JOSE & MARIA BARRERA FOR AVON

VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY

Jose' & Maria Barrera

 

 

ABOUT

Jose' and Maria started their business in the early 1980’s. They moved to New York City from South Texas after destiny brought a NYC actress to the University of Texas where she spotted José’s first jewelry piece, which was on display at a student exhibition and she decided she had to have it. She met the couple and purchased the necklace. Returning to NYC she wore the necklace to a party where it was seen by Alexander Leiberman of Vogue who then asked to use it in a photo shoot.  "The necklace" inspired Diana Vreeland to commission the iconic photograph by Irving Penn on Marisa Berenson in Vogue’s 1970 April issue. This began their aspirations to move and start their lives in NYC where they raised three daughters, Larisa, Mariel and Alicia and slowly grew their jewelry business.

 

Today, the Jose' and Maria Barrera company is still a family owned and operated business, which now includes their three artistic daughters. All of the jewelry is designed and produced from start to finish in the Garment Center of New York City. All items are assembled by hand by a small staff of trained artisans under the watchful eye of Jose and Larisa where quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship are the key ingredients to creating our product.

Official Web Site:  http://www.joseandmariabarrera.com/
On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JoseandMariaBarrera/

 

 

 

EXAMPLES OF

BARRERA FOR AVON JEWELRY

1986-1996

 

 

Jose Barrera Granada Necklace Set

 

 

 

Jose Barrera Marbella Necklace Set

 

 

Jose Barrera Falling Leaves Necklace Set

 

 

Jose Barrera Antoinette Necklace

 

 

Jose Barrera Antoinette Earrings

 

Jose Barrera Hibiscus Set - 1994

 

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY BARRERA JEWELRY

 

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE BARRERA JEWELRY ON ETSY

 

 

 

 

STORE OF THE MONTH

 

 

VINTAGE JEWELRY ALCOVE

While studying the Top 10 Sellers on Etsy, I decided to contact one of them to see to what it attributes its success.  The store I chose was Vintage Jewelry Alcove.  This store has been in operation since 2008, has over 5,800 items and ships worldwide. 

When I asked Gregg, the store owner, about his success, he indicated that it is very important to have a nice variety of items that are fairly priced.  Customer service was also at the top of his list.  He said he tries very hard to have a quick turn around when a purchase is made.  And if there is a problem with an order, he does whatever it takes to make the customer happy.  This helps him get and retain customers.   Another thing he mentioned was that he offers several types of discounts:

     1) 10% Discount for Repeat Customers

     2) 20% Discount for purchases of 10 or more items

     3) 20% Discount for orders of $100 or more

     4) 30% Discount for the whole month of July (Coupon Code 30303) 

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely going to visit the Vintage Jewelry Alcove so I can take advantage of one of these great offers.  There is lots and lots of vintage costume jewelry in this store.



  

 

JEWELRY ADVICE & TIPS

 

WHY FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT

 

Feedback is an essential tool for a seller.  It proves the quality of the seller's merchandise and service.  The seller needs to know that the item was received and there are no problems with the transaction.  If there is a problems, the seller needs to know right away so it can be corrected.  Sellers take pride in their wares and service and want each transaction to be pleasant and efficient.  So take the time to give your feedback whenever you can.

 

 

A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO CHECK FOR GOOD KEYWORDS TO USE

 

I recently read somewhere about a quick and easy way to check for keywords on Etsy.  I tried this and it works.   Here is an easy to understand example of one that I did.

 

Step 1 - I typed in "Joan" and checked the dropdown box.  I found "Joan Rivers Jewelry."  I have a lot of keywords for Joan Rivers, but I was not using "Joan Rivers Jewelry".

 

Step 2 - Next, I typed in "Joan Rivers" and I got a list similar to this one in this order:

 

Joan Rivers jewelry

Joan Rivers necklace

Joan Rivers brooch

Joan Rivers bracelet

Joan Rivers earrings

Joan Rivers bee

Joan Rivers bee pin

Joan Rivers pin

Joan Rivers watch

 

Step 3 - I immediately added "Joan Rivers Jewelry" to my keywords.

 

This is an oversimplified example, but it goes to show how easy it is to miss something.  "Joan Rivers jewelry" was the most searched choice of words and I wasn't using it. 

 

 

USE ALL YOUR TAGS & CATEGORIES

 

Another piece of advice that I read about suggested that you use all the tags and categories available to you on Etsy.  You have the ability to use 30 tags--13 tags and 13 material tags, plus 2 style tags, a recipient tag and an occasion tag.  Each one can be up to 20 characters long, so you can also use short keyword phrases or combine two keywords into one tag. Each tag is another way for you to get customers to you item page.

 

When looking for additional tags to use, ask these questions:

 

• What is it?
• What is it used for?
• Who uses it?
• What are the most important features?
• When is the item used? 

 

TOP TEN SELLERS ON ETSY

 

If you want to find out who the top ten sellers are on Etsy, go to www.CraftCount.com.  Studying these companies may give you some ideas on how to improve yours.   Be sure to look at their use of  keywords.  (NOTE:  When I checked this site, I found several of the companies listed no longer had an Etsy store.  My assumption is that they now have their own websites.)

