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!

Is It Nap Time, Yet?

Lately, browsing through decorating books is anything but relaxing. The beautiful photos and creative ideas generate energy in my limbs. I "blame" decorating books for my penchant to constantly redecorate my home! This week the upper deck was the focus of my energy.

My husband installed these screen doors a few weeks ago. Can you believe they are Home Depot originals? This deck usually fits 2 wicker chairs, a side table and a fountain. The area is small, but I'm always willing to sacrifice spaciousness for a new look! Hmm? Perhaps there's room for a day bed I pondered . . . already knowing I would MAKE ROOM even if it took the better part of my day! So, I cleaned away dust and spider webs from a metal cot I bought at a yard sale ($5.) I lugged it upstairs. Whew! Is it nap time, yet?Not quite. Truly uninviting and not nap worthy. Of course, all my cushions, pillows and covers needed washing. No time for pressing. I located in my linen closet a twin sized dust ruffle I resized by cutting away a portion of the middle and sewing the two pieces together. I placed the dust ruffle atop three European sized pillows (26"x26") suitable for cot cushions. Then came the fun part! I scavenged my home for several toss pillows and arranged them on my new day bed! Of course, I couldn't let a photo opportunity escape me. You can view the photos in the video below.

Unfortunately, by the time my little project was completed, my kids were home from school! It's never nap time around here, but it sure is fun to dream. . . .

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.

Aurora Borealis (AB) Rhinestones

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.!

Happy Mothers' Day!

Me an my 4 little ones!

Well, I was hoping to post an image that is Mothers' Day worthy. Something pink, pretty and floral was what I had in mind. Then I remembered having a clip art image that reminds me of Mothers' Day. It's not pretty and floral, but there's plenty of PINK!

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL!

What is it?

BEFORE

There have been times when I purchased something not knowing where to put it. This is the first time I purchased something not knowing what it is!I was attracted to the cane detail, ornate scroll design and extra large oval applique. The price was less attractive and the color is never a deal breaker. I knew the whatchamacallit would be painted white and fit in nicely with whateverIhavesofar. What I didn't know was that my loving husband would volunteer to paint it for me! I think he was tired of it taking up space in "his garage."AFTER

The seller told me it was a planter. A friend thinks it's a bassinet. My husband thinks its garage clutter. I think it's a great storage unit for cutepinkstuff, but what is it?

Worth Keeping

Last week I finished a project that has been on the back burner. I thought about selling it at a yard sale. It even made it as far as the garage waiting for its ultimate destiny.
The thought of selling a quality piece of furniture for pennies on the dollar at a yard sale didn't seem right. After all, what price could I place on the memories created in this rocking/glider chair? Fourteen years and four kids later I recall the countless hours of rocking, nursing, crying, singing, reading, talking and smiling while seated in this chair.Originally, it had a dark cherry finish with a dark green cushion matching my past decor. I shabbied it up a bit with white paint, rose decals and Rachel Ashwell fabric on the cushions. It has a new look, yet evokes the same good feelings. It's definitely worth keeping!

Smell the Roses!

It's May already and time to visit Jennifer Grey's Cottage of the Month! Jennifer is featuring 7, yes 7, summer gardens. I'm one of the grateful ladies who share their summer blooms at The Old Painted Cottage! Jennifer did a fantastic job making our gardens come alive. Stop by when you have time to "smell the roses. . . ."