Made in America from Vintages of Los Gatos

Eco-friendly Decorative Accessories

2012-01-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

There are some materials that have heart and soul. It can be the paint, the texture or maybe the history that is carried on. The intrinsic beauty of these materials is what inspired Margaret Taylor to begin creating. Working beside her father on house projects was her training ground. Through those experiences Margaret gained the necessary knowledge, as well as the belief that she could make anything. Her creations, which began as a hobby, have evolved into a business (that) began with picture frames and birdhouses and has now expanded to include garden art, mirrors and furniture.

Margaret Taylor

These wonderful hand crafted pieces are all made in the little town of Chamblee, GA. The pieces of folk art that we have in Vintages are made from salvaged bead board and antique ceiling tin, with a few vintage doo-dads added to complete the image. They are playful and unique, good for the environment because they use reclaimed materials, good for the economy since they are made in the USA and are good for you because they will warm your heart with a smile.

This folk art bird is from a series of delightful handmade "Fowl Folks" that can either hang on the wall or sit on a table. Measures about 12" tall. ($59.95)

Old tin ceiling tiles cover reclaimed barn wood to create this Fleur d'Lys. These lily flowers symbolize a multitude of things, but the association with the French monarchy and Paris is most noteworthy. It is also a symbol of recovery in post-Katrina New Orleans. Measures about 19" tall. ($115.00)

What Valentine wouldn't love this large red heart? Created from old bead board and vintage hardware, these hearts are about 22" tall and would make a BIG statement. ($115.00)

A bit smaller that their big red brethren above, these "Junk Hearts" are about 12" tall and come in assorted colors. ($59.95)

Skimmer Dragonflies made from old rusted tin and fence parts. ($59.95)

Skipper Butterflies made from old rusted tin and fence parts. ($59.95)

Made in America

2012-01-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

What do all of these products have in common? Well, they are all US made items. Some are antique and some are contemporary. Many are hand made, but all are made by skilled American workers, craftsmen and craftswomen who take pride in their work.

Starting in February, we will be featuring strictly "Made in the USA" products on this blog. We find excellent products made all over the world and will continue to carry global products in our shop and online. But over the past couple of years, as we have increased the number of American-made products that we carry, we have seen an increased interest in items "Made in the USA". So we thought it was a good time to highlight American products on this blog, while posting about everything else we love on our other blog, Postmark: Vintages of Los Gatos.

Vintage Paper Ephemera

2012-01-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

This month we would like to highlight vintage paper ephemera. We recently listed quite a sizable selection on Susan's Pretty Ribbons Etsy site. These papers are wonderful unique items that are perfect for that special tag, note or card. Imagine using these one-of-a-kind pages, letters, envelopes, menus or ledger sheets in a scrapbook or altered art project, or embedded into a collage, under an encaustic layer or in a decoupage. Your limit is your imagination. Here are some of the pieces we have on Etsy ... and we have much more in the shop.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Murano Glass Hearts

2011-12-24T01:08:00.000-08:00

These beautiful Murano blown glass hearts with gold leaf inclusions are another perfect stocking stuffer.

Murano glass hearts (small $22.95 each; large $48.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Inspirational Stones

2011-12-23T00:24:00.000-08:00

These stones are special. Some have inspirational sayings etched into them; others have initials, leaves and such in gold, silver and copper leaf. Great stocking stuffers and gifts all year long.

Inspirational stones with metal leaf letters & images ($15.95 each)

Inspirational stones with etched words ($7.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Candy Jars

2011-12-22T01:22:00.000-08:00

What are the Holidays without candies? And when you have candy you need a festive jar to keep them in.

Candy Jars ($24.95 each); Star Blackboard Ornaments ($5.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Votive Candle Holders

2011-12-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

Wonderful all-year long, perfect during the holidays, great for a little mood lighting, creative accent lighting for an outdoor dinner. Votives are a lovely Christmas gift, stocking stuffer or hostess present.

Jewelled glass votives ($8.95 each)

Nest votives ($7.95 each)

Large crown glass votives or candle holders (from $21.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Christmas Tree Ornaments

2011-12-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Every year we search out distinctive, unique and different tree ornaments. We think you will like this year's selection. We have some wonderful snow globe style ornaments with deer, penguins and the Eiffel Tower. The winter forest ornament set is unique and whimsical. How about a sailboat? Or a skating deer?

Vintage-style glass globe ornaments feature the Eiffel Tower, a stag deer and a penguin (all $24.95 each); The set of six winter forest ornaments is different enough to be a collector's item ($28.95 box of six)

Many of our ornaments are available online.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Chulacanas Peruvian Pottery

2011-12-19T01:56:00.000-08:00

These handcrafted pottery vases are made in the mountainous Chulucanas region of Peru. The Chulucanas people have a long history of creating these largely geometric pots in a number of colors using ancient methods that combine colorful glazes with smoke patinas. Modern yet traditional, these are the perfect home accent.

Chulucanas Pottery Vases (from $49.95)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Paris Bangle Bracelet

2011-12-18T03:31:00.000-08:00

I'd Rather be in Paris

That's a sentiment we might all share. Now it can be yours ... or your best friends ... as we have this neat bangle bracelet with that saying on it. Great gift, stocking stuffer or bow topper!

