Rhinestones are a girls BEST FREIND

what is Bakelite and why is it so valubale in costume jewerly

2010-06-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

BAEKELAND, Leo Hendrik
"The Father of Plastics"

BAKELITE-polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride,WOW HOLY COW I didn't know that!!! One of our FIRST plastics.

It will not burn. It will not melt.

... was written on the front page of the Time-Magazine in September 1924.
BAKELITE PHONE!!

WHAT IS BAKELITE
Bakelite is a castable, fire resistant plastic that was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909. It was originally used for industrial purposes, until jewelry makers found that its light weight made Bakelite perfect for manufacturing inexpensive bracelets, rings, pins, and other items. It can be carved into different shapes and colors can be mixed to create interesting color combination's.

Dr. Baekeland had originally set out to find a replacement for shellac (made from the excretion of lac beetles).

MAJOUNG TILES MADE FROM BAKELITE

A set of Mahjong tiles will usually differ from place to place. It usually has at least 136 tiles, most commonly 144.JEWELERY artists love to make bracelets and necklaces from these antique game pieces. I love them. OOAK (one of a kind) and very fashionable.

are tiles of Chinese origin that are used to play many games, most notably Mahjong and Mahjong solitaire

BAKELITE IS NO LONGER MADE

LOOK OUT FOR what Bakelite is not, these two buttons were sold as Bakelite however they are not, I have tested them and they do not test positive. However they are a great example of wonderful celluloid.

how to test if it is Bakelite or not

Ever wonder how to test if Bakelite is real or not?
Method #1: Some Bakelite collectors recommend the 409 Test. Here's how to do it:

1. Dip a cotton swab in 409 household cleaner and touch a small area of the piece, such as a back that won't be visible when worn.

2. If the piece is vintage Bakelite, the accumulated patina will show up as a yellow stain on the cotton swab.

3. Rinse the cleaner off the tested spot right away.

Method #2: Some collectors recommend you place the jewelry in hot water, then remove and sniff. Warmed Bakelite smells like camphor.

you can also use SIMICHROME POLISH,
(which is what I prefer to use)
A reputable antique dealer told me this trick and it is full proof. It is full proof , the knives leave a yellow color on the paper towel while these buttons do not.

BAKELITE COLORS
Many wonderful and earthy colors from red, greens, butterscotch, and brown. The bangles and other Bakelite jewelery does not go cheap. Learn to recognize it, and maybe at some yard sale or estate sale you may be able to pick it up for a song. On line and in Boutiques it sells for its value. It has kept its collectiblity and value over the years.

I love all vintage plastic. Remember it comes ultimately from oil. It is like a resin, to me it allways reminded me of amber another favorite of mine.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAKELITE AT THE BAKLITE museum
references: jewelry.about.com, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite

What is a pave setting? Funny name simple explanation

2010-02-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have come across the term Pave setting in looking for vintage jewelry and really had no idea what it is, I figured I am not alone. It is a setting for small stones/rhinestones or even diamonds where h the stones are set so closely together that no metal shows. A pavé surface appears to be paved with stones. Think of pavement of stones when you see the term pave. Something like the image I have here.

what is celluloid jewerly?

2009-09-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have always favored vintage plastic jewerly and have been intriged with bakelite and others but celluloid is truly capitaving. Many times it is carved as showen in the above photo. This is one way of idnetifing this chariming plastic.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) Tells us that Celluloid (n.) is
a " substance composed essentially of gun cotton and camphor, and when pure resembling ivory in texture and color, but variously colored to imitate coral, tortoise shell, amber, malachite, etc. It is used in the manufacture of jewelry and many small articles, as combs, brushes, collars, and cuffs; -- originally called xylonite."

I learned that celluloid was one of the first plastics used for jewelry. This is a PLANT FIBER ! A natural product that was developed in the 1850s in England.

Later, John Wesley Hyatt commercialized the use of celluloid. The use of this material in vintage jewelry is quite old dating to about 1900.

Popular as a material during the Art Deco period which is from 1920-1935, it was made into all kinds of useful things , such as hair combs and clips.

Highly carved designs were often found on celluloid jewelry pieces, ( as the above photo shows) and flowers and leaves were commonly seen.

"One of the biggest uses of celluloid in vintage jewelry was to make brooches and dress clips, especially during the early 20th century. Celluloid looks similar to some other vintage plastics, but it differs in many ways. It is generally much thinner and lighter than bakelite. It is also much more brittle and can crack when exposed to high heat temperatures - sometimes even being flammable. Even though it can be brittle, it can still be twisted or bent into shape quite easily.

