Kaleidoscope effect

Beautiful rectangular shaped floral design brooch. Jewelry alloy, crystals, rhinestones. 1980s. Signed Weinberg New York costume jewelry

Weinberg New York costume jewelry

Unfortunately, there is very little information about the creator of vintage jewelry labeled Weinberg NY. According to scant information, this brand was active from early 1980’s to late 1980s. The very name of the American company Weinberg NY indicates its location. Accordingly, each Weinberg decoration is a vintage rarity. As a rule, products marked Weinberg have an elegant and sophisticated design in the art deco style or made in classic floral and fantasy motifs. Also, figurative brooches – ballerina, dragon, etc. Traditionally, jewelers used metal of silver or gold tone. Besides, each brooch, earrings or bracelet is an abundance of rhinestones, crystals, art glass, lucite and acrylic plastic.
Noteworthy, each decoration has label – Weinberg NY, or Weinberg New York.
Read more »

Grotesque self-portrait of the artist as an oracle IV. 1989. Work by American enamel artist jeweler William Harper

American jeweler William Harper

Born in 1944 in Ohio, William Harper is one of the greatest American jewelers of the 20th century. His decorations – recognized masterpieces that are in private collections and museum exhibitions around the world. An amazing combination of genius and skill!
His exotic and often esoteric images, complex and brilliant jewelry work with enamel, make his products unique in this area.
In fact, the base of such an extraordinary vision is an extensive knowledge of the history of art and a deep understanding of human nature. Noteworthy, New York based jeweler Harper has been creating convincing and innovative works for more than forty years.

His products are in the collections of the American Museum of Crafts, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also, represented in the Vatican Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Read more »

Hop cone necklace of dark silver tone. Signed Botticelli vintage costume jewelry

Signed Botticelli vintage costume jewelry
Traditionally, vintage pieces signed Botticelli contain very positive symbolism. According to belief, hop is a symbol of vitality, fertility, goodness and well-being. Besides, the image of hops relates to the idea of a happy marriage.
In fact, Providence based jewelry company “Botticelli” was active in the period of 1969-78. Meanwhile, the style and some technological features of “Botticelli” decorations are identical to jewelry “Tortolani”. So, the brand “Botticelli” could be one of the independent lines belonging to “Tortolani”. Well, it’s just my opinion.
Undoubtedly, all vintage jewelry pieces by this brand show simple but elegant, even timeless design. Made of silver coated blackened silver, sometimes with the use of enamel, the jewels demonstrate high casting quality and a wonderful sense of shape.
Read more »

Pendant necklace. Circa 1925. Gold, silver, sapphire, tourmaline, and pearls with a central carved jade rose. Work by English jewelry designer Dorrie Nossiter (29 June 1893 – 1977)

English jewelry designer Dorrie Nossiter
Born 29 June 1893 in Aston, Dorrie Nossiter was a famous English jewelry designer. Traditionally, she made her jewelry decorations in the well known style of the time – Art Deco and Arts and Crafts. Creating her well designed jewelry pieces, Nossiter used gold and sterling silver. Also, various gems, such as sapphire, tourmaline, jade and pearls. Noteworthy, Dorrie Nossiter did not mark any of her jewelry pieces. According to designs, there are visual similarities in Nossiter’s jewelry and works of another English designer Sibyl Dunlop. Moreover, some of the products attributed to Dunlop (so called “carpet of gems”) are actually works made by Nossiter. However, the design, settings and general method of construction of these decorations allow jewelry lovers and collectors to attribute them to Dorrie Nossiter.
Interestingly, Nossiter assigned a name to each piece of jewelry, for example “Silent Evening”, “Heavenly Twins”, etc.
Talented jeweler Dorrie Nossiter, who worked primarily in the 1930s, died in 1977.
Read more »

Matrix turquoise gold brooch pendant with two pearls. Murrle Bennett art nouveau jewelry

Murrle Bennett art nouveau jewelry (1884-1914)

Created in London in 1884, the jewelry company Murrle, Bennet & CO, specialized in art nouveau jewelry. The company collaborated with Liberty, and very often their decorations were stylistically close. The art of modern jewelers did not escape the influence of the art of other eras. In particular, the Celtic ornaments. However, it did not consist in borrowing elements of style and reproducing historical patterns, but in synthesizing different cultures.
Traditionally, Murrle Bennett quality pieces have marks M B & Co, also stamped carat – 9 ct, or 15 ct, etc.
Read more »

Baroque pearl 18 gold plated cross earrings. 1990s. Active since 1972 Christopher Walling Jewelry Art

Christopher Walling Jewelry Art

The story of self-taught jewelry designer Walling began in his childhood when he was… eight years old! The son of the United Nations’ activist, he spent his childhood in the capitals of Lebanon, France, Switzerland, and West Africa. According to Walling, Africa influenced his love affair for color. In particular, the fabrics of African women’s clothes, the way they wore turbans, and their elegance. He was there for two years and undoubtedly, had great and useful experience there. Meanwhile, in 1968 he moved to New York. Already in 1972 he began making his own jewelry line, which we now know under the name of Christopher Walling. Noteworthy, the designer became known mostly for his unusually shaped and rare baroque pearl and diamond jewelry. His work has significantly influenced modern jewelry, featured in various TV programs. In particular, two PBS documentaries, the Nova program, “Mystique of the Pearl” and the Nature special “Diamonds.”
Described by Sotheby’s as “undoubtedly one of the most exciting jewelry designers”, his creations have adorned many celerbrities. Among them Maya Angelou, Linda Gray, Brook Hayward, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz, Queen Noor of Jordan, Danielle Steele, Renee Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor and others.
Read more »

Apple patriotic brooch with American flag. Gold tone jewelry alloy, clear rhinestones, blue, red and white enamel. Signed Wlind vintage costume jewelry

Wlind vintage costume jewelry
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about costume jewelry marked Wlind, which appeared in 1968. Traditionally, wlind jewelry was made of gold tone metal with the use of rhinestones, faux pearl and enamel. Some pieces have marks SP Wlind, which means silver plated Wlind, or G.E. Wlind, or just Wlind. Noteworthy, all jewelry pieces marked Wlind is vintage. Made in 1960-1980s, Wlind decorations are of great interest to collectors of vintage bijouterie. Originally, costume jewelry marked Wlind was a division of the marketing company Suarez Corporation Industries, based in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1990, the company working in the area of jewelry production changed name to Lindenwold Fine Jewelers. The company became a supplier of fine and fashion jewelry, and one of the largest direct-to-consumer jewelers in the world. According to web sources, the Lindenwold Fine Jewelers company faced at least two lawsuits. First, for copyright infringment for selling a jewel that imitated necklace in “Titanic”. Second, for misleading marketing practices in the sale of loose Cubic zirconia stones.
Read more »