Showing posts with label vintage costume jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage costume jewelry. Show all posts

Monday, April 4, 2016



 
 
 
VINTAGE 
COSTUME JEWELRY
FEATURING
KENNETH JAY LANE  


Welcome
  
I have always had an interest in jewelry. So it was only natural for me to open an online jewelry store when I retired.  I have collected vintage jewelry (primarily by Joan Rivers) for over 25 years now. I love the beautiful designs and the craftsmanship of each piece. Since I've opened my store, I have been branching out to include pieces of jewelry from other well-known jewelry designers. Every day, I learn something new about vintage jewelry, and I want to share that information with you. Join me and explore the World of Vintage Costume Jewelry by  the Legendary Designers.



FEATURE JEWELRY DESIGNER

KENNETH JAY LANE (1932--)

 
 

About

Kenneth Jay Lane started designing jewelry in 1963.  He first came to public attention after Jo Hughes, a fashion industry insider, showed some of his designs to Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, who bought several pieces and recommended him to her friends.  His talent at copying high-end jewelry from a quick glimpse proved popular, his clients proudly wearing the faux pieces. Jacqueline Kennedy was among those who commissioned fake jewels from Lane in order to enable her to wear them more freely while keeping the valuable originals in a safe.

Writing for "The New York Times" at the time of Truman Capote's Black and White Ball in 1966, Marilyn Bender reported that the "most important men in a fashionable woman's life were her hairdresser, her make-up artist and Kenneth Jay Lane."  Lane's bold designs, despite being made using rhinestones and faux gems, were hugely popular with a fashionable clientele that could have afforded authentic jewels; while stylists used them to complement the fashionable large hairstyles, short skirts and  kaftans in fashion photographs.

In 1966, Lane was awarded a special Coty Award for his jewelry design.  He also won the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1968.  Other awards received in the1960s include the TobĂ© Coburn Award in 1966, the Harper's Bazaar International Award in 1967, the Maremodo di Capri-Tiberio d'Oro Award in 1967, and the Swarovski Award in 1969.  And in 1990, he won the Brides Award.

In addition to his American establishment, Lane had boutiques in London and Paris.  He created designs for Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn, among many other high-profile clients.   More recently in 2011, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears and Nicole Richie have been seen wearing Lane jewelry.  The Duchess of Windsor was rumored to have been buried wearing one of his belts.     Barbara Bush wore one of his three-strand faux pearl necklaces to her husband's inaugural ball.


 
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1950




Elizabeth Taylor Wearing KJL Jewelry




Former First Lady Barbara Bush Wearing KJL Faux Pearls




Angelina Jolie Wearing KJL's Award Winning Emerald Earrings



In 1993, the year Lane commemorated the 30th anniversary of his founding, "The New York Times" compared him to  Coco Chanel for having successfully made faux jewelry chic, noting that unlike Chanel's wealthy clientele, his rather more affordable designs were accessible to a far wider audience.[Lane also established a presence as a vendor of jewelry on the cable television home-shopping network QVC, his twice-a-month four-hour appearances in 1997 each taking $1.5 million.[In 1998, the FIT Museum held a retrospective exhibition of Lane's jewelry from the 1960s to the late 1990s. 

 
 
Kenneth Jay Lane and Some of His Gorgeous Jewelry 
from His Couture Collection 
 
 
KJL Reference Books
 
 

Kenneth Jay Lane:  Faking It (1996)
 
Available on Amazon     
 


Kenneth Jay Lane:  Fabulous (2007)

Available on Amazon



Shamelessly - Jewelry from Kenneth Jay Lane (2007)
 
Available on Amazon
 
 
 
 

FEATURE JEWELRY OF THE WEEK

 
 
KJL Faux Pearl Necklace with Lion Head Clasp 
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
 
 
KJL Lion Head Earrings - Clip On or Pierced
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry




 
 
KJL Paisley Necklace with Removable Pin/Pendant
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry 
 


 
KJL Rhinestone Bracelet with Hidden Watch
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
 
