Category: Jewelry

Simple photography tips for vintage jewelry items

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Jewelry, Photography, Selling tips, Tips for the beginnerLeave a comment

One of the first things that I have learned while selling things online is that taking pictures of the item you are going to sell is one of the most important things to do.  When it comes to photographs of jewelry, simple tips can really help make your piece really stand out.

Here are some tips to remember when you are taking some photographs of jewelry:

When it comes to taking the phot itself, you don’t need the most expensive camera on the market.  There are some really good digital point and shoot cameras out there—if you have access to a DSLR camera you could also use that too.  Another great way to take photos is with your smartphone (you can even list the item while you are at it with the selling app on your phone).

Take the time to steady the camera that you are using.  Putting it on a flat area like a chair or even using a tripod can help keep your photos in focus especially when you are zooming in on the item.

Another thing to remember is that your jewelry should be clean when you take photos of it.  There have been times that I thought I could skip giving the piece a quick polish before I took some photographs.  Boy was I wrong!  The second I looked at the photos that I just took is when I found smudges on the piece of jewelry (and wow, did it look bad!).

Any piece of jewelry will look a million times better if you take some time on how the background looks behind the piece of jewelry.  A ring holder, a piece of colored felt, and even a marble slab will make your jewelry really stand out.

This is a small handful of tips to remember when it comes to taking photographs of jewelry.  What tips have you found that works great?

A little history of cameo jewelry

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Functional items, Jewelry, Tips for the beginner, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage!Leave a comment

Cameo jewelry has been a popular item for many years now, and it comes in many scenes and sizes.  Just what in the world is cameo jewelry?

Cameo is a method of carving an image into stone or shell that has a flat edge to it.  More often than not, you will see a product that has multiple colors in it to give an extra pop to the carving.  The cameos that are made of semi-precious stone like onyx and agate have examples that date all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome.  The ones that are made of shell are more modern.

The cameo that is pictured above is the type that you would find that’s made in the late 1800’s into the 1900’s.  As you can see, the piece features a picture of a person.  I’ve seen several different motifs including more than one person, an animal, and the occasional flower.

The price of all cameos depends on what it’s made of and the quality of the carving on it.  Some of the places to check are the hair, nose and facial features.  The more features that are present and are vivid, it makes the cameo just that much better.

The great thing about this type of jewelry is that it can fit any budget and liven up any outfit at the same time.

What examples of cameo jewelry have you found?

Six out-of-the-box Christmas gifts to look for

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Clothing ideas, Fashion, Jewelry, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage!1 Comment

six-out-of-the-boxchristmas-gifts

When it comes to buying presents for Christmas, there are several out-of-the-box ideas that you can consider:

#1 One idea is this 1960’s plastic polka dot rain cape for any fashionista.

#2 Halloween costumes—you can place costumes like these in a box for kids to play in year round—they are great imagination builders and just down right fun!

#3 Athletic jerseys—they are fun wear for men, women and even kids.  You can get a favorite team or even player’s jersey like these to give as a gift.

#4 Vintage board games are fun to play year round, especially something like THE UNGAME.

#5 Vintage ties—these can be unexpected addition for business suit or jacket for men and women.  Something like this RALPH LAUREN or even NICOLE MILLER tie would make a great gift.

#6 Jewelry like these CORO pieces can be a great look to add to just about any outfit.

5 ways to dress shop for a formal event

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Clothing ideas, DIY, Fashion, Jewelry, Sale at Wisdom Lane Antiques!Leave a comment

5-ways-to-dress-shop

Here’s some great ideas for when you go shopping for a formal event:

#1-Consider a vintage jumpsuit.  Jumpsuits can be found in just about any pattern so you can find one for just about any occasion.  You can find a great one by Westport LTD here.

#2-Don’t be afraid to go vintage.  Pairing a vintage little black dress with a knockout necklace and earrings that you might already have can make a knockout outfit.

You can even add a pair of cool pumps and a snazzy clutch to make that outfit even better.

#3-Choose an off the rack long evening gown—there are many ways that you could go without breaking the bank, like this one by BETSY & ADAM.  You can add a silk shawl to make the look your own.

#4-A jacket (like this one by CITY GUTMAN) or faux fur coat (like this one) can add just the right touch of elegance on cold nights.

#5-A tuxedo like this one or a dressy pantsuit in a bright color like this will turn heads.  A silk tie and blouse can complete the one-of-a-kind look.

