Days Gone

With the economy still sluggish, and the emphasis on recycling and living green, a new style is emerging in the jewelry industry that is both extremely interesting, and eco-friendly. Jewelry that is made from authentic vintage components is becoming more and more popular. There are several advantages to buying jewelry made from vintage jewelry components. The most obvious advantage is the style. Vintage is funky and fun, made from materials and styles that are no longer available. Vintage is one of a kind; no one else will have the exact same jewelry you have, especially if you made it yourself. And vintage style is in right now, so you will be cool, artistic, and in style all at the same time. But...

If you go back in time to Namibia some 27,000 years ago you will come to the birth of the human desire to appear attractive. In those days bird feathers and animal bones, seeds and dried sticks were used as pendants and earrings. Since most of these articles of jewelry were degradable not much can be seen today other than in cave drawings perhaps. But the prehistoric desire has not ebbed. From the time a girl achieves puberty or even earlier, her ears and nose are pierced. The wearing of earrings from an early age is still practiced in villages around the world. Antique earrings are therefore the commonest articles of personal jewelry found along with antique pendants. Egyptian jewelry among others...

A chronological history of antique jewelry would take us back many years ago some 27,000 years to be more accurate, in Namibia. There man’s artistic expressions would have been carved into a piece of jewelry made from a dry piece of stick or the bone of a bird into an earring or a necklace. Such pieces of antique jewelry are rare to find because of the very nature of the material in use then like the pendant in bone from Tunisia some 15,000 years ago. Egyptian jewelry would come much later around 4500 BC in the region of El-Badari from where antique earrings, crowns, girdles and brooches have been found made of silver and gold and their alloys with copper. The periods of the Pharaohs, Nefertiti...

You should decide which look you will be replicating by researching the different fashion eras before you begin buying. Authentic looks do not rely on guess work so this is important. Availability of items and accessories, price, and comfort should all come into play. Another consideration is to find a flattering, age-appropriate look so you do not appear dowdy or as though you were in a costume. You will want to look as though you stepped back in time gracefully. You can visit websites, watch old movies, browse vintage magazines or even ask older people as part of your research. There are some tricks and caveats to vintage clothing shopping. Sizes of items were smaller years ago and since they do...

Did you realize that Barbie dolls are not just the favourite toy of little girls? Mattel estimates that there are over 100,000 adult collectors of Barbie dolls. Ninety percent of these collectors are women who are, on average around the age 40, and purchase at least 20 Barbie dolls a year. Almost half of Barbie collectors each spend over $1000 a year. Mattel in recent years has been catering to this niche market. They have produced a range of collectible Barbie dolls with the aim of encouraging collectors to increase their collections in line with their individual tastes and interests. Barbie dolls of popular TV shows and movies, celebrities and popular singers, for example, have been produced with...

It’s not everyone who will have a love for Barbie dolls much less have a desire to collect vintage Barbie dolls. Most of the people who collect vintage Barbie dolls are the same women who played with these dolls when they were young, and collectors of such things as dolls. To the not inconsiderable surprise of many people, vintage Barbie dolls are a huge collector’s item and can fetch a large sum of money in many cases for a well preserved doll. This was well delineated in the recent September 2006 auction of vintage Barbie dolls by a Dutch mother and daughter who had in their collection about 4,000 dolls. These beautiful vintage Barbie dolls sometimes can start life out as being seasonal gifts...

The best way to protect yourself from losing money on fake furniture is still your own study and familiarization with the materials, construction styles and the styles of your chosen period. It is also important to get into the nitty-gritty details to be absolutely sure of your purchase. If your furniture is made of wood, you should expect some shrinkage. If the sides are too perfect, they may not be as old as the dealer claims them to be. Large boards were commonly used because lumber was much more abundant in the old days. As a result, many tables and chests were often made with a single large board and the other parts were cut in awkward shapes to minimize wasted wood. Furniture made out of...

