Happy Memorial Day!

Dedicated to the fine men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

WW2 US Military Sweetheart Jewelry
This highlights the most popular types, the meaning of various military insignia, the materials used in manufacturing, and information about several of the manufacturers. This also includes several clickable links to informational web sites and recommended books sellers, as well as famous historical US military quotes:

http://imageevent.com/sunday_best/ww2militarysweetheartjewelry

Happy Memorial Day!

http://imageevent.com/sunday_best/ww2militarysweetheartjewelry

How To Get A Quicky Divorce

When Eddie and I were first married, 26 years ago, I was completely green, a total novice, having grown up in a household who not only did NOT like antiques, could not understand why anyone would want anything OLD. We had been married about a month, and Ed was gone all day buying, I was home by myself, still trying to make his old bachelor pad into a home. I decided to surprise him by "cleaning" a few pieces that to me were badly tarnished. Boy did I ever (clean them, AND surprise him).I started with a few pieces of Victorian sterling silver, candlesticks, vases, salt and pepper shakers. Then when they looked "all pretty and shiney" I moved on to his Heintz Art Metal sterling over bronze Arts and Crafts vase. Wow did that clean up to look brand new! When he got home I had supper all ready and let him "discover" my efforts on his own.Well, how could he not, there they all were glistening and shining. I thought that he was either going to have thrombosis or shove me out the second story window of our duplex, (or BOTH at the same time). I had no idea that I had undone decades of natural patina and RUINED the Heintz Art vase. He stayed cool though, and after his initial 5 minute rant, sat me down and gently explained to me why you NEVER, EVER, under ANY circumstances want to clean a bronze. Well, we still have that piece in my living room, and finally, it is starting to mellow in color and regain it's patina. So, THAT is how a newly wed (at least one marrying an antique dealer) can get a quicky divorce!Good thing I didn't make it to the bronze base of his Tiffany desk lamp......Carolyn Sunday

Our business was recently featured in The Vintage Lists "Member Spotlight":

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ Sunday and Sunday

link:

http://thevintagelist.blogspot.com/2009/04/member-spotlight-sunday-and-sunday.html

plastic fantastic

Happy 50th Birthday Barbie!

You're still so hot, but this time it's because you need estrogen!

My Cat Rudy

Every boy enjoys a good cigar! Rudys happens to be an "El Gatto Loco" filled with catnip.
The neighbors painted this sign for Rudys hut:

"Rudy's Hobo Hut

Pussies Welcome

No Toms!"

Rudy resplendant on his Hobo Hut, all decorated with Christmas lights (on a timer to turn on at dusk and off at dawn!)

"Mom! This tie makes me look 'toopid!"

Cutie pie...

Poor Rudy, completely humiliated from being forced to have his picture taken while wearing a stegosaurus hat!

Rudy the magnificent!

Look at that expression! (he is missing his front tooth so his gum sinks in and it makes him look like an old man without dentures!) He lost his tooth scrapping with God knows what!
Rudy on this fine Spring day, all tuckered out, after what, I have no idea!

Garlic Basil Shrimp with Sugar Snap Peas

This looks great so I thought I would try it tonight. I am going to serve over tri color (carrot, spinach, plain) spiral noodles, garnish with parmesean cheese and fresh basil leaves. My side dish will be sugar snap peas sauted in olive oil with garlic and red peppers.

Garlic Basil Shrimp
2008, Ellie Krieger, All rights reserved
Prep Time: 15 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 10 min Level:
Easy Serves:
4 servings, serving size: 1 cup Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 pounds large shrimp (20 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes, or more to taste
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute shrimp, turning over once, until just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl.

Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil remaining in skillet and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add wine and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in basil and tomatoes and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Return the shrimp to pan and cook just until heated through.

Per Serving:
Calories (for just the shrimp dish) 260; Total Fat 10 g; (Sat Fat 1.5 g, Mono Fat 5 g, Poly Fat 2 g); Protein 30 g; Carb 6 g; Fiber 1 g; Cholesterol 215 mg; Sodium 215 mg

Excellent source of: Protein, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Copper, Iron, Phosphorus, Selenium

Good source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc

will be inactive for awhile

...been housebound since the beginning of March with Pneumonia and it seemed to have gone away with antibiotics, but then about 2 days ago I started burning up with fever and chills again. I have to have another chest xray and also a cat scan at the end of the week. Not been a good month.
anyway, I will be inactive on the blogs for a while, hope to be back soon.
Carolyn Sunday

Charmed, I'm Sure

A collection of charm bracelets

There are not too many women who can't remember their first piece of jewelry, and often it was a charm or starter charm bracelet. Charm bracelets have always been popular but women are no longer just attaching charms to their bracelets. They are becoming a little more clever by using pendants, cameos, single earrings, lockets, watch fobs, religious medals, and glass beads. Some are even using bizarre "found objects" like typewriter keys and sewing buttons, single button cuff links, dice, Scrabble tiles, and even Monopoly game pieces, to create unique and one of a kind bracelets. These highly personalized pieces become wearable art that mark all of the special times in our life and become a wonderful keepsake to pass on to the next generation.

If you are interested in finding out more about charms there are a number of great research books, but we would recommend Charms and Charm Bracelets - The Complete Guide by Joanne Schwartz, and Charms to Collect by Marjorie Congram

For more detailed and larger images of the charm bracelets below, see our Image Event site: http://imageevent.com/sunday_best/charmbracelets

Sterling silver bracelet loaded with enamels, figural's, articulated movable charms. Include two cameras, Capitol Building (Washington DC), apple for teacher, pencil sharpener, Japanese hand painted ivory fan, enamel saxophone, poodle disc, enamel Italy, August forget me not link, heart, enamel urn, poodle, enamel USA, guitar, Reno Nevada, enamel USA flag, tea cup and saucer, peridot disc, simulated sapphire disc. Circa 1950-60.

