Book Review Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry

Finishing up the book are an extensive glossary and a bibliography that will tempt you with many titles of books about antique and vintage costume jewelry.

Marcia "Sparkles" Brown has given us some answers, and hundreds of gorgeous photographs in her book, "Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry, Identification and Values".

Costume jewelry was made in vast quantities in mass production, and to keep up with demand the makers did not always take the time to stamp their name or company logo on each individual piece.

One reason is that fine jewelry of gold and gemstones was worn by ladies of wealth and position, while the cheaper, "fake" jewelry was worn by the poor or women of "ill repute". Makers of fine jewelry were proud to put their signatures on their creations, while artisans who made fake jewelry were just working to make a living — it was a lower class profession without the pride of putting one's name on one's products.

A fascinating chapter on rhinestone history takes you from the kings of France through Daniel Swarovski's processes to the present time. Several pages of photographs of rhinestone butterfly pins finish the chapter.

For the next 227 pages you'll be treated to photographs and detailed descriptions of unsigned brooches, necklaces, earrings, parures (sets), dress clips and accessories.

Sometimes manufacturers made unsigned jewelry that was sold to department stores, which then put the jewelry in boxes with the store's name.

But what about the literally millions of pieces of beautiful costume jewelry that have no signature? And why, when there was such obvious artistry and craftsmanship involved in producing the piece, was it left unsigned?

We love our costume jewelry, and when we find a piece that has the designer's name, or "signature" on the back, we know we have a piece that can be dated and its value better understood.

There's a comprehensive section on dating your jewelry, including a time chart, fashion style dating and art trends, followed by expert advice on care, restoration and storage.

The book is divided into sections, with many photographs illustrating every page. It not only shows a multitude of unsigned jewelry pieces, but also gives you history, concepts and the basics of starting a collection.

Why do we call it costume jewelry? Page 15 tells us.

Now what about starting a collection? The chapter on collectibilty will show you what to look for, how to choose, how to examine condition, and how to evaluate craftsmanship.

We learn about different metals used in costume jewelry, such as white metal, gold plating, sterling silver, vermeil, rhodium, silver plating, enamel, japanning and gun metal. More photos illustrate this section.

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This book is a must-have for the collector or anyone who buys and sells costume jewelry. It's a visual treat and a well researched book that you'll refer to over and over.

Stone shapes and settings are examined and illustrated with drawings and examples.

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Rhinestone Jewelry is Ageless

Now with the launch of Rhinestone Jewelry this problem is solved as one can get the sparkle of the diamonds at low cost. The colorless rock crystals from the bed of the Rhine River are popularly known as Rhinestone. They are often called as diamantes because they resemble diamond in their sparkling property.

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The jewelry is considered to an asset and they never get outdated. Fashion trends come and go but the importance of jewelry never changes, that is why they are also referred to an assets. The most important fact about the rhinestone is that the sources of its origination have become depleted, but the jewelers of the new era are carrying out various experiments as well as looking for new alternatives to imitate the elegant as well as original rhinestones. In the late 1770s a renowned jeweller got the idea to coat the back portion of the crystals with some metal that would give that look. This is the method now incorporated by the modern era jewellers to create rhinestones as well as rhinestone jewelry.

Nowadays rhinestone jewelry are in extensive in demand due to their comparatively inexpensiveness and more or less same characters are diamonds. They are used to embellish more or less all types of occasions from the wedding tiaras to the headdresses to skating costumes as well as costume jewelry. One can find them easily in the jewelry shops as well as online also, it depends upon the thinking of the buyer.

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The Rhinestone Jewelry can complement any type of outfit that are available in the market as well as ones wardrobe. Whether the outfit is formal or casual or traditional as well as funky, as if going for some beach party, discotheque etc it can be worn anytime anywhere. Whether the occasion is a marriage, or a social gathering or some formal occasions such as meetings and all diamond hits the floor every time everywhere. But it is not possible to empty the pocket to buy the sparkle of the diamonds.

Complement Your Outfit With Black Onyx Jewelry

A black onyx necklace can emphasize a long, beautiful neckline. The variety of chain lengths lets you choose the best length that works with your body and outfit. An onyx pendant can do wonders for your wardrobe. Choose from the many different shapes and styles to find one that works for you.