Paris Bangle ($22.95) and the wire Eiffel Tower (three sizes starting at $18.95 for the 12" version shown

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Journals

2011-12-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

Beautiful writing need not be a thing of the past ... a memory of days when people actually wrote in Cursive script ... letters, invitations, diaries and journals ... or just to leave a note. Vintages brings back lovely paper in the form of decorative sheets, handy notepads and simply wonderful journals. These journals are great for personal journals, sketch pads, or simply for your thoughts.

Italian paper journals (from $16.95)

Cavallini notebooks ($12.95)

Gorgeous leather notebooks in two sizes ($14.95 & $24.95 each)

Colorful fashion journals ($14.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Magnifying Glasses

2011-12-16T03:19:00.000-08:00

We have a large selection of magnifying glasses, including some nice sets for the desktop. These are great gifts, for men, women or kids, because they are decorative as well as useful. Stamp collectors, entomologists, librarians, autograph hounds, miniature book collectors, cartographers, and just folks who need help seeing, all use magnifying glasses. We have bone and horn handled magnifiers, lenses with vintage beads to hang like a necklace, and desk sets as well.

Bone & Mother-of-Pearl Magnifiers L to R: $43.95 • $32.95 • $43.95

Colorful Magnifying Glasses $32.95 each

Magnifying Glasses $32.95 each

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Paris Fashion Wall Hooks

2011-12-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves Paris. These ceramic and pewter-looking wall hooks are perfect for the fashion-ista or Francophile on your gift list. There are three designs -- two with lovely gowns and one with a handbag and shoe.

Paris Fashion wall hooks ($19.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Antique Sterling Silver

2011-12-14T01:38:00.000-08:00

Antique silver is a room's jewelry and adds a sense of place and time to any table, sideboard or vanity. Old estate silver is a specialty for us here at Vintages. We have an excellent selection from which to choose, including tea sets, flatware, napkin rings, serving pieces, candle holders, perfume bottles and vanity jars.

Victorian and early 1900s vanity jars and scent bottles (from $49 each)

Modern sterling bell ($125) and antique English silver sugar shaker ($395)

Sterling silver tray, crystal decanter and bottle tag.

Antique Gorham sterling silver tea set ($2250)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Game Boards

2011-12-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

Handmade Folk Art Parchessi Board by Peg St. Pierre 1994 ($98)

Here at Vintages we have a small selection of game boards. Some are new, some handmade, others are reproductions. But all of them are great and they are our featured product for August. These are not listed online, but if you contact us, we will send further information.

Handmade Folk Art Checker Board by Peg St. Pierre 1994 ($98)

Reproduction Ring Toss Board ($59.95)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Limoges Porcelain Boxes from France

2011-12-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

Hand painted porcelain boxes from Limoges, France, are fascinating little collectibles. The range of design and intricacy makes it possible to collect these miniatures for a long time and not tire of them. These are easy to collect and display in themes ... travel memories, collections, hearts, holidays, special mementos, whatever. Prices start at $89. We have a nice selection here in the shop and quite a few available online.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Lela Belle Charm Jewelry

2011-12-11T03:31:00.000-08:00

Murano Glass beads & ceramic charms by Lela Belle ($24.95 each)

Fascinated by the beauty and uniqueness of lampwork beads, Renn Farmer was inspired to create jewelry that would allow you to interchange these beautiful beads on chains and bracelets. Each bead has its own distinctive charm and when placed together, creates a bracelet or necklace that shows the individual style of the person wearing it. We sell all the component parts individually, so you can create your own style using the colors and shapes and materials of your choice.

Sterling silver necklaces and bracelets (from $39.95)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Creative Stamping Kits and More

2011-12-10T04:01:00.000-08:00

Cavallini creates products that are both beautiful and functional. Whether it is a 19th-century butterfly print or a well-loved piece of ephemera, they pull from a vast archival collection for the perfect image. Cavallini rubber stamps are high quality, easy to use stamps. Each set comes in its own decorated tin and includes a black ink pad. Themes range from vintage office to birds, Paris and the Eiffel Tower to alphabets and postmarks. Cavallini also makes a line of stickers, notes and tags, many of which are in stock, both online and in the shop..

Cavallini rubber stamp kits ($26.95 each)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Janet Ontko Clay Tiles

2011-12-09T03:01:00.000-08:00

Janet Ontko Clay Tiles (from $37.95 to $49.95)

Janet Ontko is inspired by the simplicity and style of the Craftsman Movement: the honesty of the materials, the look of the clay, the touch of the potter. The return to the craft tradition compelled Janet to develop her own signature style. We love her tiles and have offered them here at Vintages for several years. We have a selection available online, and even more here in our Los Gatos shop.

Word tiles by Janet Ontko ($29.95)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Silver Solder Pendants by Susan

2011-12-08T02:17:00.000-08:00

These silver soldered pendants and charms are Handcrafted by Susan. The pendants are just right for wearing on a necklace, using as a bookmark, linking on a charm bracelet or key chain, or just hanging from a handbag or backpack. Larger ones make great ornaments. Susan has crafted these into necklaces or bracelets with multiple pendants, onto earrings and bottle tags. These all come with a length of ribbon or cord and either a gift box or an organza bag.