KJL Red Crown Pin
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry  
 
 
 

KJL Version of the Duchess of Windsor's 3-pc Panther Set
 
Bracelet & Earrings Available at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 

 
KJL Duchess of Windsor Heart Brooch
 
This item is Not Available - Sold Out
 
 
This gorgeous pin is signed by Kenneth Jay Lane and is a copy of one originally designed by Cartier for Wallis Simpson. You remember Wallis--she was the divorcee for whom the King of England gave up his thrown. The original brooch had emeralds, rubies and diamonds and was created in 1957 to commemorate the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's 20th wedding anniversary. I have collected crown pins for years, and this is my very favorite one.




KJL Version of the Duchess of Windsor's Flamingo Brooch
(A Gift from Edward for Wallis' 40th Birthday)

Currently Unavailable



KJL Version of the Duchess of Windsor's 1937 Wedding Bracelet
(Each cross inscribed to note a key moment in their romance)
 
Currently Unavailable
 
 
 
 
Original Duchess of Windsor Jewelry Sold at Auction
 
Sotheby's - London
 
 
 
 
 
See more Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry on Etsy.com




HOW TO SPOT AUTHENTIC 

KENNETH JAY LANE JEWELRY

by luxluv61 on eBay 
      
I have recently become aware of many suspicious Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry being sold online. I have been collecting, wearing and selling Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry for many years. I am very passionate about designer costume jewelry, vintage and new and therefore would like to share some of my findings to help you when shopping online.
 
Check the Mark
 
A mark is a signature designers use to identify their pieces. Marks are found in hidden parts of the jewelry which is usually on the back side. Kenneth Jay Lane started designing jewelry in 1963 and has always signed his jewelry with a mark so beware of "unsigned" Kenneth Jay Lane. 
Kenneth Jay Lane's marks have only changed slightly throughout the years and these small variations can help you set them apart from each other. It is a little difficult to determine the age of Kenneth Jay Lane pieces and this is why many online sellers inaccurately claim their jewelry is vintage when it is not. Costume jewelry is generally considered vintage if it is 25+ years old, so make sure you study the mark on the piece before paying hundreds of dollars for something that is not vintage. 
Another thing to watch for is fake Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry. If the mark is glued on you can be sure that it is not authentic. Kenneth Jay Lane marks are always soldered, engraved, or deeply embedded into the jewelry and never glued on.  



 
1. 1960's - K.J.L. with dots
2. 1960's - KENNETH © LANE, with a big ©
3. 1970's - KJL without dots 
4. 1970's - KENNETH © LANE, with very small ©
5. 1980's - K.J.L.© with dots
6. 1980's - K.J.L.® with dots
7. 1980's - KENNETH©LANE, © is centered
8. KJL no dots. Avon by Kenneth Jay Lane produced after 2001. 
9. ©KJL no dots. Kenneth Jay Lane for QVC, 1991-2000. 
10. KENNETH©LANE with © on the same line as LANE. 1990 to now


OTHER RELATED MATERIAL:




 
STORE OF THE WEEK

VINTAGE LANE JEWELRY

https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageLaneJewelry 

 

Vintage Lane Jewelry has been collecting antique and vintage jewelry for over 14 years and selling online since 2012.  They are fascinated with the Art Deco and Victorian Eras.  In their Etsy store, you will also find Czech glass, camphor glass, Vaseline (uranium) glass and art glass jewelry pieces.  If you are looking for angel skin coral, bakelite or cameos, you will find a nice selection from which to choose.  You will also find beautiful unsigned pieces of vintage jewelry, as well as signed ones by designers such as  Alice Caviness, Bogoff, Coro, Florenza, Hattie Carnegie, Hobe, Hollycrat, Isner, Judy Lee, Kramer, Miram Haskell, Regency, Trifari, Vendome and Weiss.  Vintage Lane Jewelry  has  a blog and a web store.  Both of these have wonderful photographs of antique and vintage jewelry.

I have shopped at this store several times and have been more than pleased with their selection of items for sale and their terrific customer service.  More than once, the owner has gone out of her way to help me.  This store rates 10 out of 10 points from me.


