Vintage jewelry. We love it. We collect it. We should know more about it!
I'm not a collector with special training or expertise. The history of vintage jewelry simply intrigues me. I'm sharing my research so we can make wise choices about buying, collecting, using and selling our vintage jewels.
My sister* purchased for me several pieces of vintage jewelry on our trip to Arcola , Illinois. Above is a brooch and earring set that caught my eye. The larger rhinestones are different shades of pink. The smaller ones are Aurora Borealis (AB) rhinestones. This means that the underlying glass has been coated with a special iridescent finish that shines with a variety of colors. Microscopic layers of different materials are vacuum plated to the underlying glass. The AB name refers to "The Northern Lights" which is an aurora that occurs in the northern regions of our planet! 
How great is that?*Yes, this is the same generous sister who treats me to short getaways, who gives me what she calls, "peace of mind money" and who upgrades my plane tickets to First Class. This is the same sister who reminds me that raising children is more important than practicing law and who loves my kids as her own.!
