Judith Hendler's ACRI-GEMS circa 1980!

Telling a high contrast black and white story here....these Judith Hendler acri-gems from the 1980;s are space age to the max! The finest acrylic material is used in these moderne designs..and the sculptural nature of Ms. Hendler's oeuvre is evident instantly! Her famous neck ring is the basis for the necklace..so sleek and modern in tone and feeling...the bypass bracelet is a super-stunner and always a popular choice...See CJCI (Costume Jewelry coolectors International) for my article co written with Erik Yang and the winter issue 2010-2011 of Modernism Magazine for an article penned by yours truly avout my favorite jewelry designer of the day! Judith Hendler designs rock and roll...Look for new desings here soon! The 80;s can return!

Remember RETRO worship?

Whatever happened to the love of retro style? I don't know if Mid Century Modern and Mad Men and modern obsessions have totally supplanted folks interest in the 1940's in favor of the 70's and 80;s--but Ive always been a big fan of the retro styles..pink gold or faux pink gold, lotsa  faux rubies and diamonds, fantastical and geometrical animals and patterns---This is a famous art deco retro CORO duette, each side slides off a little holder to become an individual clip, and can be worn either spearately or together as a brooch. Trifai called them "Clip-Mates"--Coro "Duettes" and they are a hallmark or 40's retro design sensibilities. Anybody recognize em?

My first book..COPPER ART JEWELRY:A DIFFERENT LUSTRE was published in 1992....and Matisse/Renoir of California copper and enamel modernist design jewelry has been among my favorites ever since. A classicly biomorphic example here of modernist microscopic imagery..this is a pin which sells immediately upon exhibition....as do most designs with science fiction, space age. Jetson's-like styling....especially here in modern mad  Palm Springs----certain bracelets and necklaces also sell INSTANTLY, while others, usually smaller, more traditional lady-like designs sit and languish...unpurchased...but pure geometry, biomorphism and the language of modernism is spoken fluently by Jerry Fels, head designer of the firm, and later known as C. Jere', most noteworthy designer and manufacturer of modernist wall sculpture....like pins on steroids! See upcoming Modernism magazine for MORE!

Killer Schreiner NY Parure ("That means full set children...")

Well here is a real doozy of a set.....Mega Schreiner NY full parure....that means necklace, bracelet, earrings and pin.--all in a combination of open and closed set stones of deepest purple and sapphire....highly glitzy yet somehow opulent and formal.....killer Schiaparelli-style and proportion link bracelet is KING of this set...the necklace being lovely, but less HIGH DRAMA--the pin-rather standard but the earrings rather large and slutty. Youll take note of how often I use the adjective slutty in my descriptions....forgive me my sexualized speak...but costume jewelry is about dripping stones and dripping sexuality sometimes....Im having some trouble I know getting this picture in best focus...all the individual shots are coming CLEAR--but Im still kinda litely fuzzy on the group shot.....enjoy dark tonality lovers...this ones for you!

Haskell inspiration!

Many ask where Miriam Haskell's materials and inspiration was borne from..and here you see a gorgeous pale pink and lavendar FRENCH Chanel style luxuriant necklsce...note the similarity in assembled small pieces into long dangling tassels and glassy luxury..just like the 'poured glass' Miriam Haskell and Chanel are well known for..As I post more Miriam Haskell masterworks and other things which seem 'related' to her intricate style--Ill be showcasing non-pearl colorful examples as well as the classic pearl creations. For more info see both Deanne Farnet Cera's book as well as Cathy Gordon's book on the ever fascination work of MIRIAM HASKELL.

Welcome to my wacky world!

Well..Ive finally gone and done it. Ive established a blog site so I can rant and rave about the wild profession I have had for 30+ years: antique dealer specializing in vintage couture costume jewelry and luxury plastics..of course love all kinds of other stuff so ill probably ramble on about some of those categories too as the urge strikes me..and Im quite urge-stricken on a general daily basis....Ill generally post at least one picture of the day--so today I think it will be a Miriam Haskell scene display....bridal pearls, slutty pearls, sexy pearls, chaste pearls.....Miriam Haskell designs..and the story of her life are always fascinating...For someone who has been called an alcoholic, sociopathic lesbian whose life ended sadly and pitifully...she designed some damn opulent girly jewelry on her good days! Enjoy and see you again soon!