These pendants are made by Susan priced at $12.95 for small ones, $19.95 for most, with special one-of-a-kind pieces priced from $24.95 to $39.9

The pendants are made from glass and lead-free silver solder. Susan works with a number of glass sizes and shapes, and would be happy to customize one for you. (Please contact us for more information.) She has used photos, symbols and various types of artwork in crafting these pendants. We have a large selection available in our shop in Los Gatos.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Large Hand Crafted Fleur d'Lys

2011-12-07T01:15:00.000-08:00

This large fleur d'lys is handcrafted in America from recycled materials ... wood and tin ceiling tiles (priced at $115). This same artisan makes large hearts and birds ... all are in stock. These pieces are distinctively one-of-a-kind works of art and look great with shabby chic or Paris apartment decor.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Vintage Jewelry

2011-12-06T01:02:00.000-08:00

Vintage jewelry is always a hit ... and at Vintages we have a fantastic selection of both vintage costume jewelry and fine estate jewelry. Brooches are back. Necklaces and bracelets are chic. Rings are always in style. We have period pieces from as long ago as the Georgian era, modern designs in silver and gold, and glitz from the fifties. We also have a nice selection of jewelry for men. See our entire online collection or cruise into the shop for even more to choose from.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Olive Rose's Fabric Dolls

2011-12-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

We have several of Olive Rose's one-of-a-kind creations at Vintages. These are handmade using fabric and a variety of found or recycled objects. No two of them will be the same so its like owning a piece of folk art. Great gift for doll or folk art collectors.

This Big Red Santa wears a red suit and hat with hand-stitched trim and dark pants. His vintage quilt bag is stuffed with greenery, a Christmas card and a vintage cookie cutter. (Santa is $119.) Maybelle is an angel ... literally. She has nifty wings decorated with old paper, sheet music and stamps. Her sheer polka dot dress is fluffed up with tulle petticoats and lace bloomers. She holds a heart in her hands. Sweet! (Maybelle is $105.)

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Whimsical Cat & Dog Plaques

2011-12-04T00:23:00.000-08:00

V. Originals creates these whimsical plaques featuring cats and dogs. Each piece is hand-worked, hand-painted and individually detailed…with love. A great gift for the animal lover in your life. We have a nice selection of these folk art treasures, both online and in the shop, at $27.95 each.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Vintage Christmas Tree Pins

2011-12-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

Give them as stocking stuffers or adorn the bow on a wrapped gift with one of these beauties. Anyway you present them, these little trees and ornaments make a great gift. Every year we search for Holiday jewelry and stash it away until November. These are classic, never go out of style and add that Holiday touch to any outfit. This year we have a nice selection of Christmas tree pins and other Holiday jewelry both online and in the shop.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Solder Craft Kits

2011-12-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

These creative art soldering kits are great for anyone who loves to craft or make jewelry. Use the kit to create pendants, charms and jewelry. The kit comes complete with a soldering iron specific to this type of soldering, a coil spring iron stand, acid free flux, lead-free silver solder, copper foil tape, two holding clamps, assorted jump rings, four sets of glass and instructions on soldering basics and safety information. The kit sells for $55.95 and is available in the online as well as in the shop.

We also have an instructional DVD and a great book on soldering to get you going on a new level. Replacement supplies, glass slides and findings are also available.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

24 Gifts of Christmas: Brush Trees

2011-12-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

These wonderful vintage-style brush trees are fully decorated with colorful glass ball ornaments ready to adorn your table, mantel or nativity scene. They are timeless and festive. We have these in three sizes: 4" $18.95; 6" $21.95; 8" $24.95.

You'll find a large selection of tabletop trees at Vintages. Any of these will make a wonderful home decoration or hostess gift.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

Turquoise, Zircon & Blue Topaz: December's Birthstones

2011-12-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

December is another month where the traditional and modern birthstones differ. Basically, the December birthstones are all blue -- turquoise, zircon and blue topaz.

Turquoise is one of the oldest jewelry gemstones, with examples having been found in the tomb of Queen Zer, an Egyptian queen, who died thousands of years ago. The name turquoise is derived from a French word meaning Turkish stone. The Turks, however, were just the middleman in the merchant trade for beautiful blue stones from Persia. The Persian turquoise is superbly clear, generally devoid of the matrix normally seen in turquoise from other places. In fact, today the highest grade of turquoise is referred to as Persian turquoise, regardless of where it comes from.

Different varieties of turquoise showing colors and matrix types. (Courtesy of Durango Silver Co.

There are many varieties of turquoise, with each mine around the world having distinctive characteristics. This is a chart showing many varieties from American turquoise mines.

The Victorians used Persian turquoise in many of their jewelry, set in both silver and gold (or gold-filled) settings.

This Victorian barpin is set with two Persian turquoise stones ($95.00)

American Southwestern jewelry has included turquoise for over a century. Both the Native American and Mexican silversmiths have made items with turquoise and continue to do so today.