To test a piece of jewelry to see if it is celluloid, hold the item under hot water. it will smell like camphor or vinegar. Never use a hot pin test on celluloid because of the flammability factor." (Today's Vintage Jewelry Word - Celluloid )

What is MONET jewelry and how do I collect it?

2009-09-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

Funky Findz sure never knew that Liz Claborne bought Monet!! Did you? If you would like to purchase this great Monet pin valued at over $45.oo now on Sale just check our our on line store..
Monet jewelry was first manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1929 by the Chernow Brothers. Their company, called Monocraft, produced excellent pieces of inexpensive costume jewelry. Vintage Monet jewelry ranges from pieces made in the 1930s through the 1960s. In 2000, Liz Claiborne bought the Monet jewelry line, and the company still offers pieces today.

Look for gold and silver plated pieces of jewelry. Monet Jewelry was one of the first lines to offer gold plated jewelry as an inexpensive option for women.

Step 2Know the difference between earlier and later Monet jewelry pieces. For example, 1950s pieces feature charm bracelets with poodle figurines, while bracelets of the 1960s are large bangles made of gold tone metal or Lucite.

Step 3Seek out classic Monet necklaces from the 1930s and 1940s, which have art moderne designs of straight edges and open metalwork.

Step 4Keep an eye out for unusual jewelry pieces made by Monet, such as filigree pitchers and ornate fur clips.

Step 5Confirm a genuine vintage Monet piece by looking for the Monet trademark, found on all pieces of jewelry manufactured after 1955.From e-how

If you are looking for modern and current Monet jewerly check out this link http://monetjewelry.com/

What is Aurora borealis Rhinestone and about the swarovski crystal?

2009-09-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

If you love this pin it can be purchase at our on line store
Funky findz loves vintage Rhinestones and crystals. Here is a little more info on these precious gems.

Originally it comes from a Latin word meaning the northern lights.It means iridescence in many vintage costume jewelry descriptions. The term is most commonly used in reference to crystals, rhinestone, or synthetic stones that are iridescent. I think of them as fairy wings. They reflect so many different colors in the light. Also we tend to think of the lights of the north, from which I live, and have observed, they are beautiful and which are filled with many colors. They are magic.

My family comes from Austria, my mother is first generation and I did not know this little fact. I know however, that I love and have always loved fine crystals and the finest in the land are from the SWAROVSKI. A term we have all heard I learned that they are lead crystals that are faceted with a glass cutting machine.They have a pretty and unforgettable sparkle. Allot like diamonds!And this process was invented by Swarovski in Austria!

What does wise geek say about Rhinestones?

2009-07-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wise geek tells us his view on Rhinestones:

All that glitters is not gold--sometimes it's rhinestones. They shimmer, sparkle and dance in the light, and they are nothing more than faceted bits of glass.

The original rhinestones were rock crystals that were plucked from the shores of the Rhine River in Austria, hence the name. But, as the sources of genuine rhinestones became depleted, resourceful jewelers sought techniques to duplicate the look of the original rhinestones.

In the latter part of the 1770s, a French jeweler by the name of George Frederic Stras came up with the idea of metal-coating the backs of clear crystals, which would force reflection from the backing out through the stone. That method created rhinestones as we know them today. An advancement by Daniel Swarovski in the technique of cutting crystals to mimic the facets of gemstones more than a century later, enabled rhinestones to be produced en masse, and the popularity of rhinestones soared.

The popularity of the rhinestone hit its heyday during the modern era between 1945 and 1960 when fine quality jewelers invested their talents in the making of fine rhinestone pieces. Fashion designers spangled the majority of eveningwear (and much daywear) with fun and flirty rhinestone detail. High-end clothing decorated with rhinestones, and signature rhinestone jewelry pieces, have become a hot commodity in the antiques and collectibles market.

Today's crystal rhinestones are still mostly manufactured in Austria, with the Czech Republic a close second. Rhinestones made from acrylic are manufactured in many countries. Regardless of where your rhinestones were produced, you will need to handle them carefully to guard against damage. While storing your rhinestones, never place them face-to-face because they will easily scratch; always store them separately or place tissue between the rhinestone pieces.

To clean your rhinestones, carefully apply a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. Water should be avoided as it will tarnish the foil backing.

What gives Rhinestones there brillance?

2009-07-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

Seems the addtion of lead is a large factor. And the number of cuts or facets.

"Rhinestones are made of glass. Fine rhinestones have lead added to the glass to produce Lead Crystal, far more light reflective than glass. Preciosa MC and Swarovski are made of Lead Crystal. Korean and Czech Extra Grade of made of glass and are less bright than either Preciosa MC or Swarovski. All Point Back rhinestones are of Lead Crystal. Such as these Swarovski Crystals show."