You can find some great formal outfits in my Etsy store here.  You can even find some great jewelry items in my my Etsy store here, and me eBay store here.

What kinds of ideas have you come up with for a formal event?

Wearing and collecting Sarah Coventry Jewelry

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Fashion, Jewelry, Sale at Wisdom Lane Antiques!, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage!Leave a comment

From its inception in 1949, Sarah Coventry became the world’s largest direct seller of costume jewelry and an acknowledged fashion leader in contemporary jewelry during the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and even the 1980’s.

Sarah Coventry attained worldwide success by offering its well-designed jewelry through in-home fashion shows—also known as the party plan of direct selling.  The company nationally advertised its jewelry in magazines and on network TV.

In a 1978 company brochure, it was stated that “90% of the American population knows the name Sarah Coventry means quality jewelry sold in the home…”  In 1984, Sarah Coventry was purchased by a Canadian firm.

Today, Sarah Coventry jewelry remains a success on the collector’s market.  Right now, I currently am offering a wide array of Sarah Coventry pieces—beautiful and affordable to wear and enjoy—or to even give as a gift.

One of the pieces that I have in my shop is this wonderful bracelet.

1960s-sarah-coventry-carousel-pattern-silver-tone-bracelet-with-different-colored-stones

The pattern on this bracelet is called the CAROUSEL pattern, because it looks like it could be part of a carousel.  You can see the bracelet in my Etsy shop here.

Another great item that would be perfect for either the collector or to wear is this pair of rhinestone chandelier earrings.

1950s-sarah-coventry-rhinestone-chandelier-dressy-clip-on-earrings

The great thing about them is that they are clip on earrings.  You can see this wonderful pair of earrings in my Etsy shop here.  You can see all of the wonderful Sarah Coventry pieces in my Etsy shop here.

What kinds of Sarah Coventry designs have you run across?

Different forms of carnival glass

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Glassware, Jewelry, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage!Leave a comment

Carnival glass originated as a glass called ‘Iridill’, produced beginning in 1908.  This was produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company, and the glass quickly caught on.  The 1920’s was the height of the production of carnival glass, and the decade saw huge volumes of glass being produced.

The prices were low enough that everyone could afford, and one of the nicknames that the glass was dubbed was ‘poor man’s Tiffany’.

The keys to its appeal was that it looked a lot like the more expensive blown iridescent glass by Tiffany and Loetz (and others, really).  When the 1950’s came around the name that it has now came about because Carnival glass was often gave away at carnivals.

Today, carnival glass is a fun area to dive into and start to collect.  There are many different forms that you can find.  One such item is something like this vase by Northwood.

northwood

The vase was made in the 1910’s and sports the FINE RIB pattern.  You can see this wonderful vase in my Etsy shop here.  Another form that was made was a plate, like this one by Fenton.

three-fruits

The plate has the THREE FRUITS pattern on it, and it was made during the height of popularity for carnival glass, the 1920’s.  You can see this plate in my Etsy shop here.

Carnival glass was also incorporated into fashion, one example is this bolo tie.

bolo-tie

The slide of the tie features the WINDMILL pattern, and it was made by the IMPERIAL glass company.  The tie was made in the 1930’s, and it would be a fun addition to any outfit!  You can see this bolo tie in my Etsy shop here.

You can see all of the different types of carnival glass in my Etsy shop here.  How many different forms of carnival glass have you run across?

Beat the July heat with a Christmas in July sale at Wisdom Lane Antiques!

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Fashion, Fenton, Jewelry, Sale at Wisdom Lane Antiques!, Vintage, Vintage, Vintage!, Wisdom LaneLeave a comment

With this firecracker hot sale, you can get 10% off the purchase price of anything in my Etsy shop by using the coupon code JULYSALE10 (make sure that the coupon code is in all capital letters).  With this coupon code, you will get 10% off the purchase price of any item in my Etsy store.

Christmas is probably my favorite holiday out of all of them.  One of the reasons is that you get to wear festive jewelry, like this Christmas tree shaped pin.

Christmas Tree Pin With Multi Colored Rhinestones By ART

The 1960’s pin is by ART and can be seen in my Etsy store here.  Another item that you can wear is this terrific 1980’s dress with a peplum top.

1980s KR of NY Red And White Kiss Pattern Dress Peplum Top Size 5 to 6

This cool dress has a red and white kiss pattern to it and is by KR of NY, and you can see it in my Etsy store here.