CLEANING TIPS FOR

VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY

 from VintageLaneJewelry
 

Vintage costume jewelry is delicate and should be cleaned with care.  The following are helpful tips I  have picked up over the years.
 
1)  Never submerse foil-backed rhinestones or cabochons in water.  You can use a soft makeup brush or toothbrush and spritz with Windex for shine.
 
2)  If the piece has all unfoiled stones, you can dip it in a solution of warm water, 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap and 1 tsp. of white vinegar.
 
3)  Only use an ultrasonic cleaner if you are trying to remove stones or cabs with old glue.
 
4)  Simichrome Polish works wonders on Miriam Haskell glass pearls, only for pearls that are not peeling.  Add a small amount to a soft cloth and polish the pearls.  It also works well on 14K or 18K gold, sterling silver, titanium, stainless steel, copper, and bronze metals.
 
 
 
5)  White vinegar will remove verdigris (the green gunk on metal).  If possible, soak the affected areas.  If delicate stones are nearby, use on a Q-tip.
 
6)  For heavy verdigris, use a dental stimudent or cuticle stick to scrape away as much green as you can. 
 
7)  A gold acrylic paint pen will flawlessly touch up gold tone metal wear, especially tiny metal spacer beads and bead caps.
 
 
 
 
8)  Do not store your costume jewelry in plastic bags which can promote moisture.
 
 
 

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

 
Please send me your suggestions for jewelry designers to feature, topics to be covers, and any questions you have related to vintage costume jewelry.  I look forward to hearing from you.
 
 
 
 
 
 AND IN THE END
 

 
 
We agree when you say "Women of all ages

love costume jewelry because it's fun,

fashionable, and makes a woman feel younger."

 
 

Monday, March 28, 2016



 
 
 

VINTAGE

COSTUME JEWELRY 

 FEATURING

NOLAN MLLER


Welcome 

Like most women, I love jewelry. So it was only natural for me to open an online jewelry store when I retired from my career as a bank compliance officer. My specialty right now is Joan Rivers jewelry which I have collected for over 25 years now. I love the beautiful designs and the craftsmanship that go into each piece.  But what I love more than that are the stories behind the designs. Some of those stories go back to royalty and are quite fascinating. Every day, I learn something new about the wonderful designs, and I want to bring that information to you. Every so often, when the mood strikes me, I also will make one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry from semi-precious gemstones. But I always come back to the pieces that started it all.  Join me and explore the wonderful world of Vintage Costume Jewelry by the legendary designers.


FEATURE JEWELRY DESIGNER


NOLAN MILLER (1933-2012)

 

 
About
 
According to Fashion Magazine Daily, Nolan Miller was a television costume designer best known for his work on the long-running 1980s series Dynasty and its spin-off series. He collaborated on many projects with television producers Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer. Cramer referred to Nolan Miller as "Aaron's secret weapon."
Nolan Miller was born in Burkbarnette, Texas, USA in 1933. He grew up around the oil fields of Texas and Louisiana but was captivated by the clothes he saw on the movie screen. After he graduated from high school, he went to Los Angeles and studied at the Choinard Art Institute. After graduating, he took a job in a florist shop in Beverley Hills. He became friends with Aaron Spelling and through him made an entry in the Film Studios.
He moved to Hollywood, intent on designing costumes for the famous film heroines. He toiled for many years, designing everything from Loretta Young's famous television entrance ensemble to Eva Gabor's Green Acres negligees. Here he managed to bring sublime chic even to the chicken yard. He was lucky to take over the crucial design job left vacant by the passing of Edith Head. Full
It was his good fortune to design for the small screen. He was particularly known for his dresses worn by the stars of the TV show "Dynasty" which became the favorite in the 1980s.  His design studio had to generate 35 to 40 new outfits every week. They spent 2 days of each week to discuss a wardrobe and 5 days to make all the clothes.  In 1984, he was awarded an Emmy.
 