Flat Back rhinestones are made of : Lead Crystal, Glass, or Acrylic. (Please note: There is NO acrylic stone that is as bright as glass, and there is no glass rhinestone that is as bright as Lead Crystal.

Rhinestone Brilliance is derived from: Type of glass used (Lead Crystal is far more bright than glass) and the Cut of the rhinestone.

The CUT of the rhinestone greatly influences its brilliance! Purchase the rhinestone with cut in mind. Rhinestones with more facets will glimmer more than those cut with fewer facets, AND rhinestones cut with fewer facets will flash more than those cut with a higher number of facets.

We have found the perfect compromise to be 8-12 facets around the table (table is the flat top of the rhinestone). When more facets are added to the rhinestone, the reflected light is broken into more and more pieces, therefore each piece of reflected light is smaller. Understand that up close, the more facets a rhinestone has, the better it will look to your eye. BUT! The real test of a rhinestone is at a distance of intended viewing

Costumers design outfits that are showing at distances of greater than 4 feet. Here, in all cases, the 8-12 facet rhinestone will be superior in effect to rhinestones of higher cut facets.

Did you know that there are two kinds of Rhinestones?Flat and Point back.

2009-07-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Example of Point Back

Example of Flat Back

It is pretty simple really they are Point Back (Chaton) and Flat Back (Chaton Rose)
Most clothing decorations, today, are done with Flat Back rhinestones while most jewelry applications use Point Back rhinestones. The flat back is glued to the fabric therefore are used more while point back can be used they are more labor intensive because they have to be sewen on and cause puckering of the fabric. Flat backs are used in jewelry and are mounted with the paste method, they are also used on purses and other embellishments. Point back are set in jewelry with the prong set.

What are Rhinestones? We find many definintions sizes and colors

2009-07-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

Rhinestones are artificial clear or colored stones made of glass. The best rhinestones are cut from quartz crystal. Natural crystals from the bottom of the river Rhine in Germany were early substitutes for diamonds. Hence the term Rhinestone. Some people also refer to them as crystals.

rhinestone - an artificial diamond; made of or encrusted with rhinestones

rhinestone - Real rhinestones are cut from rock crystal. Today, most rhinestones that are used in jewelry are made of glass that has the look of natural stone.

rhinestone - Simulated gemstone made of glass or crystal, often with a foiled backing for increased reflectivity. (This is a definition I rely on often when identifying them in jewelry)

rhinestone - A colorless potash-and-lead glass that contains quartz in the form of melted lead crystal and is cut like a diamond. Also called Strauss, diamante. (definitions from Google search)

Many of us think of Rhinestones as white, or clear like diamonds as shown in our example but there are literally a plethora of colors.

In addition Rhinestones come in many sizes: Here is a guide to help you out. In addition we learn (Rhinestone guy Inc) about Rhinestone Sizes: Rhinestones are measured in 'SS' (Stone Size) sizes, and jewels are measured in millimeters. All current rulers have an inch side and a Centimeter (CM) side on them. Each centimeter (CM) is divided into 10 units, and each unit is a millimeter (MM). Below is a table of sizes in MM. Please note: Smaller Point Bach Rhinestones are measured in PP (Pearl Plate), Flat Back and Larger Point Back Rhinestones are measured in SS (Stone Size

What is a jelly belly pin?

2009-06-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

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This example of a jelly belly with carved Lucite is selling for $425.00 on www.trifari.com/ . I did some limited research and they are very expensive.

Many collectors, including myself, love the jelly belly pin. They are generally figural pins such as fish, birds, turtles, swans and other creatures. Each animal has a clear acrylic stone inset in his belly or center of his body. They were first created by Trifari in the 1940's and copied by Coro. View our slide show of pins and you will see an example of a traditional jelly belly pin that we have for sale at

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27061806

Was Sterling Silver ever used in costume jewelry? Can the markings help me date it?What is Vermeil?

2009-06-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

This butterfly is an example of vermeil.

During World War II many jewelers began to use sterling sliver, Why? because the other metals that were previously used, were needed for war materials...bullets etc. The United States , in 1906 passed, the National Stamping Act. This act requires that all silver be marked. Any product that was marked as silver, needed to contain 925 per 1,000 parts of pure silver.

After 1961, the act was amended. It required the manufacturers of sterling to also stamp the maker's mark on the piece.

Therefore one can date these marked pieces. Jewelry made between 1906 and 1961 may only be marked 925 or sterling.

While jewelry made after 1961, should have the manufacturers mark as well. Yet, it is known that many did not follow the law. So it becomes a bit trickier.