An antique is typically described as a curio or furniture that is more than a hundred years old. Many people like to decorate their homes with furniture that is antique in nature. Carved wooden ornamental and period furniture best represents this kind of ornamentation. Antique furniture predominantly with wooden carvings allows you to recreate a period lifestyle in your living room, making it distinctive and keeping with the social tastes of that culture or period. Victorian living room furniture is extremely ornate and had exquisite wooden carving details on display. To buy a piece of antique furniture you must have a thorough knowledge of furniture history and styles in different countries and...

Antique furniture captures the imagination of those who have an inclination towards art and aesthetics and also a fascination for collecting things that are old and unique. Antiques include rare pieces of jewelry, books and many other collectibles but the one that is probably most popular amongst all of these is antique furniture. It includes four poster beds, chairs, dining tables, drawers, dressers and many more. Some people delight in purchasing antique furniture as there is a lot of variety on offer. However, if you are interested in buying antiques you need to have an idea about the different styles that were used in furniture making, the timber that was used to make these and the overall...

Owning and collecting antique furniture is the closest way to recreate the atmosphere of the period it came from. That is why there is such an interest in collecting antiques furnishings either through purchasing it if you are a keen collector, or researching the information for yourself if you are interested in the styles of the generations of the past. Collectors like to own different furniture spanning through different periods to compare and admire the different changes of style between them. Not everyone is well off enough to buy or have the space to own every period piece of period furniture, so if you are interested in antique furniture the best plan is to buy specialist magazines, visiting...

In Part One of this series of articles about the history of antique furniture, we looked at the different styles that emerged during the Renaissance period right through to the Baroque Period. This journey took us through the Tudor style which was heavily influenced by Europeans, Elizabethan style which was modelled on work done by our Italian counterparts, to Jacobean style which featured heavily in oak and walnut furniture, and then right through to the Baroque period. The next style of note was the Rococo style, and this is where pieces moved away from the simpler designs of its predecessors, and more in to ornate, detailed and florid designs. The Rococo Style The Gregorian style of antique...

-> Antique pieces are valuable items that have great historical and aesthetic importance, and having one to decorate one's home is everyone's desire. As these are rare items, these are highly priced and it may make a dent in your pocket if you buy one. So, you can buy them from where an antique auction is going on because buying them from antique item selling shops can be a costly proposition. Before buying antiques, a well-planned research is required, and the Internet offers the best platform for you to surf these antique items that delight you. There are various sites that sell antique items and with a lot of variety too. These sites may cater to your specific tastes and needs, and at a lower...

If you have never been to an antique auction, you are missing out on a great way to find beautiful end tables from the past. Auctions are happening all the time and while they may have premium items for sale, the prices are limited by the number of people who happen to know about any one auction, and are looking for the same thing you are. The odds are in your favor that you will be able to find a great piece at a price you can afford. Often you will be able to find beautiful antique end tables for the same price, or cheaper, than new, lesser quality ones. Here's what you need to know before you head to an antique auction: Do Your Homework. If the auction house has published an auction catalog, you...

Could you have a goldmine sitting in your attic? If you've been wondering whether your pre-war ceramic bowl is worth anything, you need to determine if you have a real antique on your hands. With over 100 million avid antique collectors worldwide all participating in a global market that could top $150 billion in 2008, there has never been a better time to revisit those old or cherished collectibles you may have in your possession. Below are five guidelines to judge whether or not you should take the next step - meeting with a professional appraiser. You can also use these signs to make sure you're getting quality when you are buying antiques. Rarity - Items are valuable because they are rare. For...

There are many vintage and antique music boxes and music collectibles that the music box and antique collector can seek. These include wooden jewelry boxes, inlaid music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, and disc music boxes. The top three disc music boxes are the symphonion, polyphon, and Regina music box. Symphonion Symphonion music boxes were made in Germany beginning in 1886. Paul Lochmann, founder of Kuhro-Lochmann was the first manufacturer of disc music boxes. They symphonion was produced in many sizes, types, and styles. Some of the more popular items in the 1890's were disc-playing clocks, the three-disc Erocia the "Rocco" which was contained in an attractive wooden case, and the "Gambrinus...

