WEISS IS NICE - ESPECIALLY AT THIS PRICE!

One of the more affordable vintage designer pieces has always been Weiss. Over the past year, I've had some beautiful jewelry from Weiss and sold most of it very quickly, probably because it's so pretty and so inexpensive compared to Sherman, Schiaparelli and others I could name.

At this point, I have very little Weiss left. Shown above is one of them which I've just listed in my SHOP AT RUBY LANE at a ridiculously low price since I've decided to get out of costume jewelry altogether. Click on the photo to see more and read all about this one, which I'm giving away for only $59 + shipping. That pink color is gorgeous, and always popular whichever designer it comes from. So here's your chance to add a truly lovely Weiss necklace to your wardrobe at a truly reasonable price.

So while I have you, if you haven't read about it on my Sherman blog, as I said above, I'm liquidating my vintage costume jewelry stock, both signed and unsigned. My signed items include pieces by Sherman, Schiaparelli, Alice Caviness, Miriam Haskell, Kramer and more. Most are shown in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE and have been marked down already. But we're also running a true clearance sale on this stuff, in that we're giving you the chance to buy these pieces at our cost.

We're inviting you to MAKE AN OFFER on any vintage costume jewelry ... necklaces, bracelets, sets. IF YOUR OFFER MATCHES OR BETTERS WHAT WE PAID FOR THE PIECE, IT'S YOURS! You have nothing to lose. All you have to do is email us from the page of that item in our Ruby Lane shop and tell us what you'd like to pay for it. Make us an offer on this incredible Schiaparelli set shown below:

You might be surprised what you can get it for but you won't know if you don't MAKE AN OFFER! Or what about this lovely JULIANA bracelet set on the bottom left?

It has large amethyst colored cabochons and is in beautiful condition. Our price on this one is already only a few dollars above our cost, but if you match our cost, it's yours. MAKE AN OFFER!

There's also a lovely multi-colored JULIANA brooch that is the ants pants. Check it out here.

Or maybe you'd like the elegant set of Miriam Haskell beads shown below. We've listed them at our cost already so we can't take offers. But Miriam Haskell in superb condition for $135? Wow!

Well there's lots more. You'll just have to go over to our SHOP AT RUBY LANE and poke around. Don't be shy. MAKE AN OFFER. You won't insult us. And yes, there are still some Shermans left too!

COBRA/SNAKE & OTHER STERLING SILVER BANGLES

Some time back I ran a post on the popularity of snake jewelry as I was mystified by its popularity. Since then, I've been amazed at how quickly we sell snake bangles when we list them in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE. I had the rare Egyptian sterling silver bangle shown on the

left listed for less than 24 hours and it was sold. Of course, the price was right and the piece was a collector's delight. You can still read up on that one by clicking on the photo.

The same has happened with all my snake bangles i.e. listed today, gone in no time. So the lure and appeal of snake bangles is obviously timeless and ongoing.

That's why I'm thrilled to have come across the fabulous sterling silver COBRA bangle shown at the top of this blog. This isn't just another snake bangle: this one is different! That cobra head is upright, ready to strike. It's very flexible so it can fit any size wrist or be worn high on the arm. While I've never personally been a fan of snake jewelry, I warmed to this one immediately because it was so unique. Weighing just under 20 grams of sterling silver, it's a slender 1/8" wide, keeping it feminine and sexy! You can read all about it and see more photos by clicking on the photo at the top of this blog or HERE.

If snake bangles aren't your thing, but you love sterling silver bangles, you might like to take a closer look at the lovely FORSTNER Sterling silver bangle shown on the right which we've just listed in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE. We acquired this one at an estate auction about a month back. It's in wonderful condition with beautiful etchings. Complete with safety chain, it weighs 19 grams of sterling silver and opens to a full 3 1/2" to accomodate even a large wrist. It's 1/2" wide and very, very pretty. At only $49, it's a steal!

We still have our beautiful BIRKS Sterling silver bangle on sale in our booth at BONANZLE too. It's only $50 OBO and includes shipping! WOW! A signed Birks original for such a low price? Click on the link to check it out now too.

We'll have more sterling silver items to list in the next while, including a TIFFANY charm bracelet and an unsigned Sterling silver multi-link charm bracelet. So be sure to subscribe to our blog to stay on top of any new additions to our online shops. HAPPY CANADA DAY everyone!