Sterling may and often does have a gold wash over them. This process is called vermeil It was used to give a piece the look of gold. unfortunately it wears away over time.

Some pieces, even with some wear of vermeil, are still worth collecting, depending on the designer,the rarity and how collectible the piece is, what designer it is, how many were made, etc...

What type of clasps do vintage pins have? How can they be used for dating?

2009-06-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

The locking C-clap was patented in 1901 . In 1910 it began to be used allot. What makes it distinctive is the spinning locking mechanism. This spinning lock makes it secure and prevents it from dislodging. This was one of the most popular clasp which is even sometimes today.

Then there is the plain c-clasp which is similar but it does not have the spinning mechanism.

The tube clasp was patented in 1850 and was used until after World War II. Europeans favored this clasp. The knob pulls out to release the long pin. This type of clasp is very useful in dating your pin.Pins with type of clasp are from the period of 1850 to 1910. Do not pass up these gems, they are old and collectible.

Another point of interest is to note the pin stem that sometimes is found to extend beyond the c-clasp . An extra long pin stem is sometimes an indicator of a piece of jewelry that is older.

Also older pins are many times molded in two or more pieces, then these pieces are held together with a rivet.

What is a Rhodium finish?

2009-06-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

The picture shows an example of a necklace set with rhinestones and a superior example of the beauty and luster of the rhodium finish. Rhodium is a quality metal and highly collectible. It is part of the platinum group!

Most custom jewelry is made from a white metal that is a combination of other metals which can include tin,lead, and cadmium. When the piece is white metal then the process is called electroplating. This process covers the dull metal with a thin layer of another metal.

"Rhodium is a metal that is part of the platinum group of metals and is often used to coat white metal" Rhodium, a hard metal was used because the plating did and does not chip away. In addition, Rhodium is highly reflective which makes it distinctive and beautiful. It holds its luster. There is not a look of tarnish ever or the appearing of a 'pot metal' look.

Rhodium tends to be more collectible because it holds so well up to the rigors of time. Pieces are in good condition and this finish was used on quality pieces.

Most rhodium finished pieces were produced after World War II which helps in dating your piece.

AVOID METALS THAT ARE TURNING GREEN. It is a "mold-like patina", it indicates that the metal is starting to break down. It is a type of rust and metal is already damaged! It renders the piece worthless. We recommend a purchase only if you tend to remove the beads for reuse.

Source:Collecting Costume jewelry 101 by Julia Carroll

Prong set Stones Vs. Pasted in Stones.

2009-06-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Quality vintage jewelry, or any jewelry for that matter, for the most part,will have prong set stones. However, during our experience , we have found many beautiful and worthy of collecting pieces with pasted in stones that simply shimmer and are works of art in their own right.

Why do collectors prefer prong settings? There are several good reasons. As one could surmise, glue can yellow with time and the most obvious is that they stone can fall out. The workmanship in a prong set piece is more involved and therefore tended to cost more to make and therefore sold for more. Today prong set vintage pieces are worth more and cost more, they hold and held their value.

TODAY MOST JEWELRY IS MADE WITH PASTED IN STONES! Even when the piece has expensive stones like the expensive Swarovski crystals.

For the most part if the piece has prong set stones it is a Superior piece of jewelry.

What is the difference between designer and manufacturer?

2009-06-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Some one who created the style of the jewelry is the designer. the manufacturer is the company who makes it and markets the work. At times a designer can have both designed and manufactured his own work. Such an artists is Kenneth J. Lane who in the 1960 's purchased a factory to produce his own creations. While other manufactures, such as the well known and highly collectible Trafari, employed many different designers to create jewelry for them. The terminology between designer and manufacturer is somewhat complex and are often used interchangeably. .

Much more coming soon...please be patient jewelry lovers xxx

2009-06-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

This site is being designed for all that beloved and beautiful vintage jewelry that I have had the joy of collecting threw out my many years, with an emphasis on rhinestones , a girls best freind who cant afford diamonds like our beloved Monroe sings in one of my all time favoirte performances.

Another favorite jewelry, of it the Creator of this blog, is the plastics of the 1950's and no... not the traditional Bakelite that has become so collectible, but I prefer GLITTER LUCITE! Have you heard of it? It is fun funky and fabulous. Yes it has glitter in It, can it get better than that.

I shall try to educate you all about the vast differences of quality vintage and direct you t useful sites that I have found valuable.

Thank you for your Patience.

much of the jewelry that I will have avail be will be presented here in a slide show fashion and if anything caches your eye...just hop on over to Esty.com link where you can find my treasures for sale.

Miranda