Tried searching for antique jewellery to buy on eBay lately? Have you been more than a little suspicious over the sheer number of items available at rock bottom prices? Don't some of those bargains look just too good to be true? OF COURSE they do! Just a couple of mouse clicks into eBay's jewellery category and you are confronted with an ever increasing, bewildering array of 'rare' 'estate' jewellery propping up the 'genuine antiques' section which have probably fallen off the back of a Chinese factory assembly line to be there. But how do you separate the good from the bad; the new from the old; the real from the fake; the bling from the bong, etc..? Here are some top tips from one antique...

Earrings have been natural ornaments for men and women ever since the desire grew in the ancient man to adorn his and her body. These have been worn from time immemorial to project status and wealth or indicate religious ceremonies which have been performed. In a number of societies the ear lobes are pierced very early on in life even now in modern times and a small stick inserted in each lobe to keep the hole clear for an earring to be inserted at a later date. Antique earrings go back in time to around 3000 BC when two different earrings were in existence shaped like hoops or like intricate pendants. Antique earrings have also been found from a royal grave in Iraq dated 2500 BC. Antique earrings...

Jewelries have always been the first love for women; hence, they have always looked for options that could make their jewelries classier and give them an aesthetic look. This can be easily observed from numerous examples of jewelries from different era. Almost every jewelry design has a different artistic influence that highlights preferences of particular age. But in today’s scenario, the love in females for old jewelries or historical jewelries is fading every modern creation. They want their jewelries to be straight out either from the vanity-box of Cleopatra or any Mughal queen’s jewelry set. These antique jewelries are available for different parts of the body, including beautiful bangles...

The Dan Kasoff Company first began to produce jewelry in the 1930's; however, the name Florenza was first used in 1948. The company ceased operation in 1981. Florenza jewelry has a style and design all his own, easily identifiable. Antique looking settings give the jewelry a Victorian look. Florenza always used the highest quality materials and rhinestones. He also used the large beautiful stones as the center piece in his designs and rhinestones an inch or larger were also common. More so than just a designer of vintage jewelry, Florenza made picture frames and trinket boxes to jeweled pillboxes and pincushions. The Florenza mark on back of his jewelry pieces is in script with the copyright...

Jewelry of any kind makes a fashion statement, but perhaps the most interesting statement can be made by selection vintage jewelry. The workmanship in high quality vintage jewelry stands out from what you can buy in modern jewelry stores, and you'll stand out as someone with a very decided style. Vintage jewelry is often quite detailed. That is one of the charms of it. A lot of work has clearly gone in to much of it. You can buy both fine and fashion jewelry when you look for vintage pieces. In fine jewelry, it can have the advantage that the quality of gemstone is often higher than is easily available today. Edwardian jewelry in particular tends to use gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, rubies...

The time has come to stop investing your money into the unreliable stock market. Metals and stones are where the real dollars are being made right now. If you're looking to invest your money into an up and coming, potentially profitable market, then it's time to buy silver jewelry. Hopefully, you already know that antiques make great investments because the older and more rare an antique is, the more money it's worth. While there is no set in stone rule for an item to qualify as an antique, it is generally accepted that the item must be at least 100 years old. This general guideline was the result of an old tariff act that passed in 1930. That act basically defined antiques as any ornamental or...

French polishing is one of the most beautiful ways of finishing mahogany and oak antique furniture. It originates from times past when skill and craftsmanship were still important, and a time when furniture makers were more than willing to spend time creating the perfect finish to a quality piece of furniture. French polishing is not a product as some people may think, but it is an actual technique of wood finishing. It became popular in the late 19th century and was used on the most expensive furniture at that time. Eventually, it lost favour because it's such a labour intensive process, and this meant that furniture manufacturers opted for finishes that could be easily mass produced. By the 1930s...

ody"> Antique glassware needs a gentle hand. This month we'll give you some useful tips to help you care for your antique or modern glassware. 1. Avoid putting glassware into direct sunlight or near any other heat sources such as radiators. 2. Avoid slippage by using two hands when carrying delicate items. Remove lids and stoppers to be safe. 3. Avoid stains in vases by changing the water every two days and removing any flowers or leaves before they dry onto the vase. Keep in mind that any liquid will stain glassware if it remains over a period of time. 4. Avoid temperature extremes. Very cold or very hot water is too taxing on antique glassware. Sudden temperature changes can stress the glass. 5...

