jewelry

While it would be more than enough, Mary Ann Cade doesn’t only discover, preserve, and collect silent film history presumed lost, she also collects props from television and movies. Now she’s back again with some tips for other collectors — including photos of her most recent prop jewelry acquisitions.

On the desirability of jewelry props: The items are one of a kind and cross collectible because if they are a prop from a show or film, they are sought after by prop collectors of that show or film, fans of an actress, etc., as well as collectors of jewelry.

Brooch From Meet Joe Black

Necklace From Meet Joe Black

On why she loves jewelry props: The neat thing about collecting jewelry worn in films, is that, like wardrobe, one can wear it too instead of it sitting on a shelf collecting dust and taking up space.

Earrings From Sex & The City

Earrings From The Titanic

A few words on the pricing of film and television props: The beauty of prop collecting is that most of the props I buy are pretty inexpensive. Most brooches or earrings sell from $24.99 to $39.99. There are some props that are more expensive, but it has to do with size or if the item was worn by a specific star and sold as a star worn item. That can drive the price up quickly.

Brooch From Designing Women

Earrings From Bewitched

On selection, Mary sounds a lot like CQ’s very own Val Ubell: The best thing to do is check out the items and buy something that takes one’s fancy, either the color of the stones in a piece of jewelry, I look at size of items (I like large brooches for example) with lots of colors and I also like white diamondesque things too.

Earrings From Somewhere In Time

Pin From I Love Lucy

On the additional fun and challenges of collecting movie memorabilia and television props: I urge anyone who collects props to watch a film or show and pay close attention to the set and what the actors are wearing and make a mental note of something because it may show up for sale sometime in the future!

Pin From Practical Magic

Antique Personal Possessions

Antique Personal Possessions by Silvia Druitt is a 1980 publication covering collectible personal items from 1860 to 1930. The book, measuring 10 X 7.5 inches, has just 128 pages (including small bibliography & index) and features illustrations — black and white throughout the text and 32 color plates — by Mary Camidge and Mary Sims.

If the 70 years seems like a lot of ground to cover in such a rather slim book, consider the breadth of collectibles included.

Here are the chapters (topics):

1. Toiletries and Dressing Table (vanity collectibles such as perfume, cosmetics, etc., as well as vinaigrettes, smelling bottles, soaps, and razors)
2. Hair (lotions & potions such as fixatives and pomades, hairbrushes, curlers, hairpins, etc.)
3. Accessories (jewelry, hat pins, fans, visiting cards and card cases, muffs, handbags and purses, chatelaines, lorgnettes and glasses, stocking suspenders, etc.)
4. Sewing and Writing (sewing accessories and sewing machines; pens, pencils, stationery, writing desks, etc.)
5. Smoking (snuffboxes, pipes, cigar cutters, cigarette holders and cases, cases for matches and/or wax vestas, smokers’ lamps, and other tobacciana)
6. Excursions (travel items, such as luggage, trunks, and baskets sets, muff and pocket warmers, damp bed detectors, travel clocks, battery lighting, thermos flask, umbrellas and parasols, shoes, skirt lifters, etc.)
7. Children (pottery sock dryers, baby bottles and feeders, diapers and safety pins, teething sticks and rings, nightlights, rattles, infant spoons, learning to write educational items, dolls and toys, etc.).

To Druitt’s credit, she notes in the book’s introduction that any such study or indeed collection of these items is limited:

In writing of personal possessions in the nineteenth century it is inevitable that one should find oneself speaking almost entirely about the more privileged sections of society, as it was their possessions, in the main, which survived. Such possessions as belonged to the very poor were liable to be handed on and on, to the point of destruction. The many examples taken from the periodicals and magazines reflect the same trend, less accentuated as the period progressed.

The accuracy of such realities is noted; but still, that’s a lot of collecting categories to attempt to cover in one book. However Druitt does a fine job. As she should; the author was, at least in 1980 when the book was published, employed by the Hampshire County Museum service, “an expert on the period covered.”

If you’re looking for in-depth information, you’ll probably want to get a guide book dedicated to a specific collectible category; but the beauty of this book is the context of seeing all these items with their contemporaries, gaining perspective on life a the time, the practicality &/or impracticality of the objects, and the desires of the people who used them.

