Beautiful Victorian style vintage brooch Two Angels holding Heart, made of brass, enameled, 1970-80s, USA. Banana Bob jewellery

Banana Bob jewellery
Launched by Annie Venditti in 1985, Banana Bob jewelry trademark ceased to exist in 1992. Mark Brown (Seekonk, Massachusetts), the new owner of the trademark has filed for new registration of the brand in 1993. However, since 2000, the trademark ceased to exist.
Initially, all their jewellery pieces were handmade in Providence. The material – metal alloy based on brass, with the use of high quality Swarovski crystals, rhinestones from Austria, and enamels. Traditionally, Banana Bob incorporated various styles – from Victorian, Art Deco/Art Nouveau to motifs of the time – inspired by Disco music and Discotheques of the 1970s. The company sold jewelry in such department stores as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
Currently, the decorations of this brand are collectible rarities, which price is growing up each year.
More »

Yellow roses Vintage brooch. Beaucraft jewellery unsigned beauty

Beaucraft jewellery unsigned beauty
The company Beaucraft Inc. began producing jewelry “Beau” and “Beaucraft” in Providence, Rhode Island in 1947. Noteworthy, they had been a leading manufacturer of unique sterling silver jewelry for half a century. Beaucraft jewellery design features originality, versatility and impeccable craftsmanship.
Although Beaucraft did not label their brooches in the set, only clips, but still it remained recognizable by their special style called “unsigned beauty” (not marked beauty). However, vintage costume jewellery lovers often confuse the name of Beaucraft with another, no less popular Beau Jewels. Founded in 1947 by Luigi Russo and Ray Sacciccio, Beaucraft jewellery classic elegant design is equal in rating of popularity and quality to the products of, for example, the brand Coro. And, of course, values as highly collectible. Known for high-quality products of perfect polished sterling silver, and gold-plated, they have a completely original look. Besides, combining classic style with modern fashion. Undoubtedly, the markings “Beau Sterling” of this brand destined for high-end fashionistas. And due to the fact that the company did not only make costume jewelry, but jewelry made of precious metals.

More »

Charlie Chaplin brooch. Silver tone, enamel, rhinestones. 4.5 cm. 1990s. Butler and Wilson jewellery

Butler and Wilson jewellery
The history of Butler and Wilson jewelry trademark began in 1968 in London founded by two antique dealers, Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson. Although Butler & Wilson is still active, since the 1980s the designers no longer work together. Nicky founded his jewelry brand NB in the USA in 1998.
Originally, they were jewelry traders who opened their first boutique in 1972. In addition to selling, they began creating jewelry. Talented designers, they sold their jewelry throughout the country and attracted many celebrities of the time.
In the 1980s, Butler & Wilson Limited became world known. Noteworthy, among fans of the brand was Princess Diana. B&W snake brooch of black-and-white crystals accompanied Diana during different events and meetings.

Traditionally, B&W jewelers made decorations using fake diamonds, Swarovski crystals and rare stones of unusual forms. Besides, their decorations were similar to the works of the Art Deco. Sparkling rock crystals are characteristic for their jewelry, created in 1980s. Also, their brooches in the form of lizards and spiders have become classics. However, the most popular among the collectors are their early works of the 1970s.
More »

A fine silver parcel-gilt trompe l’oeil salt cellar designed as a cake (kulich) mounted in trompe l’oeil napkin and plate. Marked ‘VS’ (Viktor Savinkov), 1855-1888. Russian Trompe l’oeil silver jewellery

Russian Trompe l’oeil silver jewellery

Optical illusion technique known as Trompe l’oeil aimed the creation of realistic objects. Originally used in paintings and interior design, over time hyper realism has come to applied in decorative art. One of the peculiarities of Russian Trompe l’oeil jewellery was a perfect imitation of linen napkins and towels.
Talented silver tromp-l’oeil jewelers were suppliers to the Russian Imperial court. Stunning realistic silver pieces were multiple winners at international exhibitions, with many customers abroad. Beautiful artworks of Russian jewelers still appear at major auctions, sold for big money. Unique cigar boxes, imitating real wood boxes, with the texture of the tree, stickers and labels are in high demand among collectors.
More »

Fashion fades, only style remains the same. Coco Chanel jewellery

Coco Chanel jewellery
According to Chanel, the role of jewelry was to decorate an ensemble rather than to flaunt wealth. For that reason she challenged convention by wearing heaps of jewelry, and often precious. Besides, during the day – even for sailing, while for evening she sometimes wore no jewelry at all. But wealthy clients who did not wish to display their costly jewellery in public could wear Chanel creations to impress others. “It’s disgusting to walk around with millions around the neck because one happens to be rich. I only like fake jewellery … because it’s provocative”, Chanel stated.
Lacking any desire to replicate precious jewels, Chanel’s designs, initially made by Maison Gripoix, defied nature in their bold use of color and size. In 1924 she opened her own jewelry workshop, which was managed by Etienne de Beaumont. Beaumont designed the long chains with colored stones and cross-shaped pendants that became a classic of her house.
More »

Playing musical instruments medieval ladies – harp, lute and violin. MFA brooch. Musical instruments in jewellery. Galina Karputina collection

Musical instruments in jewellery

Traditionally, a part of world culture, Musical instruments often become the inspiration for jewellery designers. And it is difficult to find a musical instrument that had not been incarnated in jewelry – harp, lute, violin, Alto horn, piano, viola, guitar, mandolin, banjo, flute and many more.
More »

Rooster brooch. Gold tone, enamel, art glass. 1960s. Pauline Rader jewellery

Pauline Rader jewellery
The history of Pauline Rader jewelry lasted for two decades. Founded in 1962 as a family business of Pauline and Danton Rader, the brand ceased to exist in 1982. The jewelers had showrooms in Forrest Hills, NY and in Palm Beach, Florida.
The designer of the highest level, her works are rare and collectible. Pauline grew up in a family of jeweler, and from childhood was keen on family affair. About her personal life. The designer was happily married and gave birth to three children.
Rader began making jewelry in 1962, creating fantastic decorations in a variety of styles. She was very fond of lions, tigers, insects and turtles, although that did not prevent her to create classic decorations. As a young, Madame Ryder specialized in the art of ancient Greece and Rome, many of her decorations are made in the Etruscan style, or in the style of ancient jewelry. In 1982, the brand ceased to exist.
More »