This is a large Native American brooch/pendant with a concentric cluster design known as petit-point. ($495.00)

This piece is known as a row bracelet and was done in designs that incorporated from one to five or more rows of round or square turquoise cabochons ($225.00)

Beautiful row bracelet with delicate needlepoint turquoise stones. ($295.00)

Another Native American silver & turquoise bracelet with feathers, leaves and vines in the motif ($225.00)

Petit-point earrings ($165.00)

We have a large variety of Southwestern silver & turquoise rings (from $45.00 each)

Gorgeous necklace & bracelet set with greenish-blue turquoise stones. Early 1900s and probably from the Mid-East ($395.00 set)

Zircon is a wonderful blue gemstone that is not seen a lot today. The blue in the zircon is generally produced by heat-treating clear stones. Blue topaz has somewhat replaced it as the alternate December birthstone. Blue topaz is also the result of heat-treatment of clear topaz stones, but it occurs both naturally and artificially. Either stone is beautiful and create wonderful pieces of jewelry.

Huge light blue topaz solitaire cocktail ring in a very modern design. ($165.00)

Lovely heart-shaped blue topaz stone set in yellow gold with diamond accents. This comes in a necklace and earring set ($295.00 set)

Ring with blue topaz stone set in yellow gold with diamond accents ($295.00)

24 Gifts of Christmas: A Vintages' Holiday Gift Guide

2011-11-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

Starting on Dec 1st, Vintages presents the 24 Gifts of Christmas -- a Holiday Gift Guide with a gift idea every day until Christmas. Follow the gift guide here on this site, Vintages: Featured Product. Check daily to find everything you need to help you select the perfect gift for the Holidays -- photos, links to online resources and pricing information.

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

Set an Elegant Table with Silver Tableware

2011-11-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful table setting from Sheila Chefetz' Antiques for the Table

With big family holidays around the corner, it's time to think about setting a beautiful and festive table for your guests. Nothing makes a table more elegant than fine china and silver tableware. There is a brilliance added to the dining experience as the light dances off the silver, playing with the porcelain pieces and the floral centerpiece. Antique silver adds a sense of place and time to the gathering. Silver is a room's jewelry, so do not relegate your silver to storage boxes or safe deposit vaults. Dress up your room and add sparkle to your table. There are a lot of old Victorian silver items whose use is archaic or even forgotten. So try something different and use these items to add to the decor, brighten up the mantel, add a finishing touch to the table or use them in a novel way.

Table for two from Sheila Chefetz' Antiques for the Table

To some, silver is so old school, so stuffy, so hard to clean. But ... if you use your silver, it will require less polishing ... if you decorate with it, it becomes part of you and your home ... and old school will become new again.

This treasure case with hundreds of pieces of silver is pictured in Sheila Chefetz' Antiques for the Table.

Victorians seemed to have a utensil for every task. At the table, it would seem that the flatware extended almost beyond the reach of the diner. So let's not go that far. An elegant dinner can get by with five to eight pieces, depending on how many courses are served. A lunch need only have a few and an informal buffet or barbeque can be as simple as a knife, fork and spoon wrapped in a napkin.

Buffet table from Sheila Chefetz' Antiques for the Table

Early silver is heavier than current offerings. The price of silver has had a lot to do with that. Even patterns that have been produced for over a century have thinned down. That's one reason that old silver is so wonderful. It has that feeling of weight ... sturdy and elegant at the same time. Old silver also has that wonderful patina. That silvery gray color that lingers after years of use, holding on to tarnish in crevasses and enhancing the glorious design motifs.

Intricate bird and flowers motif on a citrus spoon. Note the poppy flower in the pointed bowl. This hand wrought piece is from the late-1800s. ($45)

Here are couple of the patterns we have at Vintages. These are sterling silver and as such are expensive. However, you can also find some wonderful silver plated flatware and serving pieces that do not break the bank.

This first pattern is Rose Point by Wallace Silversmiths. The lacy, pierced design was introduced in 1934 and is still available today, but the old pieces are so much more glorious than the new, shiny ones.

Rose Point pattern sterling silver service for 6 or 12 ($1250 for service for 6)

The next pattern is Wild Rose by International Silver Company. Introduced in 1948, this pattern is also still available as a "made to order" item from the maker. We have a couple of services for six available and also a myriad of serving pieces, some with marvelous shell shaped bowls.

Wild Rose pattern sterling silver service for 6 or 12 ($1950 for 42 pieces; $2150 for 48 pieces)

Beautiful shell bowl on Wild Rose serving spoons

This luncheon set is silver plate from Germany. It sports a delicately simple design which does not overwhelm the smaller size of the flatware.

18 piece lunch set • German silver plate ($120 for the set)

Vintage silver plate serving pieces make a lovely gift as well as a nice statement on your table.

Silver plate serving forks for salads or cold meat (most $12-24 each)

Silver plate gravy spoons and ladles (most $15-24 each)

A variety of silver plate serving pieces (most $12-24 each)

A variety of small serving pieces (most $9-24 each)

Sugar spoons and miscellaneous small spoons (most $9-24 each)

Many of the flatware patterns have gloriously decorated handles. There are also some very specific pieces designed for tasks such as picking up berries, pickles or bonbons. Even lemons had their own serving fork.