Sterling silver "Morpho butterfly" wing charm bracelet. All charms hallmarked sterling on the back, circa 1920-30. Several are hallmarked "Hoffman", a popular manufacturer of these pieces.

Sterling silver enamel Christmas themed charm bracelet. Includes several Santas, Santa and sleigh, fire place, Christmas trees, wreaths, front door, holly, holly discs, jeweled discs. Circa 1950-60. Vintage Christmas jewelry has gained particular popularity in the last decade.

Sterling silver mostly articulated (movable) charm bracelet includes camera, old fashioned camera, wringer washer, I Love You book locket, roller skate, high chair, wagon, baby carriage, frying pan, naughty leg, wishing well, telephone, birthday cake. Circa early 1900's.

Sterling silver heart lockets charm bracelet, Victorian to mid 1940's. Includes heart shaped key, wishbone, picture frame, "yes no maybe" spinner charm, anchor, heart padlock, peridot charms. Note the heart shaped links on the bracelet itself.

Gold filled heart locket charm bracelet, Victorian to mid 1940's. Include multicolor hearts, jeweled hearts, four leaf clover, pentagonal locket, several round engraved lockets, and one Stanhope. Note the heart shaped links on the bracelet itself.

14K solid gold charm bracelet. lion, poodles, camera, hearts, jeweled urn, folded dollar bill, devil in cocktail shaker, enamel potted plant, cedar tree, turtle, jack in the box, Buddha, mustard seed in heart locket, enamel Washington DC, key, gavel, book locket.

Ed and Carolyn Sunday www.sundayandsunday.com Copyright© • Sunday and Sunday • All Rights Reserved. No portion of our images or text may be reprinted or copied with out our express permission.

Victorian Honeymoon Pins

Victorian "Honeymoon" pins are characterized by a crescent moon shape with accompanying floral decoration. The Victorian period spanned from the 1830's to just after 1890. The pins were sometimes enhanced with gemstones such as diamonds, garnets, rubies, seedpearls, turquoise, emerald, or amethyst, (those being the most popular and widely used in Victorian jewelry). The earlier pieces dating prior to 1900 often used colored glass paste stones, and sometimes colorful enamels.

Delightful Victorian "Honeymoon" crescent pin with the original safety pin! Gold filled with a spray of dimentional flowers, fine coin ridged stems, and a red ruby paste accent, prong set at the bottom. This measures 1-1/4" x 1-1/2", chain measures 2-1/2" and safety pin measures 1-5/8". Three colors of gold are used, rose gold for the half moon, a more vibrant darker red gold for the flowers, and a green gold accent behind the ruby paste. So unusual to find these with the original safety pins attached.

The back of any piece of antique jewelry will tell more about the piece than the front. Notice the original simple "c" clasp and tube hinge assembly, with no sloppy excess solder that indicates former breakage and "marriaged" repairs in other pieces. In excellent condition, no chips on the stone, no missing or broken prongs. Very, very light wear of the gold finish on the back only. Well babied, seldom worn. Circa 1880. These were worn facing to the right (the person looking at it would see the crescent facing right) and the pin stem in the images were hidden BEHIND the clothing, so the safety does NOT show.

According to the reference book Antique Enameled Jewelry by Dale Reeve Nicholls page 36: "True to the Victorian delight in veiled meanings, the honeymoon pin was something of a rebus- the crescent represented the moon, and the flower represented the nectar, or the "honey" part of the puzzle. And, true to the prevailing taste in flowers, most of these pins contain enameled forget-me-nots, violets, pansies, or shamrocks."

A pair of gold Victorian "Honeymoon" crescent pins, the one on the left with a ruby, the one on the right with tiny seed pearls. These two pins are quite tiny, less than 1" across. Tiny pins like these look wonderful when worn in clusters of 3 and 4 on a lapel! These also are quite beautiful when worn as pendants, just slip your favorite gold chain right through the pin assembly on the back.

What a beautiful and romantic gift for a groom to give to his bride, or a sentimental and loving gift from parents to a daughter who is about to wed.

Ed and Carolyn Sunday www.sundayandsunday.com Copyright© • Sunday and Sunday • All Rights Reserved. No portion of our images or text may be reprinted or copied with out our express permission.

George Shiebler

I made sterling silver in America in the late 1800's up till 1915. My best known hallmark is outstretch wings. Who Am I?

George W. Shiebler & Company- New York, New York
Many Shiebler sterling silver pieces were done in the Art Nouveau style. For a fantastic informative article visit: Shiebler

Scarce sterling silver repousse Art Nouveau signed George W. Shiebler (New York, New York) cheroot (small cigar or hand rolled cigarette) tobacciana cutter fob. Beautiful repousse chrysanthemum flower decoration. Measures 1-5/8" long not including the bail. Bail allows you to hang it from your favorite watch or pendant chain. Hallmarked "Sterling" with the Shiebler wings maker mark. In very good condition with light age appropriate wear on the steel cutter blade tip. Circa 1910-20.

Shiebler Hallmark- outstretched wings

Test Your Jewelry Knowledge

If you see the hallmark (above right) stamped on a piece of jewelry what does it indicate? "14KP" In this case the marking appears on a white metal band with genuine garnet and sapphire. The answer is Plumb Gold. Most assume the "P" to stand for plated gold. In 1976 a United States Federal law was passed to insure that gold jewelry would be manufactured to exacting standards of fineness (or purity). This law revised the National Gold and Silver Stamping (Marking) Act, originally enacted in 1906. The law had never required a mark to insure quality (fineness or purity). In 1981 the law actually took effect. A piece prior to that could have been off slightly (or in some cases dramatically), so that a piece being sold for 14 karat gold might have actually have only assayed for 13-1/2 karat (or in many cases even lower).

