posted on October 13, 2001 03:55:22 PM new
I have recently acquired some vintage *a ton of it it seems* jewlery from a relative but have little to no experience describing, let alone identifying what the jewelry is made of since many of the pieces are unique or possibly just unique to me. Would anyone have a suggestions as to where I might find more information pertaining to vintage jewelry beside the obvious EBAY listings, old and new? Since I have hundreds of pieces, it will take me ages to list them for auction as well as describing things I know little or nothing about and any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
posted on October 13, 2001 04:21:33 PM new
Let's see...you have hundreds of pieces of vintage jewelry but don't want to take the time to research them ...or list them? But you would like the money for them?
Well, that's easy.
posted on October 13, 2001 04:46:31 PM new
YumMe did not say she does not want to take the time to research or list the jewelry. She is asking for help to find information on what they are & how better to describe them.
I can't help, but perhaps someone can.
posted on October 13, 2001 04:52:07 PM new
there are books which cover bakelite jewelry,ancient jewelry,art deco/art nouveau jewelry and precious and semi precious jewelry,you need to know at least what caetgories you have ,then of course if they are authentic?
it is not for amateur,the jewelry business,you need someone to help you .
if you are sure they are not very expensive,you can try grouping them and sell as lot,but then pictures are not going to sell if they are real diamond,ruby or ivory or pearl or platinum.
you need to research and seek professional appraiser advice.it may cost you though.
posted on October 13, 2001 05:52:24 PM new
Thank you all for your replies I have had this jewelry since early summer and have so much enjoyed finding out about vintage designers like Trifari, Napier, HollyCraft, Coro, Sara Coventry, Avon, etc. Those are the easy ones What I am finding difficult in particular to describe a pair of earrings (very funky pair and very unlike my Great Aunt to have worn them even once) that are glass and stone-like beads. Hmm maybe I just answered my own question and will research vintage beaded jewelry??? If anyone would like to see a jpg of them, I can email the pic. And, there was no mention in my original post about not taking the time to research, I was merely looking for advice as to where I might start. Thank you all again
[ edited by YumMe on Oct 13, 2001 06:00 PM ]
posted on October 13, 2001 06:04:12 PM new
Hi YumMe, Lillian Baker has published some great books on costume jewelry. Do a search on Baker Jewelry on eBay to see some of the books.
Also, hit some of your antique and collectibles stores to get a real touchy feely of this collectible jewelry. And see some of the prices.
Research is invaluable. It just takes some time, initiative--ask questions when shopping!, and some bucks for the reference books.
Good Luck!
And remember, plastic is not always plastic, some jewelry was made of bakelite, catelin and lucite.
posted on October 13, 2001 06:08:00 PM new
I cannot believe some of you people here. Most of you pride yourselves on being experts of sorts and when a person whom I have not seen post here before comes in, she gets snaked on just for asking a question and some help. She did not say she did not want to research or list, just some direction, and she asked in a very polite way at that. Get a grip people. *shaking my head* Your unprofessionalism is showing badly! To the poster, I think I would try a search engine and put in the various names, also beaded glass,vintage jewlry, glass, crystal, bakelite, and remember the 409 test for bakelite. I believe some 409 on a cotton swab brushed on a piece of suspected bakelite turns orange I believe,or maybe it is yellow. Good luck there with your wonderful treasure trove.
[ edited by furkidmom on Oct 13, 2001 06:08 PM ]
posted on October 13, 2001 06:20:32 PM new
You can try the Jewelry board on eBay - I think that someone there usually posts a "links to jewelry sites" post periodically (many of the collectibles' boards have people who have put together a list of links related that collectible, and will post them periodically).
posted on October 13, 2001 06:43:54 PM new
This site has a link to an e-mail discussion list (listserv) named Jewelcollect. Very informative. Go to this site and click on "E-mail Discussion List."
posted on October 14, 2001 01:35:22 AM new
YumMe- Another place to check is your local library. They sometimes have books on Jewelry. If you think that you can make some nice money on your items then I would search Jewelry Books on ebay and see what kind of price they charge. I have bought some good books for practically nothing. Some of them are older and out of date but you can get some idea the approximate price. If you lived around me I could help you. Researching is half the fun of selling your jewelry. Good Luck.
