I'm Hooked!

I'm hooked on vintage rhinestone jewelry! It has consumed my thoughts and my pocket book! It has quickly replaced my past obsession with real diamonds, Longaberger baskets, scrapbook supplies, beanie babies, tea cups, silverware and crystal chandeliers! I may need professional help or perhaps another obsession.

What is the attraction to these man made gems crafted from highly refined glass? Is it the sparkle of each piece or the thrill of the find? Is it the fantasy that they're real or the story they tell? When does a collection become an obsession? As my practical husband asks, "When will enough be enough?" (My husband can live on $20 per month for incidentals!)

To justify my collection/obsession I've added them to my website.For now, I'm enjoying their sparkle, the thrill of the find, the fantasy that they're real and the story they tell! Their beauty is "timeless!" (You will be the first to know when this obsession is replaced by another!)

Vintage Bogoff Rhinestone Jewelry

This is a brief tutorial about Bogoff jewelry. The Bogoff Company was started in Chicago in 1946. Known for quality workmanship and made in limited quantities. Designed with Swarovski rhinestones, molded glass stones and faux pearls set in rhodium and silver and gold plate. Sold in Sears & Roebuck, Zales, Marshall Fields and Saks 5th Avenue. The Bogoff Company closed its doors in the 1970's.
There were 2 markings: "Jewels of BOGOFF" and"BOGOFF". These are photos of vintage Bogoff rhinestone earrings my mom gave to me before I knew anything about vintage jewelry! My mom's friend of long ago, Maybelle, gave her many vintage treasures. Some pieces are marked and others are not. Now that you know a bit about Bogoff jewelry you can buy and sell with confidence!

Vintage Coro Rhinestone Jewelry

Coro jewelry began production in 1901/1902 in New York. There were approximately 9 designers over the years. Jewelry markings are numerous and distinct depending on the year and designer of a particular piece. After almost 80 years of production, the largest costume jewelry manufacturer closed its doors in 1979.There are 8 pages of different Coro markings at Researching Costume Jewelry. My clip earrings purchased in Chicago are marked "Coro" in script writing. According to Researching Costume Jewelry my earrings are possibly a Coro Original dating back to 1947! The Coro script signature is on the clip back below.

Vintage Trifari Rhinestone Jewelry

The company, "Trifari and Trifari" was founded by Gustavo Trifari in 1910. After the stock market crash in 1929, it was designer Alfred Philippe who led the company to greatness. His designs resembled fine jewelry. Later, designs became outrageous and flamboyant.

Trifari changed ownership many times. Some of the owners included Hallmark, Monet, Liz Claiborne and Marvella.One of the signature markings is a crown over the T in Trifari. This marking dates back to the 1940's. The Trifari double ring brooch my sister purchased in Arcola, Chicago has this marking. My precious piece may have been designed in the 1940's. Sorry, my photo doesn't capture the marking on the left side. If you have vintage jewelry marked Trifari you can estimate the date of your piece by its signature. There are over a dozen markings used by Trifari over the years. For more information, go to Researching Costume Jewelry.