 
The Cast of "Dynasty" (1981-1989)
 
In the 90's after the "Dynasty" show stop airing, Nolan Miller became a private couturier for designer dolls. Many beautiful dolls have been issued dressed by him, in collaboration with toy-maker Mattel and he also marketed licensed jewelry.  He first appeared on QVC with his "Glamour Collection" in 1992.  In addition to everything else, Nolan designed for 40 movies and over 12 TV series.  And in 2000, the Costume Designers Guild presented Nolan Miller with the Award for the Year for Best Costume Design.
In 2006, Nolan Miller was diagnosed with lung cancer which he fought for six long years.  He retired in July, 2011 and passed away in June, 2012.
 
New York Times - "Nolan Miller, Designer of ‘Dynasty’ Power Looks, Is Dead at 79"

Costume Designer Guild - "Nolan Miller - A Legacy Beyond Shoulder Pads"

QVC - "In Memory of Nolan Miller" (June 7, 2012)




 FEATURE JEWELRY OF THE WEEK


 
 
Nolan Miller's Hugs & Kisses Necklace & Bracelet with Hidden Clasps

Available separately online at SCLadyDiJewelry


 
 
Nolan Miller's Pave' Triple Heart Necklace
(Earrings sold separately)
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
 
 
Nolan Miller's Gracious Hearts Pierced Earrings
(Necklace sold separately)
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
 

 
Nolan Miller's Pave' Rose Brooch
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
 

Nolan Miller's Pave' Calla Lily Brooch
 
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
 

Click Here for More Nolan Miller Items on Etsy

 
 

 

SPECIAL 

EASTER  PROMOTION 






 

JOAN RIVERS

EGG NECKLACES AND EGG CHARMS


 
Joan Rivers' Turquoise Panslovic Egg Pendant Necklace
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
                   Charm Holder Pin
                (has 3 hooks on back)
      Charm Stand                                                                                           Charm Display Stand
 
                            These three items were purchased special for this promotion.
                                            Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROMOTION

 
 

STORE OF THE WEEK

 

MICSJWL


 
 
 
MICSJWL  sells vintage items for every taste and budget.  It also likes to sell items that can be restored or transformed into something new.  As a long-time customer of this store, I’ve always been impressed that it goes out of its way to carry things it knows I will like.  Repeat business is a priority at MCSJWL.
There was one listing in this store that really caught my eye.  It was a listing for advertising help.  If you want a new way to promote your store, check out the store's listing for the “Etsy/Pinterest Promotion.”  You will get a lot of “help” for just a few dollars.  
I can personally vouch for this store and its owner.  Not only am I a long-time customer of the store, but the shop owner and I were once business partners.   We had a lot of fun working together for a year, but we both decided we wanted to do other things. So we went our separate ways.  We are still good friends and stay in touch with each other.  Micquel is on the West Coast and I am on the East Coast.   You may remember us as EastandWestJewelry.  Don’t hesitate to check out MICSJWL .
 
 

FREE  JEWELRY TIPS & ADVICE

 
Over the past couple of years, I have collected a ton of useful information related to Jewelry Care, Jewelry Designs, Jewelry Displays, as well as Jewelry Organization and Storage.  This information is yours for free.  Just visit me on Pinterest.com.
  
 

FRIENDLY REMINDERS 

 
Don't forget these important dates:
                                     4-01-2016 - PBS Documentary on Joan Rivers
                                    6-16-2016 - Christie's Online Auction - Joan Rivers
6-22-2016 - Christie's Live Auction (NYC) - Joan Rivers
 
Also, don't forget to check out the Joan Rivers Photographs I posted on Pinterest for you.  My favorite find was photos of Melissa and Joan.   I know you will enjoy these too.     
            
