Vintage Jewelry Unleashed ~ Vol.4 ~ April 2006

Table of Contents:
New Items | Tips | Trends

New Items at Vintage Jewelry Online.com

This month's newest collection features some unique and outstanding items including a 16" strand of red oxblood coral beads that are 12mm and beautifully matched, a four piece Hobe' blue rhinestone and purple AB parure that you must take a look at; an early cornflower blue lucite fruit necklace by NAPIER; a dramatic B. Webb sterling and enamel Native American Navajo bracelet and a Deco 14k rose gold sapphire and pearl peacock pin. To see them all in a group, click here.

Here are this months featured items. I hope you enjoy previewing them.

Here are this months featured items. I hope you enjoy previewing them as much as I enjoyed finding them and making them ready to present. The new featured highlights are found on the home page and include:

• a spectacular Hobe' 4 piece, 3-dimensional runway parure #CS-00147
• a hard to find McClelland Barclay blue & white Deco necklace #CS-00145
• a modern Valentino figural massive rhinestone & enamel brooch #CS-00143
• a unique 14k rose gold and sapphire and pearl Deco peacock pin #FG-00085
• a 12mm red oxblood coral Edwardian necklace #VE-00162

Jewelry Tips

Cleaning Jewelry -- (...continued from last month)

Many of you expressed your thanks for the jewelry cleaning information and wanted more, particularly about pearls, both real and faux so this month's jewelry tip is focused on keeping our pearls beautiful.

Authentic Pearls --

Pearls are meant to be worn and the more we wear them, the more lush their beauty. Pearls are soft so their care is important and different from gemstones and costume jewelry. Again, all you need is a little patience and a soft hand. The softer the touch when cleaning and storing the longer they will last.

Cleaning:

1. After you have worn your pearls take a soft cloth or chamois and gently wipe them.
2. You may slightly dampen the cloth with water but it should not be wet.
3. You may polish them with a Sunshine Cloth after they are dry if so desired.
4. Make sure you clean the silk string at the back of the neck as perfume and body chemicals can build up over time.
5. Pearl rings should be removed by their shank (or metal portion) and not the pearl. To clean the metal, you can use a cloth or soft brush with a mild soap being careful not to touch the pearl.

Storing:

1. Since pearls are softer than most gemstones they should be stored separately so they won't get scratched.
2. Keep them in a soft pouch. Many people recommend silk, velvet or chamois.
3. Let them air dry completely before you put them away. Dampness will rot the silk thread.
4. Do not leave these necklaces or bracelets strung on hooks as this will, over time, stretch the silk string and cause it to become brittle.

Do's:

1. Put your pearls on after you have sprayed your hair, put on your perfume and your makeup.
2. Remove all pearls and gemstones before you apply lotion to your hands.
3. Do have your jeweler check your pearls every six months to make sure the silk thread is durable and not weakened.
4. If you wear a particular pearl necklace or bracelet a lot consider having it restrung, using double knots annually.

Dont's:

1. Never use commercial cleaners or harsh chemicals, including products that have ammonia, lemon or any type of acidity on pearls. This will eat away the nacre, the protective cover that bears the luster.
2. Never use steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaning machines on pearls. They will destroy them.
3. Do not submerge pearls or their string in water. This will weaken the silk thread.
4. Put them away only after they are dry.

Faux Pearls --

Faux pearls are typically made of glass and have a thin covering made to resemble the natural nacre of authentic pearls. These are equally as delicate as the real ones and need the same care and attention.

Cleaning, Storing, Do's & Dont's:

1. Follow the same advise for faux pearls as for natural or cultured pearls.
2. Do not submerge pearls or their string in water. This will weaken the thread, which is probably not silk and therefore will wear quicker.
3. If there is missing or chipped nacre, be very careful when polishing the pearl to make sure you do not remove any more nacre.

Retoring Faux Pearls:

1. If there is severe chipping of the nacre, you can try taking Pearl Ex, a powder pigment to restore them.
2. You can find this brand at Michaels' Craft Stores and I'm sure there are other brands as well. They come in different pigments so you can match the color.
3. Follow the directions on the bottle.
4. Do not try this on authentic pearls. You will ruin them.

Jewelry and Fashion Trends

White is pure innocence this spring filled with lace, eyelet and ultimate femininity complete with monograms and embroidery. This is ultra Edwardian and what better way to get the look than with authentic Edwardian jewelry in bight colors or neutrals. See the fabulous:

• vivid Czech multi-color rhinestone bracelet #VE-00040
• museum quality enamel 18^th century locket on velvet #VE-00051
• large purple cabochon Edwardian bracelet #VE-00057

Big, showy cocktail rings and gold bracelets are on the top favorite lists this spring, whether they are costume or authentic gold. So make sure you have at least a new one of each to dramatize your look.

• blue lapis cabochon & seed pearls Edwardian showy ring #FG-00018
• deco Chrysoprase Sterling 1 ^1/4" long ring #AS-00021
• Ferragamo Wide Red Enamel & Gold Bracelet #CS-00032
• 15k Gold Etruscan Revival Bracelet #FG-00029

The shirtdress and the shirt, the ultimate warm weather favorites are back, so pull those favorites from your closet and start wearing them, belted or loose, they both look great. And if you don't have a tuxedo shirt, this is the spring and summer to buy one. Adorn yourself with necklaces and bracelets to master the polished look.

• cut out polka dot peach & cream celluloid necklace #CB-00015
• crystal rhondel sparkling parure #CU-00009
• DeMario pink and white pearl necklace & earrings set #CS-00063

Black & White are a big hit this season with jackets, skirts, purses and shoes, so choose great black and white jewelry and make sure you mix and match.

• 22" long double strand Miriam Haskell necklace #CS-00034
• Weiss black & white diamond necklace & bracelet set #CS-00048
• 18" hand made crystal & rhondel floral necklace #CS-00067
• 66" long elaborate black jet sautoir necklace #VE-00058

Bold Prints are big this spring... and its a throw back to the 60's & 70's. The top designers are showing big graphic prints, swirls and psychedelics and large lush flowers. With the multitude of brilliant colors and designs, select classic designs to compliment and not compete with your clothes.

• deeply carved red bakelite bracelet #CB-00023
• cream corn, red and moon blue disc bakelite bracelet #CB-00024
• wide rich black geometric diamond bakelite bracelet #CB-00026

Pantsuits are here but this time they are soft and clingy... yet subtly tailored. So when you accessorize, go for glamour from any period!

• extravagant KJL green cabochon and rhinestone earrings #CS-00057
• enamel, sterling & pearl wide bracelet #CE-00018
• Hobe' 4 piece blue and purple A/B parure #CS-00147

Best wishes,
Shelley