WHY THE WEDDING RING IS WORN ON THAT PARTICULAR FINGER ...

Life has been insanely busy for me over the past 2 weeks and I've had little time for this blog and jewelry-related business. But thanks to one of my best customers who has purchased many rings from OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE, I have a very interesting video to share with you. So sit back, relax and enjoy this fascinating viewpoint on why the wedding ring is worn on the wedding ring finger. And when you're done, if you're looking for a lovely ring for that special someone, whether it be a wedding, eternity, or other special occasion ring, please visit us at VINTAGE JEWELRY SHOWCASE at RUBY LANE where rings, like the gorgeous ART DECO wedding set shown above are our biggest sellers. You can read all about that one and see more photos of it by clicking the photo at the top of this blog. It's a real beauty!

ART DECO JEWELRY IS ALIVE & WELL & ENJOYING A RENAISSANCE IN 2009

Back on January 5, 2009, while browsing through our local newspaper over breakfast, I was delighted to come across an article headed "Retro Rules: The appeal of Art Deco design endures after almost 100 years". Accompanied by several photos of jewelry currently being made by the likes of Cartier and Kwiat, the article pointed out how today's collectors are seeking retro pieces and how those straight lines and geometric designs continue to please jewelry lovers everywhere.

This didn't really come as a surprise to me as I've noticed the art deco jewelry we have offered in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE always attracts buyers and quickly. And not all of it is expensive kind with diamonds and real gemstones. Some have been inexpensive paste or rhinestone bracelets.

According to the article in the paper the roots of Art Deco were formed in the 1800's, but "it is now largely defined as the period between the 2 world wars." And Art Deco didn't just apply to jewelry: "the Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building and even the Empired State building are all Art Deco Style." What makes a piece "art deco"? Art Deco jewelry blends straight lines with circles, rectangles ... geometric shapes. You can see that in the gorgeous art deco bracelet featured at the top of this post and available from OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE. That particular bracelet is made of 14k and has 3.55 cts of brilliant diamonds and was appraised in February 2009 at over $10,000. You can see more photos of this bracelet and read all the lovely details by clicking the links or the photo above.

On the left is another gorgeous example of Art Deco jewelry, this time in one of our currently available rings. It contains about .75 cts of VS diamonds nestled in 14k. And just look at that fabulous design: triangular shapes and slightly curved lines housed in a circle. It's exquisite, don't you agree? Again, you can click on the photo to see more shots of this one and read all the details in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE. This ring is very reasonably priced. Can you see yourself flashing this one at that next cocktail party?


A representative from Cartier says (in that article) that art deco continues to be an inspiration today because "it's abstract but it's concrete. It's complicated geometrics ... but not frou-frou" as perhaps some of the jewelry from the Art Nouveau period was seen to be. "Frou - frou" is another word for "fussy". And yet, finding genuine Art Nouveau jewelry is also of great interest to collectors. We have one ring in RUBY LANE SHOP that harks back to Art Nouveau:

Note how different it is from the Art Deco pieces above: the stones are set in pretty little 'buttercup" bezels and the overall design is much "fussier" or more complicated than the art deco pieces. And yet, in its own way, it's very lovely ... just not everyone's cup of tea. But it's certainly a rare ring and very much worth collecting. As our ad reads:

"Circa 1910, this ring features all the classics of the Arts & Crafts period during the Art Nouveau movement: Bezel set gems (diamonds & rubies in this case), dainty gold leaves & flowers, a large, high setting, and intricate, heavy gold work (14k yellow gold for this piece). And when we say "large", we aren't kidding! This knock-out antique ring weighs 10.32 grams, measures 24.90mm by 24.30mm wide, and the top of the ring (from finger to top diamond) sits 11.56mm tall."

The opal/garnet ring on the right most likely belongs to the Art Nouveau period, rather than Art Deco, too. Again, the setting is fairly complicated and if you click on the photo to see more of this one, note the detailing in the band and the overall construction. Quite complex. This ring, by the way, is SALE-priced right now, and contains 4 beautiful, fiery opals and 5 garnets, all set in 14k.

If Art Deco appeals to you, we have more rings in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE along with the paste clamper bracelet shown below that is just stunning. That one is very affordable as it isn't made from real gold and the stones aren't diamonds. Why not slip over now and take a closer look at it too! It's only $75!!