Clockwise from top left: Shreve sterling silver bonbon spoon ($95); Blackington sterling silver pickle fork ($39); Tiffany sterling silver strawberry fork ($195); Sterling silver hollow handled lemon fork ($38)

Clockwise from top left: Whiting 2-pc sterling silver salad serving set ($395); Tiffany 2-pc sterling silver fish serving set ($2200); Continental silver grape shears ($250); Wallace Wild Rose 2-pc sterling silver carving set ($95)

You should not feel that matching everything is a requirement. Maybe each guest could have a different pattern at their place. Special knives or forks with ivory or hollow handles add interest to the setting. Serving pieces can be wonderful focal points with elaborate designs setting off a simpler array of place settings.

Clockwise from top left: Art nouveau pattern on Gorham hollow handled dinner knives sterling silver ($395 for 11 pieces); Frank Whiting sterling silver Palm pattern teaspoons ($125 set of 5); Georg Jensen sterling silver Acorn pattern lunch knife ($130); Alvin Silver Co. sterling silver Orange Blossom pattern teaspoons ($249 set of 6)

There are more areas than flatware to consider for setting an elegant table. Ring in the dinner with a silver bell. Light the table or buffet with silver candlesticks. Serve the beverage from a crystal decanter on a silver tray with a special liquor tag hanging around the neck of the decanter.

Large Swedish silver plate 2-piece salad set ($98); Mango wood salad bowl (small shown $89.95; large not shown $99.95)

Left: Charles Tomae sterling silver Lily dinner bell ($125) • Right: English sterling silver muffineer or sugar caster Nathan-Hayes Chester 1905 ($395)

Left: Cartier sterling silver candle holders with etched hurricane chimneys ($295 pair) • Right: Richard M. Woods Art Deco sterling silver candlesticks ($295 pair)

Sterling silver tray ($1195); Decanter (Sold); Bottle tag

Tea and lunch settings can be elegant as well. They don't call it high tea for nothing.

Gorham sterling silver tea set ($2250)

Colorful table from Sheila Chefetz' Antiques for the Table

Any setting, from elegant to simple, from outdoor soirees to buffets, can be spiffed up by the inclusion of silver napkin rings. Many of these are monogrammed ... so? Often the monogram is as elegant as the design. Or maybe you can match names from these napkin rings with you guests.

Sterling silver monogrammed napkin rings ($45 each)

French Art Deco silver napkin rings - Madame & Monsieur ($95 pair)

Sterling silver Art Nouveau hand engraved napkin rings ($45 each)

Early pewter napkin rings ($38 each)

Rogers, Lunt & Bowen sterling silver napkin clip ($65)

We have a lot of our silver available online, but there are many pieces in the shop that have not made it to our shopping site.

Replacements Ltd. has drawn up this list of the most popular (i.e., top selling) silver patterns. It is interesting that several of these were introduced a century ago and still remain at the top of the list today.

To see images and a bit of history about these patterns click here.

Citrine & Golden Topaz: November's Birthstones

2011-11-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

November has two birthstones ... the golden honey colored stones citrine and topaz. These stones are often confused because their colors are so close. Also, each of these have sister stones that do not qualify as November birthstones. Citrine is a golden form of quartz, whose counterpart is the purple amethyst. (Amethyst is the February birthstone.) Topaz is a more expensive stone than citrine or amethyst whose primary color is a golden honey yellow. Its blue version is not a natural color, rather produced by heating clear stones to change the color to blue. (Blue topaz is an alternate birthstone for December.)

The Romans were thought to be the first to wear yellow quartz, crafting it into cabochons, highly polished but unfaceted cuts of stone set into jewelry. Citrine became quite popular during the Romantic Period, when artisans often favored these warm colored gems to enhance gold jewelry. Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom.

Topaz is associated with constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all wore topaz for its special powers. During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death. Today, the golden yellow topaz, also called precious topaz, is considered a warm, beautiful gemstone that stands for fidelity.

Who first comes to this world below

With drear November's fog and snow

Should prize the topaz' amber hue

Emblem of friends and lovers true

The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" and was set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Another beautiful topaz is in the Green Vault in Dresden which has one of the world's most important gem collections.

Here at Vintages we have several very nice citrine jewelry items. (We do not have any golden topaz pieces at this time.) Here is a gallery of our citrine jewelry.

Sterling silver ring with citrine solitaire ($89)

Hand crafted sterling silver ring with citrine ($89)

Large citrine gemstone pendant ($69)

Fantastic rough cut citrine lariat necklace with keshi pearls and Australian rock opals ($195)

Brilliant 14K gold pendant with citrine, peridot, garnets and amethysts ($95)

While not a piece of jewelry, this distinctive Victorian citrine topped, gold-filled mechanical pencil is never-the-less a beautiful item.

Victorian era (c1870) gold-filled telescoping mechanical pencil with a citrine jewel embedded in the top ($79)

Fall Table Decorations

2011-10-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Fall is the beginning of the entertainment season. Dinners in the dining room, cocktail parties around the coffee table, intimate conversations in front of the fireplace. Simple country style decorations can be elegant or shabby chic. Suit your personality, but wow your guests anyway!

