If you like Antiques and Collectibles you probably enjoy watching the Antiques Roadshow on PBS. The thrill of the hunt becomes ever more alluring with each great find.  Just this past week the show broke it’s record with a collection of Jade carvings brought in to the taping of the show in Raleigh, NC. The collection which was inherited by it’s current owner, was purchased by the father during the 1940s when he was stationed in Asia.

The episode will probably air on the 2010 season of the show.  This is the first time ever when an apraisal totals over 1M.

I can’t help but feel very sad since I heard about Michael Jackson’s unexpected death.

Here is how I want to remember him:

My son (who was a little kid then) and I will always have great memories from this time:

Thanks for the wonderful memories.
You will live forever.
RIP, Michael.

Lariat is one of the most versatile style of necklace. Generally speaking is a long strand, chain or rope with adorned ends and no clasp. There are several ways to wear this style:

This is a finely beaded, almost woven Lariat Necklace from the 1920s.

Fold in half, wrap it around the neck and pass the ends through the loop. It will look like this.

Wrap around the neck twice, then knot it in the front. You can knot the loop too and will look like this image. If you just knot it, it will have one short plain strand higher in the neck and one longer one where the knot is. Doing it as seen on the image avoids the weight of the end making it too tight around your neck.

Here is another way, just let the ends fall in the front or for a Summer evening out, bring your hair up and let it fall down a low cut back.

In this style, you knot it as high as it is comfortable to wear, then leave the long ends which can be both worn to the front, the back or one in the fron and one in the back if you place the knot on the side.

The weight of the beads at the ends is what keeps a lariat in place. These are Italian Murano beads and this style is called "wedding cake".

The best way to figure out how to wear a lariat necklace is to think of it as a scarf. How many different ways can you wear a scarf?  It really depends on the occasion, your style, how daring you are.  You can make a fashion statement that steals the show or a demure and classic finishing touch to your outfit.

Other ways not pictured are as a belt, a wrap bracelet and even braided in your hair if it is long enough. Feeling like a Flower Child today? Wrap around your forehead.  Wearing a Menswear inspired suit?  Replace the tie with a lariat.  The only limitation is your imagination and how daring you are!

If you have an idea not mentioned here, please post your comment.

If you have any questions and would like more instructions, please post and I’ll try to help.

The gorgeous vintage 1920s Flapper Lariat featured in this article is available at Vintage Jewelry, Fashion Magazines and Fine Collectibles plus Jewelry by Vera Battemarco.

Who would know that your finds could be an investment? I am not an investment expert, so see these two shows by Consuelo Mack Weathtrack which aired on PBS. Ms. Mack was voted Best Business Host by Money Magazine.

Of particular interest to this blog are the appearances by Patrizia Di Carrobio, Jewelry Expert and Dealer. Her history is amazing, from Italy to America. Her grandmother shared a New York apartment with Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s and begin consulting wealthy Americans on Fashion and Lifestyle choices. Patrizia moved to the US in 1980 and begin her career at Christie’s where she became one of Christie’s first women auctioneers.  Her taste in impeccable, her  opinions are practical and valuable. I really enjoy her appearances and I trust you will too.

The first video was made in the Spring of 2008.  The second is from March 2009.  Both are timeless and have great information for all categories of Arts, Jewelry and Collectibles.  More information about this show can be found at PBS.org, your local Public Television station or at wealthtrack.com

Don’t feel bad when buying Vintage Jewelry or Collectibles. A wise purchase can be a palpable investment you will wear or enjoy for many years to come.

Vintage Jewelry as an Investment Videos.  To learn more about Patrizia visit her site at PatriziadiCarrobio.com

Now have hubby watch it with you

After George Braque Owl Pin by Vendome circa 1963

Early Trifari Pave Rhinestones Pansy Fur Clip

A few weeks back I watched Mme Secretary Albright interview on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart where she mentioned her language of brooches and the upcoming book about her brooch collection to be released in August 2009.  The book is titled “Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box”.

About the same time  Mme Secretary Albright was interviewed by Bill Maher and worn an outstanding bee/wasp enamel and rhinestone brooch specially for the show host.

Madeleine Albright was the first woman to be appointed as US Secretary of State by then President Clinton. She has said many times that her brooches indicate her mood.  A clever way to communicate when you can’t always say what is really in your mind!