 

 

TURNING JEWELRY INTO ART

 

This is a new section for the blog.  I keep running into wonderful ideas on what can be done with odd pieces of jewelry, especially the ones which have lost their partner.  Enjoy the pictures and maybe you'll get a good idea to use.  We have already seen in the April 17th issue of the blog that jewelry can be turned into beautiful art.  Remember "Art Creations by CJ"? 

 

Statement Necklace

@ Star of the East

 

Framed Jewelry

@ Rejeweled Gallery

 

@ Upcycle Assemblage

@ Nicolasacicero
 

 

REMINDERS

 

 

Remember to check the "Upcoming Events" in the right-hand column of this blog.

 

 

 

 

 

AND IN THE END 

 

LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

                                        The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are
                                        decorated by U.S. flags on Memorial Day weekend.

 



 

THE JACQUELINE KENNEDY COLLECTION

by Camrose & Kross, LLC

About

Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994) was the wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and First Lady of the United States during his presidency from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier

Bouvier was the elder daughter of Wall Street stockbroker John Vernou Bouvier III and socialite Janet Lee Bouvier. In 1951, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French literature from George Washington University and went on to work for the Washington Times-Herald as an inquiring photographer.

Jacqueline and Her Younger Sister Lee

In 1952, Bouvier met Congressman John F. Kennedy at a dinner party. Shortly after, he was elected to the United States Senate and the couple married the following year. They had four children, two of whom died in infancy.

 

 

 Mr. & Mrs. John F. Kennedy - 1953

As First Lady, she aided her husband's administration with her presence in social events and with her highly publicized restoration of the White House. On November 22, 1963, she was riding with him in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, when he was assassinated. She and her children withdrew from public view after his funeral, and she married Aristotle Onassis in 1968.

 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Aristotle Onassis - 1968

Following her second husband's death in 1975, she had a career as a book editor for the final two decades of her life. She is remembered for her contributions to the arts and preservation of historic architecture, as well as for her style, elegance, and grace.^[1][2] She was a fashion icon; her famous ensemble of pink Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat has become symbolic of her husband's assassination and one of the most iconic images of the 1960s.^[3][4] She ranks as one of the most popular First Ladies and in 1999 was named on Gallup's list of Most Admired Men and Women in 20th century America.^[5]

References

1.      Hall, Mimi. "Jackie Kennedy Onassis: America's Quintessential Icon of Style and Grace'. USA Today. Retrieved February 13, 2011.

2.      Circa 1961: The Kennedy White House Interior by Elaine Rice Bachmann. Quote: "The prescience of her words is remarkable given the influence she ultimately had on fashion, interior decoration, and architectural preservation from the early 1960s until her death in 1994. A disappointing visit to the Executive Mansion when she was 11 left a deep impression, one she immediately acted upon when she knew she was to become first lady..." Retrieved February 13, 2011.

3.      Craughwell-Varda, Kathleen (October 14, 1999). Looking for Jackie: American Fashion Icons. Hearst Books. ISBN 978-0-688-16726-4. Retrieved May 1, 2011.

4.     Ford, Elizabeth; Mitchell, Deborah C. (March 2004). The Makeover in Movies: Before and After in Hollywood Films, 1941–2002. McFarland. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7864-1721-6. Retrieved May 1, 2011.

5.   "Gallup Most Admired Women, 1948–1998". Gallup. Retrieved August 18, 2009.

 

 

  

      For over ten years, Camrose & Kross, LLC, produced replicas of many of Jacqueline Kennedy's fine jewelry pieces.  These pieces became popular thanks to the wonderful presentations on QVC by company partner Phil Katz.  His storytelling brought the pieces to life.  Along with the stories he told, he shared photographs of the Former First Lady wearing the original pieces.  I don't know how many pieces make up this collection, but I do know that there are at least 200 pieces.
 

Phil Katz, Camrose & Kross partner, presenting on QVC

 Floral Leaf Dual Earrings

JFK presented Jackie with this lovely set of dangle earrings to commemorate their 1st anniversary in 1954. Jackie later gave the earrings as an heirloom gift to her daughter, Caroline. The Jacqueline Kennedy Floral Leaf Dual Earrings have 36 CZs on the floral leaf studs with two sets of interchangeable, simulated pearl dangles.

 

Jacqueline Collected Over 300 Crosses

Jacqueline Kennedy had an affinity for collecting beautiful cross jewelry and acquired over 300 of them in her lifetime.  Family and friends gave them to her as gifts, and she added to this collection as she traveled the world.

It is noted that when Caroline Kennedy was a little girl in the White House she wore a cross every day. President John F. Kennedy protested this particular piece of jewelry stating his concern for the separation of church and state. In Jackie's strength and wisdom, she countered with the fact that they - the First lady and the President of the United States - must adhere to this rule but their daughter was not a public official. Caroline was therefore allowed to wear cross jewelry and to this day continues to wear cross jewelry daily.

