Which also covers silver plated & gold marks! AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING SALES. When to Keep and When to Sell Your Vintage Jewelry. Jewelry mirrors time, culture, and societal values. View all posts. Using your loupe, you will often find some kind of mark identifying the jeweler, designer, retailer, or manufacturer. Youre likely very familiar with the locking C clasp, as they are used today quite frequently. It was popularized in the Victorian Era. Very informative and well esearched thank you for this lens! Take this poll and leave a comment. 4. A variation on this fastener, the swivel clasp, is capable of rotating in a complete circle at its base. I'm pretty sure that I have seen them worn in in period movies set around the 1900's or so, usually on a longish, medium-heavy chain, and then pinned up to the side so that the chain is made to 'dangle' in some sort of artful display. Cultured pearls can still be extremely valuable and still look just as stunning. It is designed to slide inside and hook, or lock, around a decorative encasing on the other side of the jewelry piece. Look for a mold line with your loupe. Slide tube clasps were used for multi-strand necklaces with coral or pearls. 14K Yellow Gold 30" Rope Chain Necklace, Tube Clasp with Safety, 6.0 Grams. The sentimental value of jewelry that has been passed down through generations can make it seem like a betrayal to give any piece to someone else. AUTHORITYJEWELRY.COM IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. They are the same size (each are approximately 4 1/2 cms long, 2 1/2 cms wide and 1/2 cm thick); a curved almost diamond shape with curved edges and linked together with string that is threaded through the narrow ends. Releasing the lever will automatically shut the claw. They have filigree metal work similar to that seen in other Napier designs from this period, along with unfoiled stones in sapphire blue decorating the top and bottom. My mother gave me some good advice - if you are having your jewellery valued, don't let it out of your sight - if they can't do it in front of you, and want to take it into a backroom, just leave: trust no-one because a good jeweller could change your valuable stone to a cheap one and replace it in the setting in a couple of minutes! Please assist its going to help greatly in dating my piece. The Box Clasp - Jewelry with a box clasp has a decorative box on one end and a flat incline on the other that gently slopes. You say it's not all authentic, but then that your jeweler said the pieces were designed to be switched out. Due to wartime rationing in the 1940s, semi-precious metals such as rose gold and fill have been used more frequently. The invention of different earring findings will help date your jewelry. Thank you! 2. What would you have liked to learn about?, etc. Most real pearls will feel heavy and are certainly heavier compared with most fakes because they have more density. It's a grayish Pearl & Pearl is set inside of a heart shaped pin like. I'm in the process of sorting out my jewellery that I have inherited from my two grandmas and my mum. Add to Favorites Antique Vintage Necklace Multi Round Uniform Faux Glass Pearl 6 Stations Silver Tone Filigree Glass Rhinestones 58 " Art Deco Style #4356 . They are not pierced earrings that have the screw on backs. These necklaces were trendy around the turn of the 20th century. Caroline Paulison Andrew from Chicago, IL on August 10, 2016: Great article! Some pearls do indeed have these colors, though not all. And I thought it was going to be about dating jewelry instead of men! I have a number of crosses/colored glass stones/the eyelets are, I have some old jewelry it has large stones in it and rolls and Ruby's I believe but the necklaces made out of really fine wire and on the back of it it's got 900 indebted in some of the pieces, I have a broach it has pearls and gold leafs iv had it for 40years i think its French? Please help. , but would like to know if there is someone on line, or somewhere I wouldn't think about? $195. Great information! Can I mention a great vintage jewelry research & educational site? There are ways to test each one of these materials to determine what it is. Freshwater pearls are usually dyed to help give them a bright and shiny look. Vintage Clasps - Etsy The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". (If I had to do it over again, it would be of higher quality but, when I did the video, only smaller file sizes were allowed. Crepe stone is another black material and is made of glass. The narrator said not all are marked. Have a Great and Blessed day. It was first introduced by the Fowler brothers of Providence, Rhode Island, in 1883. It is more commonly found on antique bracelets than necklaces. Any info you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. The Clasp diagram is great! