Themed Collections

Butterflies, part 1

Many collectors of Vintage Costume Jewellery prefer to stick to one theme.

It may be to collect brooches, necklaces, bracelets or earrings. Perhaps parures or demi-parures (matching sets or half sets). Some collect any item with the same theme. It could be cats, insects (see the butterflies above).

The butterflies pictured are part of my collection and range from the early part of the 20th century to fairly modern. Some can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant, having both a pin and a bale for use with a chain.

This butterfly has mesh wings and is gold plated. It belongs to a group called 'en tremblant'. The upper wings are attached with small spring-like devices which let them tremble as if flapping as the wearer moves.

These 3 small brooches measure no more than 2 cm each. From the left - base metal and rhinestones (1910-1930), centre - silver filigree (?Edwardian) right - carved mother of pearl with 6 brilliant stones (?1930's)

Caring for your Vintage Costume Jewellery

Well the Christmas/New year season is over and here in France the cold weather has arrived with a bang. Temperatures as low as minus 9 celsius. So it is a good time to stay in the warm and look after and organise ones collection of vintage bling.
I shall be starting this afternoon by inspecting each piece for any loose stones and dusting each piece with an eyeshadow brush . I find these brushes are soft and ideal for getting into small crannies.
Vintage jewellery, or in fact any jewellery should be kept, where possible, individually. Wrapped in tissue or soft fabric or kept in it's original box.
Rhinestones, diamonte, chrystal, strass, whatever name you put to the stones, scratch and mark easily. So contact with each other especially the pins on the back should be avoided.
Make sure the place that you keep your treasured pieces is not damp, as this can cause damage to the metal content of your jewellery.
I have come across pieces in sale rooms that were obviously at one time beautiful ruined by water damage with either rusting pins or damage to the foil backing of the stones. This is such a pity when you can imagine how lovely they once were.
It is also a good time to take stock of your jewellery. Is your insurance up to date? Have you increased the value of your jewellery since the last premium? Do you have photographs of the pieces should they be stolen or lost? Also are there any pieces you no longer want in your collection? Would they be best taken to a jeweller to sell? Would they do well at an online on-line auction house such as ebay