What is MONET jewelry and how do I collect it?

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?

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!

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

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 is a Rhodium finish?

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