Here at Vintages we have some neat decorative items for your table. Natural pumpkins made of fabric, twigs and leave. Glass leaves, grapes and garlands. Wooden houses that light up.

Come on in and check these out ... and see our Halloween collection as well.

Pumpkins made from natural materials (from $13.95 each)

Fabric pumpkins (from $24.95 each); 6" Calla Lilly garland ($20.95 each)

Small Paperweight Leaves ($3 each) • Sea creatures & flowers also available.

Glass Grape Clusters in several colors ($4.99 each)

Lighted Houses and Bird Houses (from $27.95 each)

Some of these are available online, but as usual we have a much greater selection on display in the shop.

Opal: October's Birthstone

2011-10-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

Opal ... that beautiful, fiery stone that has both intrigued and mystified women for centuries. While many cultures have considered opals a gift from heaven and an omen of good luck, its negative reference in a Sir Walter Scott novel (Anne of Geierstein) in 1929 caused a precipitous drop in opal sales and brought about the fear of bad luck and death from the stone. Queen Victoria did not buy into the superstition, wearing and collecting opals throughout her reign.

Queen Victoria with Opal Bracelet • Photo courtesy of kingopal.com.au

In 1954 the Australian Government presented Queen Elizabeth II with one of the world's most famous opals - the Andamooka Opal (or Queen's Opal). This 203 carat opal is set into a wonderful necklet made of palladium.

Quee Elizabeth II with the Queen's Opal • Photo courtesy of kingopal.com.au

Rene Lalique found opals to his liking for his art nouveau jewelry. Both opal's color and carvability played well with his sinuous designs. Lalique made this diadem in the shape of a mermaid from antique bronze, emeralds and sculpted opal.

Rene Lalique Mermaid Diadem c.1897

The artist who carved the opal pendant on this necklace was a master. Circa 1920, this carved opal leaf pendant is spectacular.

Sculpted Opal Pendant Necklace (Private Collection)

Here at Vintages, we have a small collection of very nice opal jewelry, from antique Victorian bar pins to modernist rings. Here is a selection that are available online.

Opal & Gold-filled Brooches: (clockwise from top left) Revival Opal Bar Pin ($59); Victorian Opal Clover Pin ($95); Victorian Opal & Amber Crystal Bar Pin ($75)

Opal Pendants (L-R: $35 & $22)

Modernist Silver Inlaid with Opal: Earrings and Ring ($69 each)

Arts & Crafts Stickpin with Fiery Opal Cabochon ($49)

For more photos and information about opals visit King Opal, an interesting and informative site from one of the larger Australian opal suppliers.

Handcrafted Jewelry by Anju

2011-09-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Vintages recently added a couple of new lines of handcrafted jewelry. These wonderful pieces are crafted by Anju. Anju is from India, where she was surrounded by that rich culture, captivated by the beauty of her environs and raised in a creative world. Her jewelry is distinctive -- geometric, yet organic -- expressive and detailed. We are proud to offer a wide selection of earrings and necklaces from this Atlanta artist.

All of Anju's jewelry is made of pewter, which is coated with silver, copper or brass to create the distinctive visual effects. These pieces are nickel- and lead-free, and varnished for protection. We have them in stock now at Vintages for only $18.95 each.

Blue Sapphire: September's Birthstone

2011-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sapphire is such a beautiful gemstone. While it comes in a wide variety of colors, blue is by far the most beautiful. Sapphire and ruby are both members of the corundum family of gems. The red colors are called rubies, while the others are denoted as sapphires. The differences in colors are due to the inclusion of impurities. Like rubies, sapphires are very hard, are generally low in flaws, except when needle-like inclusions referred to as silk occur. It is the silk which causes the brilliant six-pointed star effect.

The many colors of sapphires.

Some of the largest faceted gemstones in the world are sapphires. The Smithsonian Institute's National Gem Collection has two spectacular sapphires (among its many gems). One is the Logan Sapphire, a nearly 423 carat sapphire in a brooch setting surrounded by diamonds. The other is the Star of Bombay, a huge star sapphire from Sri Lanka.

Logan Sapphire

Star of Bombay Sapphire

One exceptional feature of sapphires is that an expert craftsman can carve these gemstones to create wonderful images and designs. This carved sapphire dates back to around 1900.

Beautifully carved sapphire.

Vintages has several pieces of excellent sapphire jewelry. I especially love these 1920s bar pins and ring set in hand crafted white gold settings and two of which feature calibre cut sapphires, a favorite of the finest jewelry designers of that era.

Edwardian 18K White Gold Sapphire Ring ($995)

Edwardian Sapphire Jewelry: TL to BR: Ring ($995); 18K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Bar Pin ($395); 14K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Bar Pin ($325)

These earrings are much earlier, probably 1860s or 1870s.

Victorian 20K Gold Earrings with Sapphires & Pearls ($495)

The ring is circa 1970 and is romantically inscribed Amore-Carol 1970.