The exhibit titled “Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” opens September 30 at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.  It will travel around the country for 2 years.  When told by the museum’s chief curator she would not have her jewels to wear for that a long a time,  Mme Albright as a true collector replied “Great opportunity to buy new ones!” .   Now that’s a woman after my heart!

Read more at the Huffington Post.

An earlier article about the same subject, from May 2008.

The Museum site is http://www.madmuseum.org.

YouTube video of  Madeleine Albright’s interview by Bill Maher is no longer available.

Olaf Skoogfors was born in Sweden in 1930.  Early in his childhood, he moved to the United  States with his family, settling in Philadelphia, PA.  His father was a mechanical engineer, but Olaf wanted to make things with his hands.

In 1959 he opened his own studio in Philadelphia as an independent jewelry artist. One of his favorite techniques was lost wax technique, but he also liked to create directly on the metal.

He also used fusing, reticulation and chasing, which are exemplified in the cuff bracelet presented below.  What I find so amazing about it is that it is a hollow piece. It is also heavy and weighs almost 1.5 dwt oz (45 grams).

The challenge of creating a dimensional hollow piece comes from the fusing or soldering of the parts together. The air inside is heated by the torch and if there is no escape, the item will deform and in some extreme cases, explode.

There is no visible escape point on this hollow bracelet.  It also has a smooth portion angled into a very refined textured are, increasing the visual volume and adding interest to the piece. The inside surface is chased in a tree bark like pattern.

Olaf Skoogfors led a distinguished career as a metalsmith. He taught at Temple University and had many exhibitions.  Skoogfors passed away in 1975 at the early age of 45.  His work is quite rare and very sought after.

[View with PicLens]

I found two other pieces by him on the web. They are:

Sterling Bird Brooch and my favorite, a very sculptural brooch.

You just hit the jackpot and have tons of new goodies or your precious faux gems have spent some time in the jewelry box and don’t look their best. Do not fret! Here is a guide to bring those beauties to the most sparkly state.

How do you clean Costume Vintage Jewelry?
Very carefully!

This is what is done to every piece of vintage jewelry, costume or fine, that we sell:

The cleaning process depends on which type of jewelry you have. Never dip sterling, never soak rhinestones. I use a soft nail brush bought at the dollar store and Windex. Spray the brush very lightly. It has to be almost dry. Pat onto a towel or paper towel to remove the excess luquid. Gently brush the piece. Use a magnifier to make sure it’s clean and to inspect the jewelry as you work.

I prefer the Windex with Ammonia, does a great job and removes grime. Get the name brand, it will be cheaper in the long run as it is concentrated and does a better job.

Be prepared to re-glue some stones as they may fall out in the process. They were going to fall out anyway, this just speeds the process and you don’t loose them. Clean over a box lid so if they come of they will be safe. The glue to be used should not be the crazy-glue type. This types of glue eat the foil on the rhinestone, making it dull. The best glue is Hypo Cement. You can find it at hobby shops, craft stores and on line.

For pieces that do not have rhinestones or glued parts, I place them in a plastic bowl, spray with Windex (blue one) swish a few times and rinse. We have hard water here so the final rinse is filtered. Shake them gently by holding the whole piece in your cupped hands or a colander to remove the excess water. Lay them on a big plastic tray (also from the dollar store) over an old towel and air dry. You could use paper towels too but we are all for green living, so an old towel or t-shirt is best.

Do not soak faux pearls, wash or brush. It could ruin it. Spray a soft rag or paper towel (an old t-shirt is great and re-usable), dab not rub, make sure the fabric is not soaked but rather slightly damp.
If you are unsure about the type of thread used on a beaded necklace, it is best not to soak it. Spray a cloth with the cleaner and wipe the necklace clean instead.

This vintage jewelry has been cleaned this way. As you can see a lot of work and love goes into bringing this jewelry to you. I love jewelry but hate dirt!

First time shoppers at our jewelry website will love the selection and prices, our excellent customer service and super fast free shipping on orders over $75.00! To get you started we are offering a 10% coupon for your first purchase, valid on any amount. Use the coupon promocode FirstTime at the checkout. Coupon Expires May 7, 2009.

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We know you will love shopping with us! Tell a friend!

Debra Messing, gorgeous as usual, in bold and beautiful bracelets.

May we suggest some more affordable alternatives for Glam on a Budget.

Kramer White Lucite Rhinestone Bracelet c. 1960s

Spectacular Dimensional Rhinestone Bracelet

Marquise Shaped Rhinestones Vintage Bracelet

See you tomorrow! Tchau!