The brevity is also tantalizing… At least for a history nerd like me. For along with the collectibles in context are a myriad of clues for those who love to learn about history and culture.

Illustrations in Antique Personal Possessions

I have a modest collection of vintage vanity items, including cosmetics etc., and this book taught me more about dirty tricks in ye olde beauty business; but I’d never really thought about collecting many of these other items… Like skirt lifters or chatelaines — mainly because I rarely see them.

And I don’t think I’ve ever heard of, let alone seen, pottery sock dryers or damp bed detectors. If I have, I likely didn’t recognize them. Considering them now — without the diapers angle, even — reminds me just how damp yesteryear was… It may be easy to romanticize delicate ladies drenched in lead-based cosmetics fanning themselves as they await the next gentleman listed on their dance cards, but to know the complete picture, we ought to at least remember that the ride home was cold and damp. As was the house when they got home. And need I remind you of the plumbing situation?

Since this book is now out of print, you’ll be looking for used copies; as it was published in the UK, most copies at Amazon and eBay are located in the UK, so US collectoras should look closely & consider shipping before committing to any purchase. But wherever you find a copy of Antique Personal Possessions, I think it’s worth it.

My last blog covered the wonderful Trimborn Farm Arts and Crafts Show in Greendale, Wisconsin. It was at the 2007 show that I first saw some of Liam Hughes’ creations and thought they were incredible. So when I saw him at this show, I asked if he could spare some time to discuss his jewelry in more detail and would write an article about it for CQ. He agreed but quickly corrected me by saying his pieces are folk art, not jewelry or crafts.

The moment you start to talk with Liam, you realize that he has a great deal of enthusiasm; not just for his product but for life in general. His (very wise) father told him that whatever he chose to do in life would be fine with him as long as he promised to be passionate about his choice and enjoy it! And he has done his dad proud!

As a history and art major in college, he learned a lot about ceramic and china pieces. He told me that his products are not a “new-found’” art, but a very ancient form. He shared with me his knowledge of a practice in ancient Africa where graves were decorated with shards from the water vessels. Since these vessels would be associated with a certain family, you would be able to identify just who was buried at the site. Many cultures have put to good use pottery or china pieces that have been damaged or broken (recycling we call it today.) For example, the “Memory Jugs”, from Victorian times. These were containers covered with putty, then shards of broken table ware or vases were pressed into the substance and once completed would hold peacock feathers or cattails, often in the front hallway.

He had also studied the fabulous “mosaic house” in Chartres, France, called the Chartres Cathedral. It was the obsession of Raymond Isidore, starting in 1930, and he used adopted shards of pottery and china to cover every nook and cranny of the house and its interior. This magnificent structure is now a national treasure! He told me this craft is called pique assietto (if using glass, it would be mosaic.) The phrase is from the French language, loosely interpreted to be “stolen from a plate”, or “picked from a plate.”

Liam had seen a few examples of pique assietto, but those were china set into wood. He thought about it and realized he could do that. His choice of bezel is a lead-free silver alloy, very attractive indeed. The most amazing thing is that he is the only ‘artist’, it is strictly his creativity. He stated that his credo is to use only those pieces that are damaged beyond repair or collectibility – he does not destroy an item because it simply is chipped or stained. (My ephemera loving daughter would be proud of his commitment.)

He told me that he has an associate named Corey who is his graphic specialist, handling his web site, card design and also helps at shows. For larger shows, he even calls on his mom for assistance. And they will definitely be needed when he sets up at the fabulous Merchandise Mart Show in Chicago, Illinois December 3^rd, 4^th, and 5th. He is also quite proud of his ‘One Man Show” at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is November 19^th this year and he advised that he’s been preparing for that one for 8 months. January, February and March are spent at shows in Arizona and California.

His Lamplighter Studio website is quite successful and he now has over 2,000 people on his mailing list. He sells primarily to customers in the US, but has sold internationally as well. His prices are quite reasonable for a one-of-a-kind piece, typically in the $30-50 range. Liam told me he loves to do “commission pieces” and gave a few examples. He made 3 pins from a single plate that was to be in a grandmother’s estate. She took a photo of each of the children with the plate, then had Liam make pins from it, one for each child. This was a lovely way to pass on an heirloom. He also told of a lady who had a portion of her grandfather’s baby cup made into a pendant. What a charming idea!