14K Gold Ring with a Star Sapphire & two Diamonds ($495)

Hattie Carnegie Egyptian Revival Snake Necklace

2011-08-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

I just love over-the-top jewelry. Early Trifari Alfred Philippe designs, Miriam Haskell jewelry, Eisenberg statement brooches, even Lea Stein's celluloid acetate pins. These are some of the best. BUT it is hard to surpass the Egyptian Revival Collection introduced by Hattie Carnegie in the early 1960s. These are hard to find and highly collectible. Bracelets and brooches with scarabs, earrings and rings with bright coral, lapis and turquoise colored enamels, and necklaces with that and a lot more. We have this outlandish snake necklace. What more can be said?

Hattie Carnegie Egyptian Revival Snake Necklace ($695)

Game Boards

2011-08-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

Years ago one of the most popular card games was Tripoli (aka Michigan Rummy). While you could buy a game box with everything in it from the likes of Milton Bradley, the lucky ones among us had Dads that made the boards themselves. Susan's Dad, Mike, made a Tripoli game board from a plywood panel reclaimed from a used crate. It really is cool! And we still have it. Take a look.

Mike's hand made Tripoli game circa 1950s

Here at Vintages we have a small selection of game boards. Some are new, some handmade, others are reproductions. But all of them are great and they are our featured product for August. Note: These are not listed online, but if you contact us, we will send further information.

Handmade Folk Art Checker Board by Peg St. Pierre 1994 ($98)

Handmade Folk Art Parchessi Board by Peg St. Pierre 1994 ($98)

Reproduction Tic-Tac-Toe Board ($59.95)

Reproduction Parchessi Board ($59.95)

Reproduction Ring Toss Board ($59.95)

Handmade Chinese Checkers Game Board ($89)

Artist created Spinning Game Wheel ($295)

Carnelian & Peridot: August's Birthstones

2011-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Carnelian, the traditional and ancient birthstone for August, is a versatile stone, comfortable in antique settings and yet popular in modernist jewelry as well. It is a form of chalcedony, which is basically quartz. Colors range from orange to blood red, the latter being the most prized color.

In jewelry, carnelian is used as beads and cabochons, or carved into wonderful shapes, like scarabs, cameos and the like. I have seen larger pieces carved into small statues, trinket boxes and handles for elaborate tools. It has been prized and used since antiquity when it was sourced off the surfaces of the Egyptian and Arabian deserts.

Carnelian intaglio with a Ptolemaic queen holding a sceptre, decorated with gemstones in a gold frame (1st century BC)

Peridot is an under-rated gemstone. It can be a beautiful bright green gem when faceted or a luscious pale green when displayed as a cabochon. In the 1830's and 1840's peridot was a favored stone, but its popularity truly rose at the end of the 19th century during the aesthetic period of the Victorian era (1890-1901) and the reign of Edward VII of England (1901-1910). The stone is still popular today, as it is a fine "substitute" for emeralds in less costly jewelry, adds an excellent sparkle to jade pieces when such glitz is desired, and is just plain pretty on its own.

Peridot, seed pearl & amethyst pendant in Suffragette colors c1910

We have a nice selection of carnelian and peridot jewelry at Vintages, both online and in the shop. Here is a sampling of our available selection.

Modernist sterling and carnelian earrings ($75)

Modernist sterling, carnelian and lapis pendant ($65)

Victorian mourning watch fob locket onyx & carnelian in 10K gold ($195)

Three carnelian rings in different settings ($49 to $69 each)

Three peridot bracelets: Top to Bottom: Sterling ($135); Sterling ($85); 14K white gold ($585)

14K gold drop earrings with peridot and jade ($245)

Three peridot rings in various settings ($69 to $99 each)

Time for the Beach!

2011-07-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's July ... Beach Time! And Vintages has lots of beachy things in stock. We have shore birds and shells, sailboats and buoys, notepads and jewelry. Take a look.

Wooden oars and buoys, carved shore birds, sailboats with shell sails, shell topped toothpicks.

Hand made paper ephemera sailboats.

Carved wooden shore birds.

Sailboats and wine glasses with blown glass fish stems.

Beachy pitchers and goblets.

Shell stranded door curtain.

Wreath with sea shells and beach grass.

Silver plated sea stars and clam shells on a hand painted shell-themed table.

Reusable organic cotton totes.

Hand carved folk art fish.

Shell themed note pads.

Sterling silver fish pins and jewelry.

Copper 1950s jelly belly fish brooch.

This says it all!

Enjoy July. Walk barefoot on the beach. Feel the sand between your toes. Let the waves tickle your feet. Have fun!

Ruby: July's Birthstone

2011-07-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Not all red stones are rubies, but all rubies are red stones.

Ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of corundum that gets its red color from the presence of chromium in the stone. (Other non-red varieties of gem-quality corundum are sapphires.) The brightest and most valuable rubies are called pigeon blood rubies, which command a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality.

Ruby red is such a regal color that rubies have always been a centerpiece of royal jewelry. From moghuls to French monarchs and aristocracy to movie stars, rubies hold a place of reverence in the world of gemstones. The Crown Jewels of England have some stunning rubies in their collection ... crowns and tiaras, scepters and necklaces. The most famous of these is in the Imperial State Crown, the Black Prince's Ruby.

QEI & QEII wearing the Imperial Crown.

Beautiful ruby and diamond studded tiara.

Rubies and sapphires were favorites of art deco designers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Van Cleef & Arpels from the Set in Style exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in NYC.