For women, it's important to look and feel beautiful. Black onyx jewelry will give you a bold, attention-grabbing look without losing elegance. The versatility of this gemstone lets you incorporate the piece of jewelry easily into your wardrobe.

For people who have slender, candle-like fingers, it's best to use small or medium sized rings. Don't go for big bulky ones that overpower the finger. Meanwhile, if you have highly defined cheekbones, you can pull off hanging earrings. Black onyx jewelry lets every face and body shape look and feel great.

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Mixing brown and black is usually considered as a big fashion mistake. However, it isn't the case when it comes to black onyx. Because they are both neutral colors, they can be worn with each other. They also work will with any other color. This way, you won't have to worry about the color combination of your outfits. You'll have much more time looking for a piece of clothing that really flatters your body.

When it comes to choosing black onyx jewelry, it's important to follow the rule of thumb: concentrate on one focal point. This lets you wear the jewelry elegantly without being too over the top. One piece should be used to finish an ensemble. Too many pieces will clutter the outfit, making it look too messy. You want it to be elegant, not too busy.

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If you're looking for jewelry that never goes out of style, black onyx is the choice for you. It doesn't matter how old you are – black onyx can still flatter you. You can even pass it on to family members as it is very durable. You can match it with any outfit and it still works.

Onyx rings can be found in a lot of different shapes and sizes. The most popular cuts are oval and round types, but more unique cuts include square and princess. Most people prefer buying onyx rings set in sterling silver or platinum, as the contrast of the deep black color of the stone works beautifully with the whiteness of the metal.

For couples, black onyx jewelry is also popular. They are usually bought in sets, with proper proportions. A set can include anything from bracelets to rings.

Complete Your Look on the Cheap with Some Amazing

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Unique rings always attract positive attention. From the Gems en Vogue II Collection, the Sterling Silver, Palladium, and 18K Vermeil Amethyst and Blue Sapphire Ring is sure to draw compliments! The chunky ring is crafted from hammered 18K yellow vermeil over sterling silver and features accents of palladium that are plated in rhodium. In a claw setting is an attractive checkerboard cut oval purple amethyst, which is highlighted and accented by two 2mm blue sapphires. This two-tone look is perfect for tying together looks with jewelry of both metal colors, or on its own for an eye catching appearance.

Juliana LaBonte Lucite Cluster Earrings are perfect for a day-to-night look. These designer earrings feature a cascade of clear Lucite teardrops on silver-tone settings to frame your face beautifully. They are versatile enough to be worn with nearly anything, making them perfect to wear to work and keep on for nighttime with a quick outfit change.

Buying your luxury jewelry on clearance allows you to look sophisticated and put together at a cost that enables you to purchase more - or still put money aside for your day to day life. Find the next addition to your collection now.

Fiery Pink Topaz Ring

The right jewelry can easily turn a ho-hum outfit into a glamorous, magazine worthy ensemble. Luxury jewelry adds instant class, as well as further enhancing your image. Luxury gems on special clearances can make your checkbook happy while still allowing you to look sophisticated and polished!

Slender drop earrings complement an up-do stylishly. Polished 14K yellow gold in a lace design drips over two large faceted cut gemstone drops of either white quartz or smoky quartz. These earrings include French hook style findings to ensure comfort while wearing for extended periods of time. Pairing equally well with jeans or an evening gown, you won't want to take these earrings off!

Quartz Drop Earrings

Black diamonds are an easy way to look luxe. A black diamond bangle pairs with nearly everything. Polished white gold is a classic look, and is accented by twenty six black diamonds which highlight the top of the bangle. The top of the key is finished off with regal yet delicate scrolling details.

Juliana LaBonte Lucite Cluster Earrings

The Checkerboard Cut Black Agate Ring is a great example of a way to tie your look together using luxury jewelry that is on clearance. What's so special about this ring? While most rings have metal bands with a stone on the top, the entire ring is made of carved black agate. This chunky piece is bound to be a show stopper! This Black Agate ring is over 68 carats of gemstone with smooth sides, and a glamorous checkerboard cut top.