I asked Liam where he bought his china plates and he told me he has found many of them in trips to thrift stores, antique malls, auctions, rummages or estate sales. He has even professed to finding some real “scores” at dump sites or even along the road. As you can imagine, he has a fantastic collection of plates that he displays in his home as well as in his cottage in Ireland. He has turned the cottage into a bed and breakfast and spends his summers there, giving tours and hunting for more treasures throughout Europe.

He takes a lot of time to research and identify the maker, country and pattern of the china. He then places the pins and pendants on cards with their “provenance” printed on the back. You get a little bit of history with each one. Liam uses advise from his mother and sister as far as design goes and the ‘feminine side.’ They remind him to make varying sizes and shapes, since not all wearers appreciate large, dramatic items. He gave me some insight into the difficulty each type of material can present. For example, Lenox plates are very hard, almost like stone, while Limoge porcelains are brittle and hard to work with. I can certainly appreciate the amount of trial and error it would take to be successful.

I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Liam and learning about the history of his product, and look forward to attending his One Man Show in November. I must remind hubby that Christmas is just around the corner. 

I have been watching the fabulous TV program Desperate Housewives since the first show, never missing an episode. They’ve been through a lot, those women, from divorce, to marriage with a true soul mate, loss of a friend, death of a husband, health problems, family trauma, demise of a business and on and on. And yet, when I watched the show on Sunday night, I teared up over a rather unusual occurrence. Near the end, Bree chastises her husband, Orson, for his actions and treats him rather rudely. He is angered, as he has been with several others in this show, and reacts by pocketing her earrings! I am in shock! How could anyone do that to another human being? I call a friend after the show and share with her my sadness. She laughed. Then it occurs to me, am I overly sensitive because of MY love of earrings? It is food for thought.

I promptly go to my jewelry case and check for any missing spots. I try my best to keep them paired up, but admittedly, I do toss some into a drawer after a late night. At some point, I have to call my oldest granddaughter to come and sort them. She earns $2 for that chore.

Anyone who has read my blogs is aware of my love of jewelry. Most of it is strictly costume jewelry, not worth a lot, but somehow has become important to me. One of my favorite stories is about a gift from my younger daughter. She was in Australia, one of her goals in life, and purchased a pair of silver earrings for me with a duckbilled platypus on them. When I opened the package, I exclaimed they were lovely but said I already had a pair of these. Her husband just about fell over, not knowing I was simply teasing!

Another time I was shopping with my granddaughter, a vacation in Florida. I found a silk blouse with lots of sequins and beads. It was decorated with all sorts of dogs. As the lady wrapped it up, she commented “Now you’ll have to scour the earth for a pair of earrings with dogs.” My granddaughter laughed and said “Oh, she has 2 or 3 pair already!”

I have been accused of having a rye sense of humor too. At a bead shop, I found some teeny-tiny glass veggies. I bought a few pieces, added earring hooks and wear them. When people comment on them, I say “this is my fault, I told my husband that for my next birthday I wanted a pair with a full karat.” Get it, they are carrots! Usually a groan follows.

My sister loved unique jewelry too. I found a pair while shopping with her years ago. We were at a small boutique in Indianapolis when I came across these charmers. They are glass and have blue liquid inside (God only knows what it is and I hope I never find out.) In any case, if people ask what is in there, I smile and say “Smurf blood.” I am always prepared for another groan.

Another pair that I have are actually gorgeous – large and exquisitely made of rhinestones; they really sparkle. I bought these in Louisville, Kentucky, probably 15 years ago. We were at an antique store, in a very old lady’s house. She had to be at least 85 years old (although the older I get, the younger that sounds. I don’t think “elderly” should be used until you are past 95.) I happened to be wearing long, dangling earrings and she commented that I must really like to dazzle folks. I smiled and nodded. The “shop” only offered a few pieces of jewelry, but after a few minutes, she took her walker and ambled into a back room.

