More About Dating Costume Jewelry

Dating Your Costume Jewelry

Electroplating was developed in 1840's.

Aurora borealis rhinestones were first introduced in the mid 50's.

Older jewelry has substantial heft for the most part.

Copyright symbols first appeared on jewelry made in 1955 to present.

Quality vintage rhinestone pieces are usually set in prongs.

Authentic vintage jewelry most likely will show signs of wear, particularly in the clasp area

Older brooches have smooth backs, not those patterned ridges that are common.

Old mine cut -  19th century method of faceting gemstones, usually diamonds, up until early 1900.   Fewer facets means a different twinkle.  Subtle sparker, not a fiery flash.

 Cabochon - a gem that has a smooth rounded surface instead of facets and lays flat.  Gleams instead of sparkles.

 Paste - pieces of glass cut and colored to look like a gem.  A form of imitation that dates back to the 17th century.  Many paste pieces were often made and set into precious metals.

Millegrain - metal setting for stones decorated with tiny raised beads.  Popular in the early 20th century and often used to day to give jewelry an antique look.


Parure or Suite - necklace, two bracelets, ring, earrings, brooch and sometimes tiara or other hair piece.

Demi-parure - necklace, earrings and brooch

Today three or more coordinating pieces, designed to be worn together as a set are often referred to as a parure.

Upcycled & Repurposed Vintage Costume Jewelry

You've got to see the pictures posted on this blog.  They are very creative and have inspired me to re-create some of the ideas.  I have only just began to explore this blog but I am excited to see what else the author has to offer.  I think you will enjoy it too.  A blog this fun should be shared.

Disfunctional Designs: Vintage Costume Jewelry: Upcycled & Repurpose

Diamonds R Girls Best Friend, In Your Dreams!

In your dreams...

Owning diamonds signifies that you will receive great honor and recognition from high places.
Diamonds are omens of good luck when owned, received, found or even bought.

To dream of losing, stealing or even giving jewels away warns of eminent grief, bad luck and failure.



Amethyst seen in a dream represents fair business.
To lose an amethyst foretells of broken engagements and slights in love.


To dream of a ruby means you will be lucky in speculations of business or love.
To lose a ruby ladies, this is a sign of the approaching indifference of your lover.

Pearls seen foretells of good business trade and affairs of social nature.
If a young woman dreams that her lover sends her a gift of pearls, she will be most fortunate in love.
If she breaks or loses her pearls, she will suffer indescribable sadness and sorrow.


Agate in a dream signifies that you will enjoy a slight advancement in business affairs.
 
Sardonyx signifies gloomy surroundings cleared away by energetic overthrow of  poverty.
For a woman this dream denotes and increase in her possessions.
If she loses or throws them away would imply disregard of opportunity to improve her condition.


Sapphire is ominous of fortunate gain, and tells a woman she made a wise selection in a lover.

Topaz in a dream signifies fortune will be liberal and she will have very pleasing companions.
For a woman to lose a topaz means she will be injured by jealous friends.
To receive a topaz form someone besides a relative means an interesting love affair will occupy your attention.

To dream of turquoise signifies that you are soon to realize a desire which pleases relatives.


Rhinestones in a dream means pleasures and favors that won't last long.
If a rhinestone proves to be a diamond means some insignificant act will result in good fortune

Bloodstone seen denotes that you will be unfortunate in your engagements.
Receiving a bloodstone means estrangements from one friend only to gain one more worthy.

Emerald in a dream means you inherit property in which there will be some trouble with others.
To see an emerald(s) worn on the person of your affections warns of being discarded for another.
To dream that you buy an emerald signifies unfortunate dealings.

To dream of gold leaves signifies that a flattering future is before you.