From Wiki Answers: "PLUMB GOLD A term used to describe gold jewelry that contains the precise amount of gold in the alloy that the Karat mark indicates. In the past an item marked 14Kt could legally have been 13.5 karat and still considered 14K. Today an item marked 14k must be at least 14 of 24 parts fine gold and is considered plumb gold. In some instances manufacturers have marked their jewelry 14KP meaning plumb, but inadvertently have confused the public that believed the 14KP mark meant gold plated."

The only caveat would be that it has become possible for hallmarking tools (stamps) to be acquired and used to falsify unmarked metals by unscrupulous dealers. If you are not purchasing from a reliable source, make sure that you are given a receipt with the karat designation and all other details. Find out what the vendors return policy is, and have the item inspected independently by a qualified jeweler, not just one selling jewelry, but someone who actually has experience in bench work and repairs, and is familiar with the proper methods of gold testing and assaying.

Suffragette Jewelry

Part 1: I contain emeralds, pearls and amethysts (or green, white, and violet simulants)

What am I?

Suffragette Jewelry

Part 2: My colors spell out an acrostic message, what is this message?

Give Women Votes

(Green) Give (White) Women (Violet) Votes

There are two schools of thought about the existence of Suffragette Jewelry. The first romanticizes its existence and the second debunks it as wishful thinking/sentimental hogwash. Here's a couple terrific websites that take a stance, the first pro, and the second con:

pro: Suffragette Jewelry con: Suffragette Jewelry

All about “Doublets”

A doublet is a pretender, an assembled stone comprised of a top and a bottom, with an adhesive in the middle to fuse them together. The most commonly seen doublets today are opals, using an opal front and a black onyx backing to make the stone seem darker and more lively. Looking at the stone from the side will reveal the layers. If the stone is mounted and the mounting obstructs the sides of the opal, it is extremely difficult to positively identify a doublet. Triplets include the additional layer of glass or clear colorless quartz cap, a dome on top, to protect and add dimension.

Doublets were also once used in Victorian jewelry, what are known as "garnet doublets" to imitate ruby, sapphire, emerald and other colored gemstones. The top, (crown) was garnet, the bottom (pavilion) was green, blue, or red glass, an optical illusion, only the color of the bottom layer shows- the garnet provides no color. Again, to identify, either look at the side of the stone through high magnification or immerse in a liquid that has the same refractive index as garnet (4.0) and a red "ring" or halo will appear through the liquid.

Garnets were used because of the hardness and durability for the top surface layer. Use of garnet doublets will help to date the jewelry as Victorian, circa 1880's or so, as a predecessor to synthetics. In 1902, synthetic corundum was invented by French chemist Auguste Verneuil, making the need for the doublet "old technology". Typically this process was used on faceted stones, but occasionally used on cabochons (unfaceted half round stones with flat bottoms).

Doublets made use of thin pieces of rough garnet in order to imitate fine gemstones. This brought a variety to the market place, since the precious gems would not have been affordable to the masses. Much remains the same today, now our gems are enhanced to bring a wider variety of gems to the marketplace. Today, in addition to opal doublets (and triplets), natural gems with enhancements include irradiation of quartz and diamond, laser drilling and fracture filling of diamonds, heat treating citrine, ruby, sapphire, and beryl, oiling/impregnating emeralds, waxing/ dying turquoise, lapis, jade, and coral, and bleaching pearls and coral.


Assembled stones and enhancing brings to the market place an enormous amount of beautiful and appealing gems that would other wise be unavailable or unaffordable to the average consumer! Be sure to ask your jeweler for care and cleaning instructions and follow those carefully so that you will be able to enjoy your gem for a lifetime.

Happy New Year- TOP 5 RESOLUTIONS

Well, it's now 2009 and I am very excited and hopeful about the new year. I have a few resolutions and although it's only been a couple of days since "enacting" them, I thought it would give me strength of conviction by "jotting it down" into a public venue. Here's my "Top 5" list:


1) don't sweat the small stuff- (easier said than done) no more arguing about little things like wet dishrags left mildewing in the hamper, mother in laws that say hurtful things, and pain relievers with child proof caps. Also, things that I can't control, like POLITICS! I am also limiting CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS, and any other source of "information" that make my blood boil.

2) don't try to jam 100 years worth of research in 2 weeks- (my OCD is showing!) It's ok to only research one item at a time, I don't have to constantly comb through dozens and dozens of books for each and every item of inventory. The more I cram into my brain, the more that just ends up oozing out of my ears and onto the floor.






3) Lose the 20 pound that I gained. (I have an excuse- old age plus hysterectomy = 20 lbs) - I've been trying very hard to gain control of my carbo cravings. If I can lose just 10 pounds I will be thrilled. A shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner!







4) Get my big Romanian buca back to the pool to swim, even though I am in pain. I do realize that strong muscles ache less than weak ones, but with my MS and fibromyalgia the pain is at times rediculous, and working out is a real challenge. For this I think I will have to enlist my friends to check up on me and "shame" me into activity.

5) Be kinder to those with whom I disagree.

Count to 10, sigh deeply, exhale, and rethink each response into the kinder more tactful "edited" versions. It's more important to be kind than correct!

That's my top 5, I considered a top 10, but will have a hard enough time just dealing with these. I have never been a "resolution" person, so I will consider these resolutions just things to attempt being a little bit better at. Have a Happy New Year!