To draw attention upwards to your face, dangle earrings are a great option. Pink and green tourmaline dangle earrings with diamonds look both luxurious and soft. These earrings are made from polished 14K yellow gold with a waterfall of faceted pink and green tourmaline falling before the two luscious pink tourmaline drops. To add to the glamour and sparkle, two round cut diamonds dangle in gold bezel settings. Enjoy over ten carats of gemstone dripping from your ears with these amazing earrings!

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Diamond Key Pendant

Thick gold bracelets are always simultaneously classic and trendy. Instead of simply choosing a plain bracelet, choose a bracelet that adds more substance to your wardrobe and draws attention. The Grande Elegance bracelet features a polished and textured cabled design before reaching two circular ball ends. It is crafted using a tubing process, which means despite the size, this bracelet will be light enough to wear all day! Tubing creates hollow pieces of gold jewelry that are still substantial in gold but lightweight enough to easily wear.

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Grande Elegance Bracelet

For those who adore pink, a fiery pink topaz set in 18K rose vermeil gold is just the thing. Sterling silver with an 18K rose vermeil plate complements the rich, cushion cut pink topaz stone perfectly. Surrounding the topaz are twenty round cut champagne diamonds to add to the warmth and luxury this ring exudes. Over six carats of gemstones make this ring a beautiful focal point for your wardrobe.

Pink and Green Tourmaline Dangle Earrings

Checkerboard Cut Black Agate Ring

Keys are the big rage in jewelry right now, but it can be hard to find key themed jewelry that stands out from the crowd. This diamond key pendant does precisely that, however. The pendant is made from rhodium or black rhodium plated sterling silver, depending on your choice of either white or black pave diamonds.

Amethyst and Blue Sapphire Ring

How to Purchase Cheap Costume Jewelry

The world of fashion never ceases to impress and once again in the lines of cheap costume jewelry, there have been a number of additions that have created the best of services in this regard. There are a number of such kinds of cheap costume jewelry showrooms that have sprouted up on the World Wide Web, each of which have been wondering which are the best of ways via which they can get the results that they want. In order to provide individuals with the opportunity to purchase cheap costume jewelry, there have been a number of online retailers that supply them at the most affordable rates. It is imperative that buyers scout the market so as to find these retailers and be able to buy them at the cheapest and most cost friendly rates.

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What most buyers do not realize is that due to the immense competition in the online world, there are a number of cheap costume jewelry stores that have sprung up offering buyers with substandard gear. It is hence imperative that buyers understand the genuineness of the marketplace before they can make any procurement. This can be done by simply reading a few reviews that have been made in regards to the store by other previous satisfied customers who are willing to share their expertise on helping other buyers make their purchases. Buying Cheap Costume Jewelry can sometime become a daunting affair and hence it is recommended to scout the market well before buyers can make their purchases.

Best Designs of Jewelry

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The stud earrings are considered to be one of the jewelry types that is mostly put on to the ear. These types of earrings are put buy both men as well as women. The history says that earlier women used to put in huge numbers but now a days men have also come up to putting the style for making it a different look to make it a more fashionable one. The various components include glass, plastic etc for designing the earrings. This type of earrings is designed in such a way that gives less amount of weight so that it does not put a burden on the ear. The different types include spring earrings, permanent earrings etc with different prices.

The jewelry website will give the most appropriate type of choosing the jewelry designs that can be searched through various links as provided by the website. The pearl rings are comprised with many types of pearls. The different categories include fresh water pearls, cultured etc. They also come in different colors for many people to buy this type of rings. With the large variety of options available with many people to buy this type of rings they can decide the type of ring that they actually want to buy. When buying the particular type of ring via an internet on should make sure to see the entire contents about it.

The twilight jewelry provides the best possible solution for buying the jewelry via an internet. The different categories include rings, bangles, which make many people to buy this type of products from allover the world. This type of jewelry set provides the complete range of jewelries for party wear wedding, and on other special occasions. This type of jewelry is actually in huge demand that makes every one to buy the jewelry. These set of jewelries describe their attributes as well as features to. This jewelry can be purchased via an internet with different prices along with it. These types of jewelries when put on describe the personality of the human beings and tries to draw the attention of many people towards you. This helps out in putting this type of jewelries for various occasions and it helps you to give a better look.