Antique Glassware has three basic categories. Soda Glass which is occasionally or sometimes referred to as soda-lime glass, potash and lead glass. This latter category is sometimes referred to as Lead Crystal. Each of these categories of Antique Glassware has their own individual source of and mix of ingredients and as such these lead to each type and variety of Antique Glassware having their own individual characteristics and peculiarities. The sort of thing we are talking about here would be colour, light refraction and handling abilities, resonance and weight etc. As has been mentioned each type has its unique mix of materials and ingredients, forming techniques, decoration, colouring, engraving...

Antique glassware collecting is a hobby, or a vocation for some which is truly satisfying, as you acquire access to some of the most remarkable and valuable pieces ever produced. Glass making is of an enduring one, as this tradition has survived well into the 21st century and will be around probably till the end of time, as no other materials can compare to it. Plus, glass making technology is advancing so rapidly that manufacturers are discovering consistently of exciting innovative usage methods. Glass was first produced in the Middle East over more than 3500 years ago, and was first introduced in England circa 1226. The extensiveness of glassware use permeated the world over for centuries, and...

An antique mantle clock is undoubtedly a great heirloom piece. In fact, even those who are not antique clockcollectors find satisfaction in acquiring attractive and distinct mantle clocks. The best thing about these antique clocks is the abundance of styles and designs. They are classified in various categories and classes; each of which carries distinct artistry and unmatched craftsmanship. The development of these crafts was traced back from 1750. They were developed by French clockmakers who have been recognized for their woodworking skills and creative flair. Mantle clocks pretty much stand on the same scale with the carriage clocks, but minus the handles. During the first quarter of the...

Antique clocks and watches were made using different materials, designs, styles, and sizes long, long ago. The ability to accurately identify and research on this antique clocks and watches are important then because of the diversity, as well as the number, of clock and watchmakers and manufacturers around the world. Back in Time Time measurement has been one of the concerns of every developing civilization in the world since time immemorial. No wonder that man devised ways to tell time. An example is the use of the world's natural clock which is the sun and the mechanical ones such as clocks and watches. If we are going to trace the history of clocks and watches, we would be back to the late 14th...

If you are looking for antique clocks for sale, you need not look far because chances are there are designs that you are in search for. Thanks to the Internet, you can easily have an idea of the specs and the price of antique clocks for sale. The pictures that are uploaded online can also give you an idea whether these are the clocks that you do want to buy. Either you use these clocks or collect them, whatever your reason is, you deserve to know what you are getting into when you become part of those people who participate in antique clocks for sale. Those who buy antique clocks and opt to use these for timekeeper and home decoration invest in the clocks that run on AA batteries. They would want to...

Collecting Antiques is a passion many know too well, many of these antique collections are surprisingly valuable and extremely interesting and valuable. The majority of clocks that were made from the 15th to the middle of the 17th century are now mostly in museums and a small percentage in different individuals' private collection. Most people will never set eyes on these timekeepers nor will be able to recognize them. Those antique clocks that were made during the 1800's through the early 1900's are more in number since the periods mentioned were the time when clocks and watches were produced in mass quantities. Antique clocks from the mid 1600s still exist. Some of these are worth well over $70...

A set of antique pottery in any office or home adds glam to the rest of the furnishings. If you're an avid collector of antique articles, a good piece of antique pottery is also a very good investment. Since it's more than just choosing the right color and design, and big money is on the line, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the best trading secrets when it comes to shopping for good antique pottery. Read up A lemon is a lemon, and unless you've read up well about the piece you're planning to purchase, there's a good chance that you're going to end up purchasing a good but worthless replica, instead of an authentic antique artifact. If you have a curator friend who's familiar with the...