Carolyn Sunday

http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

Our Collections of Antique Jewels and Watches

A Collection of Art Deco Micro Bead Work Jewelry

click link to see entire collection: Vintage Micro Bead Work Jewels

Merry Christmas 2008 From The Sundays!

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009!
From Eddie and Carolyn Sunday

Click here to see our photo album: Christmas 2008 Pictures

Artistic Luxury- Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique

Click here to read the entire blog: Tiffany Lalique Faberge

Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique- Oct. 19 '08 to Jan. 18 '09
Link: Cleveland Art Museum
If you're interested in learning more about Jewelry History, here's a couple great places to start: American Society of Jewelry Historians- Link: ASJH There's a terrific article by Audrey Friedman in the Fall 2008 newsletter about this exhibition! Association For the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts- Link: ASJRA Be sure to check out their quarterly magazine "Adornment"!

WW2 U.S. Armed Forces I.D. Booklet

Click for link to entire booklet: WW2 US Armed Forces Insignia Identification
A fantastic resource to help identify insignia of our US Armed Forces- Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Women's Services, Medals and Decorations, America's War Planes, Shoulder and Sleeve Insignia, and even pay charts!

WW2 US Military Sweetheart Jewelry

Click for link to entire article: Military Sweetheart Jewelry

This highlights the most popular types, the meaning of various military insignia, the materials used in manufacturing, and information about several of the manufacturers. This also includes several clickable links to informational web sites and recommended books sellers, as well as notable famous historical US military quotes. We dedicate this to the fine men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Vintage Engagement Rings

I was just musing about something tonight. I had a really sweet (very young) couple that purchased a lovely white gold pearl and diamond ring recently:

14K Pearl Diamond Ring

"Hi Carolyn, Jim proposed tonight with the Diamond and Pearl ring I got from your website... thank you so much for the lovely note that came with it! That was very nice of you. I will definitely keep the ring box as my "something blue"! Thank you very much :-)) Jenny"

She is going to use it as her engagement ring. It was pretty inexpensive, under $100. I was thinking what a smart young couple, and how refreshing to have a girl this age interested in vintage jewelry and all the sentiment attached to it. During this difficult economy you would think that young kids would quit spending thousands upon thousands of dollars going to the jewelry store to buy "cookie cutter" mass produced jewelry when you can get really special "pre-owned" vintage pieces that IMHO are far more beautiful. Society has these kids all suckered into "having it now" and buying the big 2 carat solitaire. And the real beauty is the savings that a wise bride will be investing in her future family. Buy something modest and beautiful with history and sentiment, and take the thousands that you would have spent on the big showy diamond and invest it in a house!

* Early Art Deco 14K Gold Garnet Seed Pearl Ring

* 14K White Gold Edwardian Filigree .25Ct Diamond Solitaire Ring

* Dainty Victorian Rhodolite Garnet Seed Pearl Ring

* 14K White Gold Ruby Diamond Ring

* Belcher Setting Victorian .35ct Diamond Solitaire Ring

* Art Deco 14K Two Tone .78 Carat Amethyst Ring

Vintage Watch Enthusiasts

Hi jewels, For those of you intersted in watches and perhaps expanding your collection I would like to provide you with a few educational resources. The NAWCC is The Association of Watch And Clock Collectors and is THE definitive "go to" organization for watch enthusiasts. Eddie and I have belonged to the NAWCC for over 30 years, and it has been a very important resource for both my husbands watch repair skills over the years and the collectors/dealers aspect as well. There is an ENORMOUS wealth of information on their web site. They host regional and national chapter meetings all over the country on a regular basis. Be sure to check out the MUSEUM link!

http://www.nawcc.org/

Also- we would highly recommend the definitive anually published book "The Complete Price Guide to Watches" by Richard Gilbert, Tom Engle, and Cooksey Shugart (all life members of NAWCC and foremost authorities of watches) Two of the most important beginning primer chapters include Care of Watches, and Examination and Inspection of a Watch Before Purchasing.

Contact: csunday@att.net www.sundayandsunday.com

14K GOLD? REALLY!?!?

Hi jewels, just want to warn you about a very deceitful practice in the antique watch industry concerning the marking of watch cases as "14K" gold. The best way to do this is through images. Take a peek at these two watches, I will show you the watch first, and then the mark.

You can click on the image to enlarge the detail but don't forget to click on the back button of your browser to return to this blog!

Waltham hunting case ladies watch:


Elgin hunting case ladies watch:

If your assumption from the hallmarks is that these are both 14K solid gold, you would be wrong, they are BOTH just gold filled. Early watch cases were made before regulations were in place about karat marking. Lots of deceitful markings led to massive confusion and fraud, and much of it done with all honesty, folks just assumed.

There are guides to hallmarks in The Complete Price Guide To Watches, an annual publication, that help to decipher which companies used these hallmarks, and they are separated by gold filled and solid gold categories.

In closing, any watch case that is marked "14K" should not be assumed to be solid gold, take these items to a competant jeweler for analysis and testing. You see slews of these on Ebay, with dealers feigning ignorance, and they are just listed as 14k. Make sure that if you wish to purchase, find out if the item has ACTUALLY been karat assayed by a competent jeweler, and of course, make sure that you know the dealers return policy too.

Contact: csunday@att.net www.sundayandsunday.com

Does any one have any clues as to the subject matter of this Wedgwood? Appears to be two cherubs beating the snot out of one another?!? Also, no date marks appear incised on the back of this piece at all.

Enormous Wedgwood England blue jasperware cameo pin. Set in silver frame (solid, not plated). Subject matter depicts two fighting putti or cherubs, very high relief. Measures 2-1/2" in diameter, extremely weighty. Frame is marked "Silver" and also maker hallmarked. No incised date mark. In excellent condition, unsure of age, any help with the dating of this object would be appreciated. Best guess is that the Wedgwood itself is pre-1930, and was set into a silver frame at a later date, in the 1950's.