IS THAT JEWELRY ANTIQUE? VINTAGE? PERIOD? DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

Time for a break from talking about designer vintage costume jewelry ... especially when I have so many superb pieces of period jewelry to share with those who visit this blog. "Period jewelry"? If you're wondering what that term means, well here's what I learned a few weeks back about the difference between "vintage", "period" and antique jewelry:

Antique is that jewelry, costume or fine, that is 100 years old or more.

Vintage is that jewelry, usually costume, that is at least 20 years old.

Period is that jewelry that is both at least 20 years old and is made of fine materials i.e. gold, silver, genuine gemstones, diamonds etc.

I never knew that! I just called anything that I knew wasn't antique, but was at least 20 years old, "vintage". So tonight I want to share some of the fabulous "PERIOD" pieces we currently have listed in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE, like the gorgeous 14k white gold necklace shown at the top of this blog. This one is something else: it's made in Italy and stamped both 14k and 585. It contains .60 cts of sparkling top quality diamonds, hangs to a finished length of 20", and weighs 11grams. But what I just love about this necklace is its workmanship and design: it's superbly crafted with intricate filigree-type work surrounding the diamonds. And for some reason, it reminds me of lace. It's reminiscent of art deco but it most likely does not date to that era. I'd say it's from the 70's or 80's. For me, this necklace merges old world styling with contemporary tastes. What a way to dress up your best evening gown or your blue jeans!


Shown above is another of our recent "period" additions to our SHOP AT RUBY LANE, and wow, do I love this one! This one is an opal lover's delight. It's both a brooch/pin and a pendant i.e. there's a loop in the back through which you can insert a chain. I am currenly showing it at VINTAGE JEWELRY SHOWCASE on an 18k choker length chain which may not suit you if you like your pendants to hang lower on the chest. The chain I'm supplying is only 15" long so the opal pendant sits in the hollow of your neck. I like it like that but if you don't, you can purchase just the pin. Details are on the ITEM PAGE.

This pin/pendant is fashioned from 14k yellow gold and has a diameter of 1 1/2". The opals in this pin are outstanding, full of fire and not a nick in them anywhere. And yet, this brooch dates back to the 30's or 40's. The condition is amazing. Those who collect opal jewelry should definitely add this one to their collection.

Last but not least tonight, I'd like you to take a look at this art deco ring featuring 14 square cut genuine rubies and 5 glittering diamonds. Again, what a beautiful design in this ring. How many do you see like this? I guess that's one of the reason I'm so keen on vintage, period or antique jewelry: the designs, the craftsmanship and the quality so often surpasses what we find in the shops today. And because you are buying something that has been pre-worn or if you prefer, pre-loved, you can often buy it for so much less than you would a similar brand new piece today. Oh sure, when it comes to rings, bracelets etc, expect that there'll be signs of wear, some scratches to the gold, and sometimes even chipped stones, but then, you're not paying megabucks either. But what you're getting is unique and beautiful and often, in remarkably good condition, as is this ring: it's 14k, a size 6 and plenty of gold for re-sizing if needed. Do click on the photo to see more and learn more about this ring and the other pieces I've shared with you tonight. Happy shopping folks!

WHY DO BUYERS BUY VINTAGE JEWELRY? TO COLLECT? TO WEAR? OR MAYBE IT'S JUST "JEWEL THERAPY"

Ornate? Over the top? Old-fashioned? Or maybe, for you, it's beautiful. Or since it's by ART, a vintage designer, it's collectible? Or maybe you just love to wear this kind of jewelry: it's YOU!

Why do we buy vintage jewelry? Are buyers still buying it? A recent article about eBay in the Wall Street Journal got members of our jewelry group talking about buying and selling on ebay, who's doing it, who isn't, why and why not. There were several insightful comments by our members but this one pasted below (with permission), really made sense to me. So I thought my readers might enjoy Adrienne's thoughts on this topic and invite your comments. What she has to say will be of interest to both buyers and sellers. So thanks Adrienne for allowing me to post this and I hope you'll all go visit GARDEN PARTY COLLECTION. She has some awesome items there. Enjoy!

“While there are certainly 'important jewelry' collectors out there, they are way more in the minority than the majority. The pool of people with vast amounts of money to spend on 'important' jewelry is much, much, much smaller than the pool of people who like vintage jewelry in general, or better yet, just like jewelry, new or old.