 

SUGGESTIONS WANTED

I am eager to find out what you would like to see on this blog.  Please give me your ideas.  Anything is possible when we put our heads together.  You can suggest jewelry designers for me to write about, ask questions on which I can research the answers, or whatever comes to your mind.  What about a section for those pieces of jewelry you want but can't seem to find to buy anywhere?  I keep a "Wish List" for some of my customers, and I help them look for these pieces.  Just think about how many eyes could also be looking for that special piece of jewelry you so desire.
Here's another idea.  Just yesterday, I came across "boxed jewelry subscriptions."  This was a new concept to me.  It works like this:  you pay a subscription fee to receive a box of jewelry each month.  The listing I read was for a bracelet each month.  It was interesting to me until I checked the price.  A bit much for me, but the concept could work with some fine tuning.  Maybe you would like to take this idea and do something with it.  To learn more about "boxed jewelry subscriptions" on Etsy,
 
 
AND IN THE END

 
We'll say goodbye to Nolan Miller. We miss you.


 

Friday, March 18, 2016

 
 
VINTAGE
COSTUME JEWELRY
FEATURING
JOAN RIVERS
 
 


ABOUT ME

I have always had an interest in jewelry. So it was only natural for me to open an online jewelry store when I retired. My specialty is Joan Rivers jewelry which I have collected for over 25 years now. I love the beautiful designs and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.  But what I love most about Joan's pieces are the stories behind the designs. Some of these stories go back to royalty and are quite fascinating. Every day, I learn something new about her wonderful designs, and I want to bring that information to you. When the mood strikes me, I also make one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry from semi-precious gemstones. But I always come back to Joan's lovely pieces.  Join me and explore the world of Joan Rivers jewelry.


FEATURE JEWELRY DESIGNER

JOAN RIVERS (1933-2014)

 
QVC said it best in their tribute: "Joan Rivers was a fashion guru and entertainment icon who used her impeccable sense of style to create fabulous designs.  Intricately involved in the design process, Joan's high quality standards and dedication to her craft helped her create numerous sought-after collections.  Joan left behind a singular legacy of humor, style, and grace."

Watch QVC's "A Video Tribute to Joan"


Joan Rivers



WHAT WAS THE RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN JOAN RIVERS' DESIGNS?

Joan Rivers' ancestors were from Russia, that's why!  That fact explain the Russian influence in her jewelry designs.  I remember reading in one of her books how one of her ancestors left Russia with all her valuable jewelry sewn in the lining of her coat.  When she got to America, she would take a piece out every now and then to pay for necessities. For some reason, that story has always stuck with me.

 
Double-headed Eagle - Symbol of the Russian Empire

Available on line at SCLadyDiJewelry
 


OFFICIAL JOAN RIVERS SITE

If you want to know what's going on in the world regarding Joan Rivers' products, you should visit   the Official Joan Rivers Website .  Here you can read about her fashion line as well as her beauty products and fabulous jewelry.  This site provides the latest information, tells you all about Joan, provides fashion tips, and highlights many of her products including her books, her fashion line, her beauty products and her fabulous jewelry. They also have a special section for "Upcoming Events."   The best way for you to stay informed is to sign up for the "QVC Newsletter."

JOAN RIVERS ON FACEBOOK

The official Facebook destination for all things Joan - photos, videos, books, quotes and the Joan Rivers Classics Collection on QVC can be seen right here.

JOAN RIVERS ON INSTAGRAM

According to QVC, "Joan’s award-winning collection of jewelry and fashions inspired by her legacy of impeccable taste and style now has its own official Instagram!" @JoanRiversClassicsCollection

JOAN RIVERS ON TWITTER

Melissa posted some great photos on Twitter.   I love the pictures with some information about them.  Thanks Melissa! 
'CAN WE TALK?' Remembering 35 of Joan Rivers' Best Quotes and Jokes from Parade Magazine.







IN THE NEWS
 
 Joan Rivers Documentary to Air on PBS


"Variety" just announced that a new documentary about the late Joan Rivers will premiere on April 1 on New York’s PBS WNET Thirteen, Variety has learned exclusively. Titled “Joan Rivers: Exit Laughing,” the doc will feature other notable comedians such as Sarah Silverman, Whitney Cummings, Kathy Griffin, Dick Cavett, Don Rickles, Lily Tomlin, Marlo Thomas and more as they reflect on Rivers’ comedic legacy.
 