About Wedgwood: Wedgwood is an old pottery company that also makes some porcelain jewelry. The company was founded in Burslem, England in 1752 by Josiah Wedgwood (1730 - 1795), who was Charles Darwin's grandfather.

Gemstones- natural, enhanced, synthetic, simulant- I'm SOOO confused!

Ever wonder about all the different stones that are used in jewelry, and what the terms mean? Here are four basic categories:

1. natural- meaning the gem was naturally mined out of the earth and then cut and faceted into its final form. (or tumbled into beads, or simply polished into a cabochon- a highly polished and simply domed cut)

2. natural with enhancements- (Nearly ALL gems on the market place today fall into this category) meaning the stone is natural but has in some way been enhanced to improve the color or clarity- ususally heat treating to improve or change the color or laser drilled to remove unsightly inclusions.

3. synthetic- (laboratory created) the stone was not formed in nature but in the laboratory, and has the exact same measurable physical properties (refractive index, specific gravity, mohs hardness, etc) as its natural counterpart. Natural "seed" crystals are tyically used to begin the growth process, but there are a multitude of methods used in lab grown specimens.

4. simulant- the stone simply resembles natural or sythetic, but is usually glass or another inexpensive material. These are made to immitated natural gems.

Separating simulants from synthetics and naturals is quite easy, but separating synthetics from natural gems, and detecting enhancements in natural gems requires the skills of a gemologist. Did you know that nearly all commercial grade pieces on the market place today have been enhanced in someway or another? (hence the appeal of antique jewelry! enhancements were not as prevalent then as they are now). Here are two additional web sites for you to check out that discuss the various methods of enhancement used in modern gems:

http://www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com/gemstones/gem-enhancement.asp

http://www.bwsmigel.info/Lesson8/DE.Gem.Enhancement.html




Do not confuse enhancements with synthetics. Natural gems with enhancements include but are not limited to irradiation (quartz, diamond), laser drilling (diamonds), heat treating (citrine, ruby, sapphire, beryl), oiling/impregnating (emerald), and use of doublets and triplets (opals), waxing/ dying (turquoise, lapis, jade, coral), and bleaching (pearls).

Enhancing in of itself is not a bad thing! It improves the appearance, salabity, & brings to the market place an enormous amount of beautiful and appealing gems that would other wise be unavailable or unaffordable to the average consumer! It can even improve the stability and the durability of a gem. If not disclosed, assume that the gem has been enhanced. Be sure to ask your jeweler for care and cleaning instructions and follow those carefully so that you will be able to enjoy your gem for a lifetime.

Slide Show

Chat Of the Week: November 11-18th

PRETTY IN PINK!
So glad that the chat of the week is PINK jewelry. Also, I have an ulterior motive! Many of you already know that my favorite band is PINK MARTINI.
Click here to see the Pink Martini official web site.



Here are a couple of my favorite musical selections-via Youtube. Hope they will leave you feeling IN THE PINK! You can minimize the window if you wish, while you peruse a pretty pleasing plethora of my prime PINK pieces, and ponder the possibilities!

Hey Eugene! From the new album of the same name

Amado Mio With Rita Hayworth as Gilda!

Una Notte A Napoli China Forbes at her absolute best!

Lilly Another crowd favorite!

And now, a selection of pink antique and vintage jewelry:
Victorian 10K gold diamond seedpearl pink enamel floral lavalier, sterling silver vintage floral enamel bracelet and earrings.


Matching gold tone Coro enamel pink roses pendant and bracelet.


Pink enamel rhinestone and faux pearl heart pin.


Pink gold has copper alloys in it to give it that distinctive rosy color! Pink, yellow and green gold-filled Victorian Orientalia fan shaped book chain (with close up).


Pink gold wide Victorian bar pin with seedpearls (this one has a hook on the back so that you can also hang your favorite goodie!); Krementz signed vintage wide pink and yellow gold-filled cuff bracelet.


Victorian pink gold rhodolite garnet ring, Victorian pink gold amethyst seedpearl ring.


FABULOUS pink gold-filled demi parure, beautiful pink, clear and aqua rhinestones. Have not been able to id this unsigned beauty, but it surely looks like either Kreisler or Phyllis Originals- (with close up).


Richelieu Satinore pink moonglow demi parure; Judy Lee pink demi- good enough to eat!


Pink strawberrys (made in Western Germany) necklace and earrings; pink rose quartz necklace and matching bracelet.


Signed Garne pink marbled demi-parure, original tags!


A selection of pink coral (angelskin) and pink shell Victorian cameos. To help identify coral vs shell, look for the teeny tiny holes called polyps in the surface of the material (use 10X loupe for magnification)- this identifies the piece as coral. Also, shell has a slightly glossier denser finish, where coral is a little duller and more porous in appearance.

A pair of gold Victorian angelskin pink coral cameos; and a gold Edwardian pink shell & seedpearl cameo (notice the glossier texture of the shell cameo).


10K gold Victorian pink shell cameo lavalier; gold-filled Victorian angelskin pink coral cameo pendant.


Hope this weeks topic Tickled You Pink!

Thanks for looking!

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

RFI- sterling makers mark

Request for information- makers mark on these sugar tongs:


Thanks for looking!

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

English Sterling Birmingham Assay Maker Marks

I have been compliling a list (a small list so far!) of English sterling silver Birmingham Assay makers marks. These have ALL been verified by the Birmingham Assay Office- I contacted them over the course of the last few months, and they assisted me in the identifications. I also have the images that go with these marks, HOWEVER, I only have them in a wps program, so if you would like them please email me and I will be happy to send them to you.


