very elaborate and consists of intertwined branches, leaves or flower patterns. The main characteristic is the flowing style or intertwining of the elements of the motif.
The technique originates from Baghdad in the 10th century. It was very popular in the Muslim world in both architecture and other design mediums.
The technique was used not only on jewelry, but also on jewelry boxes itself. The final result is a piece which is both romantic and feminine with a filigree appeal and look to it. The style is also very popular as etching on lockets. Cameos are also styles of jewelry which are set in Arabesque frames.
Here are some examples of arabesque patterns:
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