 

Paisley Crystal Cross

  

 

Maltese Cross Necklace & Removable Pin/Pendant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Fleur de Lis Cross

 

French connection. A reproduction of the gift Madame de Gaulle presented to Jackie in 1961 in Paris, this openwork fleur-de-lis cross pendant is resplendent in color and detail, from the faceted simulated rubellite center to the simulated garnets set along the outer borders.

 

 

 

 

 

Crystal Circle Pin

 

Blue Crystal Flower Brooch

 

 

 

Sunburst Crystal Brooch

 

 

Jacqueline Wearing the Sunburst Brooch

This reproduction pin resembles one that Jacqueline Kennedy bought during a trip to England. The silvertone piece shines with a sunburst design, accented in clear crystals of various sizes. The center gleams with a domed shape of circles, also done in clear crystals.

 

 

 

Royal Color Egg Crystal Bracelet

 

The Royal Color Egg Bracelet was a gift to Jackie from Aristotle Onasis for Easter of 1969. The original cost $49,000 in 1969 and contains flawless diamonds, rubies, amethysts, and sapphires. The replica, which must be seen to be believed, boasts SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS of the same colors all set on 18k gold-plated eggs. The bracelet includes a complimentary one inch extension.

 

Jacqueline Wearing the Royal Color Egg Bracelet

 

 

 

As pictured here — Jackie wearing the Royal Color Egg bracelet. This bracelet was made to match Jackie's berry pin, a gift from JFK for the birth of John Jr.; and Aristotle knew how much Jackie loved her pin. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, it featured solid gold and flawless stones. The eggs are dressed in the royal colors of Europe — ruby, sapphire, amethyst, and emerald.

 

 

 

Gold-plated Swarovski Crystal Red Sunburst Bracelet

 

 

 

 

Camrose & Kross by Seiko Jacqueline Kennedy Crystal Watch

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE JACQUELINE KENNEDY COLLECTION

 

 

Look for the JBK

 

CLICK HERE FOR JBK JEWELRY ON ETSY   

 

 

 

 

STORE OF THE WEEK

 

CAROL’S VINTAGE JEWELRY

Carol-Ann Vigneault of New Hampshire has loved jewelry for as long as she can remember.   This love of jewelry grew into Carol opening her own store on Etsy in 2015 called Carol’s Vintage Jewelry.  The store has been very successful; and if you visit her store, you will see why.  I was especially impressed with her store presentation.  Not only does it look so professional, the store has some really great products in it.  In addition to the wonderful selection of vintage jewelry (both fine jewelry and costume jewelry), the store has accessories, clocks/watches, compacts/purses as well as eye optics/opera glasses.  Carol prides herself on providing "quality items" and says that she “wants nothing but Happy Customers.”  Carol’s reviews praise her wonderful choice of merchandise.  Repeat customers thank Carol for sharing her knowledge and time helping them.  Carol is currently offering a 15 percent discount when you spend $25 or more.  She also offers payment plans for some of her more expensive item.  So grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable seat and visit Carol's Vintage Jewelry.  If you are like me, you will find more than one think you like and yo will also find it hard to leave the store.

 

 Items from Carol's Vintage Jewelry on Etsy

REMINDERS 

Don't forget, Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th.  I still have some of the beautiful Joan Rivers cameos and easels plus lots of what I call "forever" flowers; i.e., vintage flower brooches/pins.  Come on by SCLadyDiJewelry and see for yourself.

Joan Rivers Mother's Day Brooches plus the Jewelry Easel on Which to Display It

 

 

Joan Rivers and Nolan Miller "Forever Flower" Brooches



 

SPECIAL PROMOTION EXTENDED

Just in Time for Mother's Day 

With Mother's Day right around the corner,  I have decided to extend my special promotion for the Nolan Miller's Pave Rose Brooch.  I am offering 20 percent off  which means you can get one of these gorgeous brooches for your Mother for just $20.00.  What a great deal, and she will have it to wear long after Mother's Day has come and gone.  The discount code to use at checkout time is ROSE20.  Buy it now at SCLadyDiJewelry.

 Nolan Miller Pave Rose Brooch 

JEWELRY ADVICE & TIPS

 

 

This week's packages have been a lot more enjoyable.  I received several HANDWRITTEN NOTES which are always appreciated.  A couple of the packages used THANK YOU STICKERS instead of scotch tape to seal the tissue paper.  One of those packages also had a BOOKMARK with a handy ruler printed on it.  But the package I enjoyed most was for an order I placed for new earring cards to use for my customers.  The earring cards are beautiful, and the seller sent along a clear envelop full of sample tags, etc., from her store.  I loved all the samples and was very impressed by her message which read: 

 

"Thank you very much for your purchase!  In this packet you will find samples of custom jewelry cards, tags, business cards & stickers.  These are just a small sample of what the design options are in my shop.  Please use them as you wish, try out your jewelry on them and see what style you like or what works and what doesn't.  Remember: any design, mine or your own logo, can be put on any card or tag.  Enjoy!" 

 

And enjoy I will.  Thank you Shannon from julrypartz.etsy.com. 

 

There are 966 products at JulryPartz

AND IN THE END