“H.M & C oy”- H. Mander & Co- Birmingham in 1908- Spon Works, Craven Street, Coventry


"J.F."- James Fenton, Silversmiths, May 4, 1852


"T & J.B"- Thomas Bragg & John Bragg, Goldsmiths, Jan. 20, 1854


"H.A&S"- Henry Abraham & Sons, Jewellers of 147 High Street, Southhampton.


"E.G."- Ernest Goode's Stores & watch makers alliance, Jewellers of Oxford Street, London.


“W.H.H.”- W.H. Haseler, Jeweler of 8 Hylton Street- Birmingham, England. Goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewelers, founded in 1870 by William Hair Haseler. The firm of Haseler & Co went into formal partnership with Liberty & Co when the two firms joined forces to launch the Cymric silver scheme under the title Liberty & Co (Cymric) Ltd.



“J.C& S”- J. Cook and Sons, manufacturing jewellers of 6&7 Carver Street, Birmingham in the Jewellery Quarter


“B & C”- Bishton & Company- Frederick Bishton and Edwin Wilkes, jewellers of 21 Caroline Street, Birmingham in the Jewellery Quarter


“AB“- Alfred Burgess- jeweller of 107 Carver Street, Birmingham.


“H.G&S”- Henry Griffiths and Sons Ltd. Manufacturing jewellers of 131 Warstone Lane, Birmingham.


Thanks for looking!

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

RFI- confusion over silver content on Austro Hungarian article....

Hi, need help with Austro Hugarian bracelet mark shown on page 75 Tardys silver. According to the mark, it is .750 silver, however, when carefully tested, it test AT LEAST 900 silver in content, what gives? It also has the crescent moon mark...Trying to determine the apx date.

Click to enlarge the images, but don't forget to hit the back button on your browser to return to this blog!




Thanks for looking and any insight you might be able to offer!

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

Very Rare Gents Mid Victorian Abalone Inlay Chunky Pocket Watch Chain

Really one of a kind and quite wonderful, this very rare mid-Victorian gents pocket watch chain has chunky inlayed panels of genuine abalone, very colorful. Rose gold filled links have quadrefoil separator links, and highly textured edges, with a fancy engraved T-bar on one end, swivel on the other. The swivel is maker signed "FC & Co" on the inside, and "1/10" on the outside (1/10th gold filled content). Measures just over 14" long, links measure 3/4" x 3/16" x 1/8". Remarkably, the abalone panels have survived without any damage, and the gold filled finish is outstanding, very little if any brassing. The chain is completely original, as found, without damage or repairs. In excellent condition, truly lovely considering the age. Circa 1850-60. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING


Click the image to enlarge, but don't forget to hit the back button on your browser to return to this blog! Thanks for looking!

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

An Interview with artist Ellen Bradshaw

Our Friend Ellen Bradshaw was recently interviewed for Contemporary Art Gallery- Magazine for Artist and Modern Collector Business: Click here for the full article

Ellen Bradshaw is the current President of the Pleiades Gallery located in the Chelsea Art Market district in New York City. http://www.pleiadesgallery.com/

"The focus of my work in oils is New York City. I'm drawn to the common everydayness of life in the city, and perhaps what is hidden just beneath the surface of the ordinary. The reflective moody quirky streets of Lower Manhattan are my usual subjects - the neighborhoods, the personalities of her buildings, the majesty of her bridges, the streets transformed by snow or the colors of night, the lone figures of daily routine, the everyday intensity of the simple passing of moments against that in-your-face reality that is New York City."

Ellen's work was influenced by the realism of the Ashcan painters of the 1910-30's, as well as the sense of color and atmosphere explored by the Impressionists. Her landscape paintings depict the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Western NY.

Contact: ebradshaw2@nyc.rr.com
phone: (212) 233 0274 / studio (212) 627 7211

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© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved. http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

COW (Chat Of the Week): October 1-10- Charm Bracelets

Hi jewelettes, heres my contribution to the charm discussion, sorry it's so late and the quality of the scan is so crummy, but it's been a really hectic last couple of weeks, and my brain needs a high colonic or something!

Anyway, the first is an ENORMOUS Cini (signed) sterling silver with heavy gold plate charm bracelet. "Vintage Cini gold plated sterling silver charm bracelet is simply magnificent! The spring ring clasp is signed "Sterling", and one charm (the rose) is signed "Cini Sterling". Double curb link chain measures 7/16" wide by 7-1/4" long. Six huge fully dimensional charms range in size from 1" to 1-1/8" wide by 1" to 1-1/4" long – gorgeous repousse and filigree work with a Renaissance influence, beautiful detail throughout. Extremely heavy, weighs a whopping 93 grams! The Cini company was established in 1922 (Boston, Mass.) by master jewelry-maker Guglielmo Cini, who immigrated to the states from Florence, Italy." Click the image to enlarge, but don't forget to hit the back button on your browser to return!

Cini Sterling Silver Gold Plate Charm Bracelet
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/content/inspect.asp?Item=2944&Filter=Fine+Jewelry

The second is really rare. It's a Kennedy Family complete charm bracelet, and this one is very high quality. The majority of these 'wannabes' made were cheap 'pot metal' and light weight. This one is sterling silver with gold frosted plating, the chain link bracelet itself is a JB (Jacoby Bender) gold filled. JF Kennedy (back is engraved with his birth/death dates-"May 1917- Nov. 1963"), his famous rocking chair, JFK and LBJ (back is engraved "Kennedy Inaugural Ball January 20, 1961 Johnson"), The Capitol Building, "I Voted", The White House, Jackie Kennedy, and finally, the children, John and Caroline. Click the image to enlarge, but don't forget to hit the back button on your browser to return!