Another item to wear when it gets cold outside is this wonderful (and very warm!) faux fur coat by Tissavel.

Tissavel For Country Pacer Brown Knee Length Faux Fur Coat Or Jacket Long Sleeve 1950s

This coat was made in the 1950’s and was made for Country Pacer.  You can see it in my Etsy store here.

Another reason that I love Christmas is to find someone that perfect gift.  One gift that you can give is this terrific 1980’s black formal dress by BETSY & ADAM.

1980s BETSY and ADAM Black Beaded Crinkle Knit See Through Sheer Top Cut Out Back Detail Knee Length Size 7

It would be perfect for any formal event, or even to wear to the Prom later in the year.  You can see this great dress in my Etsy store here.

The third reason that I love Christmas is that you get to display pieces that tie into the holidays very easily.  The first item is this great mix and match pitcher and tumblers set.

Mix And Match Lemonade Set Fenton Style Jamestown Green Pitcher With Stir Stick And 8 Polka Dot Tumblers

This set has a Fenton Jamestown Green pitcher and 8 polka dot tumblers, and it can be used to serve your favorite Holiday beverage.  You can see this great set in my Etsy store here.  Another item that can be displayed in your home that ties into Christmas is this wonderful ruby red basket by Fenton.

1970s Ruby Red Fenton Hobnail Basket With Handle And Embossed Fenton Mark On Bottom

This basket has the Hobnail pattern on it, and it could be used to hold potpourri or even your favorite centerpiece on your table.  You can see this basket in my Etsy store here.

Another item that could very easily be displayed in your home at Christmas is this terrific ornament for the Christmas tree.

1982 Strawberry Shortcake A SPECIAL TREAT Christmas Tree Ornament By Americard With The Original Box

This Strawberry Shortcake ornament is dated 1982 and is titled A SPECIAL TREAT.  The great thing about it is that the ornament has the original box with it, you can store it in the box after Christmas is over.  You can see the ornament in my Etsy store here (you can see some more ornaments in my eBay store here).

So beat the July heat with some cool savings in my Etsy store.  All of these and other sizzling deals can be seen here.

What a great way to warm up to the idea of early holiday shopping!

ED HARDY Belt Buckles

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Fashion, Jewelry, My Background2 Comments

I love to latch onto all things that are vintage or collectible, especially when the item has a lot of pizzazz.  Belt buckles usually go unnoticed with me—but lately I have snagged some standouts.  My favorite is one that is designed by Ed Hardy.

ed hardy

This one has an enameled bird among flowers scene with a rhinestone border, and is a knockout.

Ed Hardy is best known as a tattoo artist and his fashion accessories like this belt buckle.  Christian Audigier licensed the worldwide rights to the Ed Hardy brand in 2005, and that’s about when this belt buckle dates to.

ed hardy back

You can find this terrific find in my eBay store here.  What kinds of belt buckles have you run across?

May flowers bring great deals!

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Jewelry, PotteryLeave a comment

The old saying “April showers bring May flowers” is very true.  But why not bring some of those flowers inside—with the kind that don’t need any watering.

Floral prints can be seen on a wide variety of items.  It could be a pottery vase, a serving piece, a piece of jewelry, or even a piece of glassware.  What’s better are the floral prints that even come on fabric.

A great piece of pottery with this is this piece of Hull pottery vase with the ROSELLA pattern.

Vintage Hull Art Pottery 1940s Ceramic Vase With ROSELLA Pattern Pink Background With White Flowers

The vase was made in the 1940’s, and can be seen in my Etsy shop here.  Another great item with a floral motif is this china hand painted Made In Japan chocolate pot.

Vintage MORIAGE Hand Painted Made In Japan Chocolate Pot 1920s Floral On White Porcelain Gold Trim

The 1920’s serving piece can be seen in my Etsy shop here.  Jewelry is another area that has pieces with a floral motif.  Like many other areas, there’s a ton of choices that have a floral motif, and one of the choices is this pin.

Vintage Enamel Daisy Flower Shaped Pin Or Brooch White Pedals Yellow Center 1960s Unmarked

The great thing that this white enamel pin has going for it is that it can go with just about any outfit, weather it’s casual or dressy.  You can see the pin in my Etsy shop here.

There are plenty of items with floral motifs on them.  What have you run across?