I sell to everyone. I think a lot of web sites and long time collectors have become elitist. And that's fine for their own collections and tastes. If one has been collecting for years and years, one's preferences do get refined.

There are old collectors new to online shopping, there are new collectors just discovering vintage, there are people shopping for special occasions and there are people who just plain love jewelry, but are looking for more unique pieces and vintage gives that special difference.

As a seller, if you choose to limit your market, that's certainly your option. But there are an awful lot of people out there who buy jewelry, even in hard economic times. In fact, for a lot of people, vintage is a great way to save some money. Its frequently cheaper than the local Nordstroms, or whatever. People are into fun, fashionable and/or affordable jewelry. What better way to perk up a tough week? Jewel therapy.

I don't sell much on ebay, but have begun to do so a bit lately and have done OK with what I have listed. I wouldn't dream of listing my 'good stuff' on ebay though, haven't for years, not a good venue for me. But that doesn't mean it doesn't work well for someone else. I am not buying on ebay, but then, I'm not really buying right now, having amassed a huge inventory over the years. And, it's just good business sense to reduce inventory during a strong recession.

As a dealer, I certainly appreciate you serious collectors, and love it when you throw some of those big bucks my way on a higher end piece. But I've got somewhere between 1500-2000 pieces currently on the web store and every single one is important, at least it is to the person who falls in love with it, regardless of price point or collectibility or rarity. But, I've been an antiques dealer for nearly 25 years now, and an online store owner for nearly half that. And if I had to rely only on serious collectors over that time, I would never have made it through this long. And, if I cut off my own nose to spite my face by limiting my own market, I wouldn't be here either.

The trick in selling online, in my opinion, is not be be the most expensive or carry only the most important, but to offer the unique, the interesting and the desirable, none of which is necessarily synonymous with high-end or important. I hope you will all visit my store from time to time, as you never know when something important winds up in my possession, I hope you don't take offense if I also cater to the billions of other people who wouldn't know a Farhner if it fell on them screaming TF.” (Adrienne, Garden Party Collection)

So, what about you dear reader? Are you still buying vintage jewelry? If so, why? Jewel therapy? Collector? What about the current prices of collectible jewelry? Is it getting too high? Let's hear from you!

BRACELETS: CARTIER VS SHERMAN - WHICH WOULD YOU PAY MOST FOR?

I've been watching a lot of Sherman cuff bracelets lately on ebay and have done a double-take more than once on just how high a dollar buyers are prepared to spend on them. There's no doubt in my mind that right now that Sherman cuff bracelets are amongst the "hottest" vintage designer pieces you should add to your collection if you can afford one.

This was driven home even more when I watched the auction for the outstanding signed Cartier bracelet shown in the photo above. Talk about a collector's piece of jewelry! It's authentic vintage, with real AAA quality pearls measuring approximately 7.5mm each. That fantastic Cartier clasp is not only stamped 18k gold, but it comes with a patent number. And it has an interesting history too ie. it was purchased from an actress' estate in Florida. The actress' son said it was custom-designed for his mother in the 1970's. Finally, it has a retail value of over $12,000! What I'd give to be able to afford this one!

Well you can imagine my shock when on the same day that this auction ended, so did the auction for the Sherman cuff bracelet below:




Now, for sure, this is yet another magnificent cuff bracelet set by Sherman and came in a nice color combination of champagne, amber and blue stones. It was in superb condition with no stones missing and all original...definitely a top buy for a Sherman collector. But if you check back through my Sherman blog, you'll notice several cuff bracelets similar to this one. So the design isn't all that unique, unlike the custom-designed Cartier above with real gold, real pearls and an interesting history.

Well, what do you think: which one fetched the bigger dollar? For me, it was a bit like what happened last night on American Idol: the Sherman sold for nearly $400 more than the Cartier! Incredible. The Sherman sold for $1631.96 USD. The Cartier sold for $1227.00. Whatever has happened to the value of real pearls and 18k gold over the years to make them so much less valuable to buyers than those fabulous fake stones in vintage costume jewelry? Our husbands will probably never understand this: as I've mentioned before in my blogs, as much as he admires the workmanship and beauty of designer costume jewelry, in his books they'll never compare to real gold, real diamonds and real gemstones. When I see outcomes like this, I tend to agree with him. But then, I was rooting for Adam, the real superstar on Idol last night. So what do I know about people's tastes LOL!