Rare Kennedy Family Sterling Silver Gold Filled Charm Bracelet
Thanks for peeking! Carolyn

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

Back From NYC!

Just got back from NYC for the AMAZING Adornment Conference held at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Here is the link to all of the events, don't forget to hit the back button to return to this blog! http://www.jewelryconference.com/schedule.html I met so many people I hardly know where to start! As this was my first "real" time into Manhattan, there was a sensory overload of what to see, what to do, and add to that the very demanding schedule of the conference, I would have needed much more time, but that does give me something to look forward to for the next trip! I met Robin D, Carolyn N, and Sheri W all from Jewel Collect and Jewel Ring. Thank you so much for your kindness and help, it was terrific to meet you all and I only wish I had more time. I met so many others also, the conference was better attended than I originally thought it would be. I also met Elyse Zorn Karlin, one of the directors of the event whos help was most appreciated! Here are a few pix of some highlights. We had a guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum, Ancient Jewelry Collections! We also had a guide tour of the historic Jewelry District, 5th Ave and 47th street, which by luck happened to be occuring during the annual Columbus Day Parade!!!!

Click to enlarge each image! (don't forget to hit the back button to return to the blog!)

Lunch at Alfredos with Carolyn N!!

Trying to make my way down 47th Street through the parade!

All of the local political muckity mucks congregating on 5th Ave waiting for the parade to begin!

Steve, our wonderful tour guide of the Jewelry District! He had a diffcult time trying to speak over the din of the parade but did an excellent job!

Christopher Columbus himself peering out at all the madness!
At the museum we saw the Egyptian, Roman, and Greek exhibits, and concentrated our studies on the Ancient Jewelry Collections.


Bad kitty! Bad, bad kitty!

How would you like to wear this little goodie around your neck!!

I don't think I would like to be buried next to my husband like this for all of eternity!


Anybody in there!?!

This guy really lost his head!



Typical Man! Club in his hand and a stick up his keister!

Gold funereal sandals and nail tips! Can't get these at Payless!

Had a WONDERFUL and unforgettable time and I look forward to returning one day! Thanks a million to everyone who assisted me, you know who you are!
Big hugz! Carolyn

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved. http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

The Mis-adventures of Rudy The Cat!

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Licking his chops! This is one happy boy!







Rudy opening his Christmas present,
A catnip filled "cigar"!





Starting to get a little bit catnip- "goofy"!



Rudy on top of his "Hobo Hut"!



The neighbors snuck over like little elves in the middle of the night and decorated his hut with lights and a wreath!



© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

COW (Chat Of the Week): September 24-30- Examples of Victorian Etruscan Jewelry

The detailed elements of typical Etruscan Revival style jewelry (in the case of the following pieces, all Victorian) include the raised applied gold work including fine beading, twisted wire work, and scalloped and straight line raised elements. Two other important terms come to mind when discussing Etruscan jewelry, Cannetille, and Granulation. Cannetille describes a type of metal ornamentation using thin wires to make a filigree pattern, often in tightly coiled spirals or rosettes, used in the early nineteenth century. Named after the type of embroidery made with fine twisted gold or silver thread. It is done using thin wires to make a filigree pattern. Used primarily in England in the early nineteenth century. Granulation is the art of applying minute metal beads (or GRAINS), to the surface of the jewelry. "soldering small spherical drops of gold on to a backing". Granules of gold were presumably made by melting the metal and pouring it slowly into cold water, the droplets afterwards being sorted for size, probably by sieving, or by cutting short lengths of wire and heating them until a drop formed". (H.W. Hodges, Artifacts P.95 London. 1966.)

(Click the images to enlarge for detail)



© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.http://www.sundayandsunday.com

COW (Chat Of the Week): September 3-9- TOPAZ/YELLOW JEWELRY

Here's our contribution to this weeks Jewelry Ring "Chat Of The Week"!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jewelry_Ring/

Front of pendant and also the back with the light shining through.

Art Deco 10K solid yellow gold pendant with multi colored rose gold flowers, green gold leaves. Signed Budlong Docherty & Armstrong. Features a striking long rectangular faceted citrine glass cameo of a woman in profile. Measures 1" long not including the bail, 1-3/8" long including the bail. 1/2" wide at the narrowest point, 3/4" wide at the widest point. Marked "10K BDA inside the bail.

About the maker: *B.D.A Inc. Providence, RI. Budlong Docherty & Armstrong, Inc. Still operating in 1977, They made jewelry in sterling silver, gold filled and 14K gold, mixing diamonds and other genuine stones. *American Jewelry Manufacturers by Dorothy Rainwater.

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved. http://www.sundayandsunday.com

"Forbidden Fruit" - Strawberry pin courtesy Jan Gaughan


Is this a "forbidden fruit" pin?




hi gang, can anyone tell me, what makes a forbidden fruit pin fall under that lable? I see the phrase bandied about and just wondering if it is a particular maker that did these and if I have one here.
Thanks! Carolyn Sunday
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

Nope! Mine is NOT forbidden fruit by definition, it is just a really sweet aurora borealis pear pin!