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. However, this piece is not all authentic. Jewelry: My first saphiret piece, please help in dating: Apr 1, 2023: Jewelry: Faux pearl brass brooch ID and dating help please: Jan 31, 2023: Jewelry: Dating old ring by design: Nov 14, 2022: Jewelry: Dating on King Tut set: Aug 30, 2022: Jewelry: Assistance in dating & style of ring: Jul 28, 2022 Platinum, one of the rarest metals, will also have a higher value than jewelry made in the 1980s. There are many different types of clasps, so it is essential to know which one you are looking for. 1. This is also a sign that the piece has been altered. I was wondering if I could email you a picture of my great great great grandmother 2 rings. Thank you, Karen. Because of their scarcity, they are much more expensive and are considered more valuable than freshwater pearls. Hi I have a watch I need help identifing who can help me? Age, etc. Laser cutting was introduced in the first half of the 20th century, and so hand-cut stones can help indicate an age of the item. These fastenings were used from the late 1800s through to the mid-20th century. Is there a way to know how long each style was used? Pearls are made by mollusks (oysters in saltwater, and mussels in freshwater) as a self-defense mechanism against parasites and irritants attempting to invade their bodies. The others I've found haven't been "running" for years. Bakelite can also be made black. I've researched and haven't found anything else like it. Freshwater pearls are typically duller than saltwater, so are usually dyed to make them appear shinier. The Barrel Clasp - This type of clasp has been around for a long time. Dating Napier Costume Jewelry From the 1920s and 1930s - The Spruce Crafts I don't know who it belonged to or where it came from. 1pc Vintage Brass Chain Mesh Box Snake Style Necklace - 18" Length $10.90 CollectorsFindings Vintage Mother of Pearl Bead CZ Inlay Necklace 925 Sterling NC 697-E $46.32 $51.47 (10% off) GabrielStar Vintege Necklace Jewelry Mather stone Gold Beaded Necklace B-031 Star Seller $11.99 LOVNTG Brand New Vintage Handmade Pewter Brontosaurus Necklace - 18" Considered the ultimate fashion accessory, pearls come in all shapes and sizes. Like the spring-ring clasp, a small nub poking out of the lobster claw end can be levered back and forth to attach to a ring on the other end of the jewelry piece. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Very helpful information! ", @anonymous: here is a search term for a great Ebay example, check out the back of the piece. Here's a brief look into some jewelry myths: Dating Our Jewels, Part I: Clasps, Irridescence, Table Cut Links to subsequent Parts in this series are at the end of this article. The box clasps were handmade which allowed for quite beautiful ones to be used, often set withgemstones, enamel or inlay work, and sometimes with compartments for woven hair. Your email address will not be published. The C clasp is a staple of the Victorian period. This material was introduced into England in 1841. These marks can also make a tremendous difference in the value and collectability of the jewelry. 2. The pinnacle of the shepherd's hook's popularity occurred in the 1950s and 1960s, making it prevalent in vintage necklaces and bracelets dating to those eras. Circa 1955. Dating jewellery by the style of clasp fastening it has is an essential skill for any jeweller. Knowing which color gemstones were predominant at certain times in history goes a long way in helping to date a piece of jewelry. About Us Glass will be heavier and reflects light. Clasps have been around for centuries, and they have evolved. Despite this, though, jewelry fasteners or clasps, are arguably the, Different necklace lengths can look very different from man to man, which is why you need to know the perfect length to go with. Both parts have rings for the strands to be tied onto and a round knob on one end. They were invented in 1996 and are considered fairly modern. Thank you for making & moderating this site! There are some brooches with unique clasp fastenings that dont fit the mould of any of these descriptions, but since they are less widespread, they are less useful to us when dating jewellery. I think this video is excellent. One of the things I would like to know, is if there is a good place to buy broken pieces of nice older fashion jewelry. It is essential to know which colors were dominant at specific times in history to date a piece. Costume jewelry pieces from the mid 20th Century or vintage fashion jewelry have a heavy feel to them and most sparkle a great deal. Bethany spends her days writing content for the AC Silver blog and other luxury goods/antique publications. 