Vintage Lucite Cat and Fish Bowl Brooch

Vintage West Germany Pink Flower Beaded Choker

Laurel Burch Dove Brooch & Pendant

Laurel Burch
Dec 31, 1945 - Sept 13, 2007

Mexican Sterling Apple Earrings

These are the most darling marked silver apple earrings from Mexico- that's the extent of my knowledge on the pair. Which truely is a shame because the topic of vintage silver jewelry and silver in general is fascinating.

I have to admit my knowledge on silver hallmarks overall is lacking. I probably wouldn't know the difference between a Spratling and something purchased at the mall. I could buy a guide to silver jewelry- but I tend to do most of my research online. There are resources to silver identification online that will help you identify silver- one I like to frequent is the Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks.

Random Vintage Jewelry Picture

All of these pieces are signed- can you guess the makers?

What's Hot in Vintage Jewelry Today: Vintage Crystal and Glass Beaded Necklaces

Vintage Crystal and Glass Beaded Necklace

Right now vintage glass beads and crystals on necklaces, demi parures and full sets are hot sellers online and on eBay.

Lisner Watermelon Rhinestone Bracelet

This is a signed Lisner Watermelon Aurora Borealis rhinestone bracelet. Not only is it beautiful and in excellent condition, but I repaired it myself. When the bracelet came to me- it was actually a necklace and bracelet in several pieces and had many rhinestones missing.

To repair this bracelet- I made several cuttings of the good areas and reworked them together along with the clasp to make one whole bracelet. Unfortunately- there was not enough good pieces to salvage the matching choker style necklace.

If you would like to details on how I repaired this piece- follow the link to One of a Kind Wisconsin for the original article on this repaired beauty.

Black Vintage Bakelite Cameo

This cool pendant is an old Bakelite cameo- I know because I tested it.

There are several tests for Bakelite;

the 409 test, the simichrome test, using your nose and hot water, and the hot pin method amongst other purported methods.

First of all NEVER USE THE HOT PIN TEST- it damages pieces and you can get burned badly.

I don't personally know how well the 409 test works. In this test you rub a dab of 409 All Purpose cleaner on the piece using a swab or a tissue and if it turns yellow you have Bakelite. I have heard however, that different formulations may give off different results. Seasoned buyers run items under hot water and sniff for formaldehyde. Pro's can rub pieces with their thumbs and with this friction be able to smell for Bakelite.

Myself- I am neither an expert nor pro at buying and testing Bakelite, so I use simichrome. You can buy tubes of it for about $9-14 on the internet. Swab a little on the back and if the q-tip or tissue turns yellow you have Bakelite. Simichrome works great for polishing old metal jewelry too.