Thanks to Jane Clark from Morning Glory Antiques for providing me with this link to Pat Seal's wonderful collection of "forbidden fruit" jewelry along with the definition: http://www.morninggloryantiques.com/JewelChatFruit.html

Thanks to Adrienne Shivers from Garden Party http://www.costumejewel.com/ For this link with these examples, and this explanation: "Forbidden fruit is very specifically lucite fruit with embedded rhinestones from Austria": http://www.costumejewel.com/pins/102121.fflemon.jpg
http://www.costumejewel.com/pins/101422.forbiddenpear.jpg

Thanks to Jan Gaughan (Eclectic Vintage - Costume Jewelry & Collectibles) http://www.eclecticvintage.com/ for sharing her marvelous collection!
http://imageevent.com/eclecticvintage/forbiddenfruitlucitejewelry
and for her explanation of the motif: "Made in Austria, late 1940's-50's - translucent lucite with embedded rhinestones, metal leaves enamel painted green. There are also some opaque color ones - like the the luscious grapes. "Forbidden Fruit" is a popular spam keyword."

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved. http://www.sundayandsunday.com

Military Sweetheart Jewelry- The Collectors Corner: Collecting patriotic United States WW2 military sweetheart jewelry. Be sure to click the back button to return to this blog!
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/content/inspect.asp?Item=1877&Filter=Fine+Jewelry
Collecting Patriotic United States WW2 Military Sweetheart Jewelry My husband has been a collector of unusual militaria and an avid historian for over 25 years. I would attend shows with him now and then, and began to see and fall in love with ladies military sweetheart jewelry. It was not only fun and unusual, but sentimental and patriotic also. I purchased several collectors books on the subject and over the next few years actively sought out and purchased it. When some of my husbands militaria collecting buddies found out that I liked it, they would save it for me and I would buy it. The pieces are found in silver plate, sterling silver, gold plate, gold filled, and very occasionally, solid gold. Many wooden, plastic, celluloid and non precious metal pieces were used with conservation of precious metals for the war effort in mind. Pieces have a much greater value if they retain original store card, boxes, tags or packaging. “In service” pins were very popular, featuring a star for each family member serving in active duty. One star pins are common, two a bit rarer, three stars or more, quite rare. In addition to jewelry one can also find compacts, cigarette cases, pillow cases, hankies, postcards, playing cards, flags, banners and pennants. There are several books that I would recommend, but my favorite is Antique Sweetheart Jewelry by Nicholas D. Snider- a Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide. These pieces in my estimation are still quite affordable, and besides being a good monetary investment, more importantly are an investment in our history, and a step back toward a more sentimental and patriotic time.

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com

Stange Manufacturing Company Catalog- The Collectors Corner: Masonic, Fraternal, and Organizational jewelry (make sure that you hit the back button to return to this blog!
Click here to view: Stange Masonic Emblem Jewelry Catalog
We hope that this vintage catalog will assist you, the collector, in your reference work. Enjoy! Click on "More Photos" button above to view the entire catalog. Best viewed with your browser opened completely. The Stange Manufacturing Company has made fine gold, gold-filled and sterling silver Masonic, Fraternal, Organizational jewelry and accessories for over 80 years. Stange is still located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The pieces you will see in this catalogue represent the lines that they manufactured and offered from 1919 till 1960. In this catalogue you will find Masonic, Shriner, Amaranth, B'nai B'rith. Caduceus, Eastern Star, Elks, Eagles, Jobs Daughters, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias, Lions, Grotto, Knights Templar, Rainbow, Red Cross, Moose, Odd Fellows, Optimist, Rebekeh, Daughter of the Nile, and many, many others. Also includes fraternity, sorority, nursing, and class jewelry. Here is a link for the current company profile including contact information: Stange Company Profile The following research link for: Fraternal Orders, Secret Societies, Fraternal Organizations is brought to by the good folks at: AAA Historical Americana - World Exonumia The early company hallmark for the Stange Manufacturing Company is the letter "S" inside of a fancy shield as seen below. This hallmark is listed in American Jewelry Manufactures by Dorothy Rainwater, and can be found on page 226.

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com/

"A Victorian & Edwardian Cameo Collection"- our article from the October 2006 issue of www.victorianamagazine.com
A Victorian and Edwardian Cameo Collection
By Carolyn Sunday

A beautiful and rare collection of antique Victorian and Edwardian cameos are on display. These authentic original pieces are carved in putty lava, green lava, sardonyx, shell, pale pink (angelskin) coral, red (noble) coral, orange (peach) coral, malachite, and even a highly unusual piece in genuine tortoise shell. See the entire article here: Cameos

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.sundayandsunday.com

"American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Repoussé Smalls (and curiosities)"- our article from the November issue of www.victorianamagazine.com
American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Repoussé Smalls (and curiosities) By Carolyn Sunday
The Art Nouveau period (1890-1910) is an era that overlaps and is part of the Victorian period. The designs of the Art Nouveau period featured motifs of women with long flowing hair, angels and cherubs, fairies or sprites, animals (dragonflies being of particular popularity), naturalistic foliate designs, flowers and scroll work. Risqué items and mild erotica were also popular Art Nouveau motifs. The designs of the Art Nouveau period featured motifs of women with long flowing hair, angels and cherubs, fairies or sprites, animals (dragonflies being of particular popularity), naturalistic foliate designs, flowers and scroll work. Risqué items and mild erotica were also popular Art Nouveau motifs. The worlds of naturalism and fantasy were often combined. The major artists of the period included Alphonse Mucha, Raphael Kirchner, & Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. See the entire article here: http://www.victoriana.com/silver/artnouveau.htm

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.sundayandsunday.com

"Victorian Heart-Shaped Jewelry"- our article from the February 2007 issue of www.victorianamagazine.com
Victorian Heart-Shaped Jewelry
By Carolyn Sunday

Heart shaped jewelry was a popular motif and symbol of love during the Victorian era. Featured is a collection of exquisite nineteenth century examples of these antique accessories. See the entire article here: http://www.victoriana.com/Jewelry/heartjewelry.html

© Carolyn Sunday. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.sundayandsunday.com