June 6, 2023

Jewelry Foolery: The Art of Whimsies or Frolic Pins

Lapel whimsies, a unique category of collectible costume jewelry, have garnered a significant following. But what are “whimsies?” Simply put, they are figurals—A term that Longcraft of Thomas Long Company used to describe its various […]
May 27, 2023

1970s Castlecliff Tulip Love Brooch

The Lovely c. 1970s Castlecliff tulip brooch is a captivating piece of jewelry that combines intricate design elements with a unique aesthetic. Its clever juxtaposition of symbolism and utilitarian-inspired design makes it a true standout. […]
October 17, 2022

Coordinate Jewelry Sets Popularized in 1946

Coordinate Jewelry Sets Popularized in 1946 In 1946, coordinated sets were quite desired by consumers. Sellers of jewelry anticipated high sell rates of coordinated necklace and bracelet sets, particularly for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. […]
April 25, 2022

Jewelry by Nettie Rosenstein

Jewelry by Nettie Rosenstein: The First Year Nettie Rosenstein was one of the nation’s foremost fashion designers during the 1930s-1940s. The twenty-year-old business had been a leader in women’s fashion since its opening in 1931. […]
April 11, 2022

The History of Monet Jewelers’ White Jewelry Line

Throughout the decades, color trends have been documented in fashion jewelry. White has been a staple for decades and has found its way into casual and fancy jewelry lines. It has been designed for daytime, […]
January 10, 2022

Priority Metals and The 1950s

When we study costume jewelry and discuss the metal shortages brought on by WWII, we often fail to recognize that the jewelry industry in the early 1950s also experienced metal shortages brought on by the […]