There are 2 markings that appear to be letters and maybe numbers. I think they are the screw-on for non-pierced ears. How to Identify Vintage Necklaces by Clasp - YouTube Thank you, Karen. A mold line will go all around the piece splitting in two. 1. The Lobster Claw Clasp - A more modern variation on the spring-ring clasp, the lobster claw clasp gets its name from its Crustacean shape and the pinching motion of its fastener. Bold jewelry designs that are boldly inspired by Hollywood glamour. Bakelite can also be made black. Lobster clasps are named because of their "pinching" character . Often that other end will be in the shape of a fancy metallic teardrop with floral and other cutwork ornamenting it. Screw-back non-pierced earrings that were made in 1900 are still made today, but they are not that common on newer pieces. To give you an idea of time both my Grandmas were born in the late 1800s and died during the 1950s so your article is so helpful. The sentimental value of jewelry that has been passed down through generations can make it seem like a betrayal to give any piece to someone else. The use of color gemstones and enamel correlates to architecture and decorative art of the times. The pin with a hook could be for a watch? Luckily, there are definitely clues that can be used in deciphering how old your jewelry is. Thanks for this resource. WE GET COMMISSIONS FOR PURCHASES MADE THROUGH LINKS ON OUR PAGES/POSTS. The nacre traps the parasite or irritant and encases it, creating a beautiful prison for the irritant, in the form of a pearl. A lot of pearl necklaces from the 1920s or so would feature a fishhook clasp. Might I email a photo of it to you for your opinion? Dating vintage necklace clasp types. Copyright A C Silver Unlimited. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Thank you very much. 2. The box clasps were handmade which allowed for quite beautiful ones to be used, often set withgemstones, enamel or inlay work, and sometimes with compartments for woven hair. And the section on Black Jewelry was the best and easiest to understand that I have read so far. Sophie Jane. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. They are not pierced earrings that have the screw on backs. A good test for Bakelite is to put 409 bathroom cleaner on a cotton swab and touch a small hidden area. Pinned to 2 of my boards: "collectibles" and "jewelry. If the material leaves a line of brownish-black marks, it is likely to be jet. There are a few different ways to date a necklace by the clasp. Crepe stone is another black material and is made of glass. Dating items that feature C clasps, therefore, are sometimes dated using different methods. (If I had to do it over again, it would be of higher quality but, when I did the video, only smaller file sizes were allowed. Jewelry findings are ready-made pieces that jewelers use, such as clasps, pin stems, hinges, etc. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It consists of two pieces, one that features a spring lock mechanism that slides into a slotted groove located on the second piece. Different chain styles and materials, along with clasps, can help identify if a piece is from a particular historical period. Cut a length of approximately 5 cm of wire with your wire cutters. I think this video is excellent. I have what i believe is an old ring. The photo shown here is a sterling silver filigree camphor glass necklace. The invention of different earring findings will help date your jewelry. Caroline Paulison Andrew from Chicago, IL on August 10, 2016: Great article! They have filigree metal work similar to that seen in other Napier designs from this period, along with unfoiled stones in sapphire blue decorating the top and bottom. Plastic is lightweight, and you can feel it clicking on your teeth. This 1920s ruby, emerald, and diamond dragon brooch is a perfect display of the trombone clasp. Most Victorian brooches/pins have a c-clasp. The open center panel has been taken off and replaced with this rectangular piece. I'm in the process of sorting out my jewellery that I have inherited from my two grandmas and my mum. I ended up getting a pair of earrings and could not figure out when the post was made. It is bothersome that the center shape does not fit properly within the framed shape. (Photo coming tomorrow) Lobster Clasp - A variation on a spring ring that's slightly elongated and sturdier. Have a Great and Blessed day. It does not store any personal data. Vintage pearl necklace clasp identification. It reflects the taste and attitude of every period in history. You say it's not all authentic, but then that your jeweler said the pieces were designed to be switched out. 30+ Types of Jewelry Clasps | 100+ Pictures Provided - jingsourcing In this post, I am going to discuss necklace fastenings. I have a piece and know nothing about it. Is this possible? Jet can still be found in the seams of Whitbys cliff walls. Using your loupe, you will often find some kind of mark identifying the jeweler, designer, retailer, or manufacturer. Clasps have been around for centuries, and they have evolved. I found a pair of screw back vintage earrings that can also bd worn as pierced earrings. Collecting 1950's: How to Identify 50's Costume Jewelry Thermoset Plastic: Thermoset is a hard plastic that was frequently used in jewelry in the 50's. It's sturdy and colorful which makes it ideal for costume pieces. Each period has its jewelry, so it is essential to identify these characteristics to determine the value of your vintage jewelry. How To Date Necklace By Clasp - pearlnecklace.one I enjoy antique jewelry. Karat gold, sterling, electro-plating, gold filled (American), rolled gold plated (English) and double` d'or (French) finishes were all used for jewelry by the mid-1800s. Look for any suspicious solder. Emerald Engagement Rings vs Diamond Engagement Rings. View Blog Post - Ruby Lane The star should be blue, yellow, white, green, and red. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This material was first introduced to England in 1841. If so, youre not alone. Thank you. Yes, saltwater pearls are generally more valuable than freshwater pearls. I'm sure you know what site I mean. Watches often use this type of fastener, which folds over on itself and then locks into place. Nice video, The author of this article is merely giving readers advice and information on how they may date/identify their antique and vintage jewelry THEMSELVES. Your email address will not be published. Vintage Engagement Rings (1930 and later), Antique Engagement Rings (1929 and earlier), Antique Engagement Rings(1929 and earlier). Sometimes, the general design or hallmarks of a piece arent enough, and you need to look elsewhere for answers. This 1950s emerald paste wedding ring is listed at ruby lane for only $200. The hook end is slim and may have some scalloped notches in it that give it the appearance of an antique key. Look forward to hearing back. 4. . I have just discovered this site today, and I am very impressed with the amount of information and knowledge here. It is not tarnished at all. I was hoping to send a few pictures if possible to see if you could help in determining what they are. Akoya saltwater pearls are extremely rare and are therefore very valuable. I hope this was clear. The older and rarer the piece of jewelry, the more valuable it will be. Links to other sites are usually no longer workable as this is a vintage archive now. 3. Spring ring clasps Spring ring clasps are one of the most basic, and one of the most popular types of necklace clasp currently in use today. This is a great helpful article. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". One of the things I would like to know, is if there is a good place to buy broken pieces of nice older fashion jewelry. They remind me of some Japanese prints. I have pictures of them. Lobster claw Clasp: This spring-loaded clasp, which looks a lot like a handcuff and fastens to the links of the chain, gained popularity in the 1970s. Dating necklaces: clasps and fasteners- Part III - navette jewellery Today, jet is in the seams of the cliff walls on which the town is built. 1. After some research, I learned what it really is. Use of white metals, such as platinum, white gold, or diamonds, is encouraged. Required fields are marked *. If so, youre not alone. After the Victorian Era, the period of Art Nouveau utilized soft and delicate colors with rich gold and silver metals. Having graduated university with a BA in English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing Bethany then joined the AC Silver team as a content creator. My mother gave me some good advice - if you are having your jewellery valued, don't let it out of your sight - if they can't do it in front of you, and want to take it into a backroom, just leave: trust no-one because a good jeweller could change your valuable stone to a cheap one and replace it in the setting in a couple of minutes! And it looks handmade, beautifully done, but plier marks left behind. The C clasp, where the pin was more proportionate to the brooch, is sometimes still used today. Can I mention a great vintage jewelry research & educational site? This drawing shows the styles of earrings when they were introduced into the market. Hello, how are you doing? Were can I go that someone may know about it. she is asking for your help, not for you to be soliciting hers), Hi.. i would like to send some pics for advise on a pair of earings. Try to capture a clear image of any hallmarks. Also, does anyone know a good place to buy older stones of different sizes in one parcel? Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco are some of the most significant periods that vintage jewelry can be sourced. The other side is typically an oval. Now I can go back and date it. What a surprise to find my video showing here! What fun! These barrels typically either screw together or hook inside each other, rendering the antique necklace or bracelet extremely secure on the body. Jet can break easily, just a reminder. Glass is heavier and will reflect light. Thanks. Said its too old and they don't have data back to the early 60s to look at.? Hi I have got an eternity gold ring that I think is very old .The marking says: N 825 or 625 C ( but reversed) and N.Can you help me to determine the age of my ring please ? I was wanting to know if you could please help me? The clasp was first seen in use in the early 1890s on European jewellery. It is silver or white gold and has a blue ceramic / glass face with 2 painted flowers ( millafiore?) Fake pearls are man-made beads and are typically made from glass, ceramic, plastic, shells, or alabaster. There might be hallmarks indicating the carat quality of the metal used, or sometimes a hallmark that indicates a specific origin, but there isnt always a date hallmark. (Theyre all mounted perfectly all reflect multicolours at differing times in the sun light) so maybe i have a costume piece from a victorian era? We are unable to find the selected article! They get their name from the fact that one side of the clasp is shaped like a fishhook. Epic Antiques. This circa 1950's necklace features thermoset plastic in iconic turquoise. But fun! I have a question about your piece: sterling silver filigree camphor glass necklace. Brooches have evolved over one hundred years, and the backs provide much of the information we need to date the piece.