When she returned, she offered these for my consideration. I was stunned and said they were truly beautiful. She said she had worn them on her honeymoon in Las Vegas, back in the 1960s. It was her 2^nd marriage after losing her “dear Edmund” and she was determined to have a non-traditional wedding. She had only worn them one time since, when her 2^nd husband had passed away. She thought it was fitting.

I was reluctant to buy them, but she almost insisted and the price was so reasonable. She made me promise to wear them and I do, mostly at holiday or special occasions such as a wedding. They always draw rave reviews; they are compliment magnets.   

As I read back over this blog, I realize I am not just a collector of jewelry, but a collector of memories as well. Many of these baubles bring back a memory of a person, sporting event, gift from a loved one, a marvelous vacation or road trip, or special time with family or friends. So, dear readers, enjoy whatever it is that you collect, make no excuses and display your finds proudly and if your’s is wearable, join me in showing off your collection at  every opportunity and happy hunting.

Those of you who have been reading my blogs over the past year or so are well aware of my love for the sparkly! Long before it was called ‘bling’, I have loved to dazzle and shine. I’ve told stories of my dear departed sister who was a rhinestone queen, of treasures I have found and reasons why I just love jewelry.

While antiquing in Florida a few weeks back, I picked up a copy of The Antique Shoppe newspaper. We always like to keep our options open and be prepared to visit new venues when we travel. This magazine had some nice articles and one, especially, drew my attention. It was called “Kids These Days!” and told the story of a professional dealer at the West Palm Beach Show. He is only 16 years old! Sean Bunnell is from Miami and it figures he’d like the business since his folks have been dealers for longer than he’s been alive. But I really liked his style! At a very early age he became attracted to jewelry and to get his business started, at the ripe old age of 12, he sold his go-cart. He took the $450 proceeds and invested in a jewelry inventory. The article goes on to say that he “focuses on diamonds and upscale timepieces such as Cartier and Tiffany.” Way to go, Sean!

I often tell my grandchildren that you will rarely make any profits on buying new things. While there are exceptions, it seems that unless a piece of furniture is over 70 years old, or from a particular maker, or of extraordinary quality, it won’t sell for what it originally cost, much less increase in its value. The same goes for many items from china to metal-ware to jewelry. I have encouraged them to learn what they can, ask questions and get educated on antiques and collectibles. Our oldest grandson will soon be 8 years old and he has ‘the eye.’ He’ll walk into our house and see a new piece of glassware or a porcelain teapot. He’ll ask about it – where did I get it, why did I like it, etc. I just love that! His dad collects sports items so he does understand the ‘leave it in the wrapper’ concept, but I try to emphasize it is important to enjoy your items, not just stare at them on a shelf.

Our oldest granddaughter is nearly 19 and she has grown up with rummaging; first with us, then with her parents. She has found some pretty neat items and I have listed them on ebay for her. She’s had to pay me back for the fees, but the net profit goes to her and I think it’s a great learning experience. I strongly encourage the entrepreneurial spirit.

For years we have been going to auctions and have often seen a young boy with his dad. He was a collector of sports memorabilia and since he was too young to bid, his dad would do it for him. He was very disciplined in his buying. If it went over his ‘limit’, he’d drop out and when the items he had interest in were finished, so was he. He’d pay and leave. He probably started at about 11 or 12 years old and is currently in his late teens, able to bid on his own. He does the same thing. Watches for the things he wants, bids to a point, then drops out. I often wonder if it is for his own collection or if he sells on the net. I will make it a point of asking him next time we meet!

I sure wish I would have started my collection and ‘business’ sooner. I have always tried to ‘upgrade’ by buying what I could at the time, then selling it off when a better example comes along (price permitting.) But I never had a ‘chunk’ like Sean’s go-kart profits when I was his age. Who knows how many drawers, cases, and boxes would be filled if that had been the case?

So my dear readers, don’t hesitate to educate your children, to encourage their buying and selling when possible. Rather than a lemonade stand in your driveway at the garage sale, how about a toy sale, or sports cards or…you name it! Learn from the youngest professional dealer at the West Palm Beach Antiques Show – and good luck!