“Exit Laughing” is the first in a planned series of documentary films centered around the grand masters of comedy (and the future inductees of the Comedy Hall of Fame) as an initiative to bring arts programming for comedy to public television. The film will explore how comedy grows from one generation to the next, while celebrating Rivers’ innovation and influence. The historical program will cover Rivers’ journey, process, insights into the field and impact on other comedians.
 
“Comedy exists today because it was built on the shoulders of past generations of comedians who have pioneered the vast language of comedy and grown its power as an engine for social change,” said Jeffrey Pancer, the curator of the Comedy Hall of Fame’s archives. “As such, Joan Rivers’ legacy and impact has been defined by other comedians: the artists that she knew and those she influenced, offering a unique perspective from the comedians that create the history of the field.”
 
 

Joan's Art, Jewelry & Gowns Hit Auction Block

From The Associated Press, March 8, 2016
 
Jewelry, designer gowns, paintings and other personal items from Joan Rivers' New York penthouse will be auctioned in June. 
Melissa Rivers announced Tuesday that Christie's will sell more than 200 items that belonged to the late entertainer, with some proceeds benefiting God's Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
An online auction begins June 16 and the live auction in New York is set for June 22. 
Rivers said in a statement the auction will provide a "through-the-keyhole experience for fans across the globe to see and buy items from my mother's amazing Manhattan penthouse." Joan Rivers died in 2014. She was 81. 
Among the items available: jewels from Cartier and Harry Winston, stage-worn costumes designed by Bob Mackie and an engraved Tiffany water bowl used by Rivers' dog Spike.


 FEATURE ITEM OF THE WEEK

RARE Faberge Replica High Domed Brooch with Crystals by Joan Rivers


Measurements:  1-5/8" tall x 1" wide

Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry

This is a gorgeous brooch designed by Joan Rivers to replicate a star sapphire one surrounded by diamonds that was made for the Grand Duchess Vladimir, sister-in-law of Czar Alexander III, by the House of Faberge. Joan's husband purchased the original brooch and gave it to Joan for their 12th wedding anniversary.

This beautiful high-domed brooch has a light blue stone in the center and is surrounded with a crystal border and topped with a crystal bow. It is 1-5/8" tall and about 1" wide. What a gorgeous piece this is. It is perfect for work, church or any special occasion. It would also make a great gift for someone. 

 

 
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS 

Recently, I had the good fortune to promote my store on a blog called "Preppy Mom's Wanderings."  The first campaign was so much fun that we did another one together.  And we have talked about more projects for later in the year.  I am proud to share with you what was published.

Hearts & Flowers Promotion

Joan Rivers Hearts & Flowers Necklace and Charms


 


Joan Rivers' Hearts & Flowers Charm Complete Necklace

Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry 


Egg Promotion 

Joan Rivers Egg Necklaces and Egg Charms 



Joan Rivers' Turquoise Panslovic Egg Pendant Necklace 28"
Available online at SCLadyDiJewelry
 
 
REFERENCE MATERIAL
 
 
Jewelry by Joan Rivers Book
Available on Amazon
 
 
 
STORE OF THE WEEK
MyBestFinds 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Mybestfinds

Over the past couple of months, I have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful store owner on Etsy, MyBestFinds, who really deserves to be recognized for her outstanding customer service.  She had several items I needed for an upcoming promotion, and she went out of her way to help me get them in time for the promotion.  Not only did she give me a great price on these items, she dug out more that had not been listed yet. Since then, I check her store regularly and have found more great finds.  If you want top-notch customer service, MyBestFinds is the place to shop.
 
 

JEWELRY TIPS

I have collected a lot of valuable jewelry information and saved it on my Pinterest site.  If you go there, you will find great information on Jewelry Care and Safekeeping, Jewelry Designs, Jewelry Displays, as well as Jewelry Organization and Storage.  Visit me on Pinterest and all of this wonderful information is yours to use.        
 
 

AND IN THE END
 
We still love you Joan!