16 Types of Jewelry Clasps | Jewelry Experts - Wedding Knowhow don't forget to hit the like button.Details here: http://ali.pub/5989zcMore . Another great way of identifying real pearls is to check their weight. I know they were not made to be worn on the french wires they are on. The Hook Clasp - You may have heard this type of vintage jewelry clasp being called by the name shepherd's hook because it looks like the staff shepherds and shepherdesses are known to carry with them in the fields. The fishhook clasp is a good example of a concealed clasp. The key is finding the right, For many people, jewelry is the perfect gift as it is a fantastic way to show somebody how much they mean to you. Antique and Vintage Bracelet and Necklace Clasp Types Loved your article! Examine the clasp: The type of clasp can help you determine the age of a piece. This circa 1950's necklace features thermoset plastic in iconic turquoise. How to Date Necklace by Clasp? Top Full Guide 2022 Stones, buttons and wooden toggleswere tied to cords and were passed through a tied loop at one end. Fittings refer to the parts that can be custom-made for a piece. Apr 07 2021 Dating vintage necklaces by looking at clasps hallmarks. I love to yard sale and often wonder how old the jewels I find there are. Having graduated university with a BA in English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing Bethany then joined the AC Silver team as a content creator. These clasp fastenings were used throughout the Victorian period, particularly for larger brooches. Hello, how are you doing? Dating Brooch Fasteners - 1850 to 1910 . Jet is light and as strong as plastic. Some of these styles are still made today. (6 Rules), How to Wear a Necklace with Different Shirt Types, Should Men Wear Necklaces? Cultured pearls are the real deal. Collecting 1950's: How to Identify 50's Costume Jewelry I have a pair of earrings that have .925 (C) M stamped on the backs. Hi, I was given a beautiful bracelet that belonged to my great grandmother. (see photo below). Kaleigh Barrett Bushnell on July 13, 2018: At first i thought it was just a pendant/brooch as I have a few in my collection but after getting a pair of something eerily similar I now think it may be a shoe clip? Swivel clasp A swivel clasp is a type of lobster clasp that can turn 360 degrees at the base. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This drawing shows the different types of clasps used on brooches or pins with the approximate date when they first appeared. The vintage Victorian catalogs show a wide selection of hinged bangles in various designs as you can see in the examples below. I have a piece and know nothing about it. Ring settings often include geometric lines and shapes. Around 1890, the safety catch was invented to better secure brooches and pins. Victorian bolt clasp. This jewelry is visually identifiable because of the Irish motifs. On the other side of the spectrum, if you own a piece of pearl jewelry that you believe to be vintage, check whether it has a lobster claw clasp. This is a fossilized wood material first discovered in Whitby, England, in the middle of 1800. Dating items that feature C clasps, therefore, are sometimes dated using different methods. It can be hard to date antique jewellery if it is not hallmarked. After some research, I learned what it really is. The reason you are not getting responses is because you are posting them in a "comments" forum. I also come in with a price in mind. These pieces are generally less valuable than jewelry from the previous decades. Use your loupe to look for a mold line. how could i get a piece appraised for its worth and time period, I have a silver two of them ones a heart with black ruby on it that opens and then I have a neck less with Rubys different colors and on silver chain the pendent opens from top with little diggling like hanging close to the pendent. Can anyone tell me anything about Tramp Art. Valuing Vintage Jewelry: Gemstones, Rings, Bracelets and Watches by Dr. Lori Dr. Lori 223K views 2 years ago Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry With The WOW Factor! There are many more clues than just five, but these are quick and easy ways to help determine the age of your jewelry. 1. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Slide clasp A slide clasp secures closure . I like to look up different styles and periods of jewelry to see what comes up and how much it sells for. Jet is now illegal to mine, making it extremely valuable. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. And the section on Black Jewelry was the best and easiest to understand that I have read so far. I have what I believe is a Vintage Pearl necklace encased in a Beautiful Heart Pendant with carvings, I have pictures of the front and back of of the Heart pendant. I almost passed them over until I noticed the screw on backs. So be sure to take good care of them, store them properly, and maintain them correctly. Very helpful and well written. I have places I know of like thrift stores, Ebay,etc. Hi I just purchased a camphor piece and cannot figure out if it's authentic, can anyone help? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Dating necklaces: clasps and fasteners- Part III - navette jewellery It does not store any personal data. Hello.. Jewelry and bakelite chains were trendy. And it looks handmade, beautifully done, but plier marks left behind. Designs include feather motifs, stamped patterns, conchos, and indigenous art. Accoutrements included art deco jewelry. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Antique Necklace Clasps - Etsy If i sent a picture would you know when this style was used? I have a Victorian starburst pin with a C clasp and a round fastener. Curved at the end, the hook clasp hooks on and off a loop at the other end, affording easy attachment and removal of the jewelry piece. Bakelite is a phenolic, very popular in the 1930s and 1920s. The next post will discuss Victorian necklace clasps. It is thicker than a modern post - even a screw back. About Anzu Global I have a pair of screwback earrings the markings say Helzberg 14K on the actual earring itself, but on the part of where it screws it says Wells 1/20 12K and it says I am Loved, like the pins Helzberg is known for any idea about these earrings when they were made. Lobster Claw Clasps are variations of Spring Ring Clasps Smaller lobster claws, with round levers date to the 1970s and the larger ones with the flat levers are newer TOGGLE CLASPS Toggle Clasps are simple designs; the bar fits into the ring and piece closes SISTER CLASPS Sister Clasps work by threading both parts over a jump ring PIN CLASPS Look forward to hearing back. What a surprise to find my video showing here! If you bring this to a jeweler, they may be able to date the piece based on the marks. I write this comment as a stand against the poor manners so prevalent on social media these days. Brightly colored semi-precious gems such as peridot and opal can be included. Thank you! WE ARE COMPENSATED FOR REFERRING TRAFFIC. Bakelite can be tested using 409 bathroom cleaners on cotton swabs and touching a small area. Sparkly Vintage Mid Century Crystal Rhinestone Necklace with Fold Over Clasp 5 out of 5 stars . Thanks for posting. If the material leaves a line of brownish-black marks, it is likely to be jet. Said its too old and they don't have data back to the early 60s to look at.? Trombone clasps are generally more difficult to use, however, with the pin mechanism being a little fiddly to pull back. Its also complicated and similar to coal. Stone would stay cold if it were held in your hands. Akoya saltwater pearls are extremely rare and are therefore very valuable. Copyright A C Silver Unlimited. She also has several Ivory necklaces and some scrimshaw bracelets and ring, a star ruby and diamond ring, that dates back to the early 1900s, which has a very unusual shape and other valuable pieces. Bakelite can be made black, but not all Bakelite is black. For example, color in the Renaissance was almost gaudy, while the use of color during the Victorian Era was somber because the death of Prince Albert caused Queen Victoria to declare an extended period of mourning. Sometimes, likely due to their age, antique brooches with trombone clasps can be stiff to open. So. Very cool! In terms of their practical use, the locking C clasp is very similar to the trombone clasp. I'm retired now, and I am working with fashion jewelry pieces. Early examples of locking C clasps have the spinning lock opening downwards. Thank you for highlighting it. Trombone clasps are so named after the musical instrument that needs a push and pull to operate. How to Identify and Date Vintage Jewelry Vintage Virtue Elyn MacInnis from Shanghai, China on June 04, 2013: I have heard an old dentist talk about Gutta-percha. I think the unidentified piece of jewelry is a holder for a watch or decorative fob, which would hand from the hook at the bottom. They get their name from the fact that one side of the clasp is shaped like a fishhook. Combining these substances creates a new material known as nacre, which people also refer to as the mother of pearl. Please someone comment if Im correctIm dying to know now lol, Just wanted to throw in my '2 cents' regarding that brooch/pendant at the top: I don't know the particular name for it, but I do actually own some because of ebay auctions. Jet is as light as plastic and hard and coal-like. Because there are so many different types of pearls out there, different pearls appear in different ways. The lobster claw clasp made its appearance on the jewelry scene in the 1970s so it is more commonly found on Retro bracelets and necklaces. The photo shown here is a sterling silver filigree camphor glass necklace. Vintage pearl necklace clasp identification. Watches often use this type of fastener, which folds over on itself and then locks into place. This type of data sharing may be considered a "sale" of information under . WE ALSO PARTICIPATE IN AFFILIATE PROGRAMS WITH JAMES ALLEN, CJ, IMPACT, AND OTHER SITES. Therefore, we can have a closer look at brooches with those clasps and establish an estimate for when they were made. I appreciate it so very much. Lobster clasps are named because of their "pinching" character . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A lot of pearl necklaces from the 1920s or so would feature a fishhook clasp. The bolt ring then developed into a spring ring clasp. Jet can break easily, just a reminder. Does anyone have information on the designer or mark "Vero." Email me at mcdonaldkaren400@gmail.com. Lately, weve seen a sharp rise in the number of people wearing pendulum jewelry. You can find black jewelry at antique shops, estate sales, flea markets, and flea markets. It is a very distinct photo shown. We hope that our guide can help you know how to check your jewelry, Your email address will not be published. Filigree is a delicate process in which jewelers take metal threads and twist/weave them into intricate designs that are then soldered in their place.