Van Cleef & Arpels, also from the Set in Style exhibit.

Fabulous art deco pin from the early 1900s.

Corundum gems, both ruby and sapphire, contain inclusions called silk, which are caused by needle-like crystals in the gemstone. If these line up just right, the famed star-ruby is displayed. These cabochon cut star rubies are highly prized.

Star ruby ring.

We have several lovely pieces of ruby jewelry at Vintages. Here is a gallery of a selection of these jewels.

Victorian 10K gold and ruby bar pin ($195)

Whimsical bug pin of jade, pearl and 14K gold with ruby eyes ($395)

Antique 22K gold earrings with rubies and onyx ($595)

Heart pendant of 18K gold with rubies, sapphires and topaz ($195)

Ruby and diamond ring set in 10K gold ($495)

Ruby and diamond ring set in 18K gold ($895)

Jewelry for the Man in Your Life

2011-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

All too often when we think of jewelry, we think of ladies. But here at Vintages we have not forgotten jewelry for men. The well dressed gentleman sports a variety of adornments from rings and cuff links to tie pins and bracelets. We have a nice variety of all of these items, and more ...

This photo of Benjamin Shambaugh (Founder of the Organization of American Historians) shows the well-dressed man of the early 1900s. He has a tie pin and a French cuff shirt with cuff links. (Photo from our files.)

Two late-Victorian gentlemen. The one on the left is wearing both a tie pin and a tie bar. The man on the right has a watch chain attached to the middle button of his vest.

The Victorian gentleman had many jewelry items from which to choose. We have a collection of watch chains, tie pins and cuff links from the period.

Watch chains made from a variety of metals ($18 to $69 each)

Tie pins or stickpins from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These range in price from $18 to $95, depending on the metal and stone in the design.

A collection of Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Mid-century Modern cuff links (from $42 each)

Tie bars and clasps, rings and cuff links from the mid-20th century are also in our inventory.

Tie bars or clasps (Clockwise from top left: Sterling & gold boot $69; 14k gold & jade $95; Swank cameo $28; Gold-filled picture agate $65)

A selection of men's sized rings in gold and silver with a variety of stones.

See our selection of silver cigarette cases and other accessories.

Sterling silver cigarette cases. L: c1910 Edwardian silver case ($145); R: c1900 Russian Art Nouveau silver case ($496)

In a contemporary vein, we have handcrafted and recent estate pieces, including money clips, key chain knives, belt buckles and gold and silver bracelets.

A collection of key chain folding knives from Santa Fe Stoneworks (from $65 to $75 each)

A selection of money clips, both new hand crafted and vintage (from $22)

One of our bracelets for men. This one is 14k gold with a nugget link design ($2250)

You can view most of the above pieces and more on our online antique shopping site: Vintages on Trocadero.

Pearl: June's Birthstone

2011-06-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

It has been said that pearls are the moon to the diamond's sun. Strings of pearls have graced the necks and garments of kings and queens for centuries. This gem is not produced by the earth, but grown in the shells of simple sea creatures ... oysters and mussels. Natural sea oyster pearls are a rare commodity today. In the 1890s, Kokichi Mikimoto started commercial production of a cultured pearl, made by introducing a small mother-of-pearl bead into a farmed oyster to speed the production of a larger and more symmetrical pearl. Today, 90% of the sea oyster pearls are of the cultured variety.

But the traditional sea oyster pearl is not the only variety of pearl seen in fashion and jewelry, especially in the 20th century. Freshwater pearls and pearls from other mollusks abound. Baroque and misshapen, long and craggy, half pearls, blister pearls and black pearls have graced the jewelry of fashionistas and bargain shoppers alike.

The site, Beadopedia has a fine discussion (with photos) of many of the varieties of pearls seen today. For more information and history about pearls, visit the American Museum of Natural History site.

Pearls are a featured part of the hair decoration of the lady in this 15th century painting, as well as adorning the neck of the Young Woman with a Black Cape, a 17th century portrait by Rembrandt.

Pearls symbolize purity and innocence. They seem to capture the essence of femininity, without restraining individuality. Maybe that is why they have been worn by nearly everyone from queens and princesses, first ladies and little girls, newlyweds and grandmothers.

The perfect pearl necklace is beautiful and simple. Long strings of pearls, short pearl chokers, single or multiple strands of pearls provide variety to fit any personality without giving up the simple beauty of the lustrous gems.

Vintage Cultured Pearl Strands (from $395)

In Victorian times, and into the Edwardian era, there was a trend to use prodigious numbers of seed pearls in jewelry. These tiny pearls were hand strung on horsehair, or later thin threads of silk, onto a mother-of-pearl backing to create jewelry clustered with pearlescent luster and beaded texture. Original pieces are hard to find and somewhat fragile, but they do make a statement!

Victorian Seed Pearl Jewelry

Pearls of various shapes and surface textures bring a whole world of creativity to pearl jewelry for designers and collectors alike. The real winner, of course, are the ladies who love pearls and want variety beyond the traditional string of pearls.

Victorian Pearl Brooches (L: Gold-filled Grapes $85; R: 10k Gold Wishbone $89)

Mary Jo Matsumoto Handbag with Freshwater Pearl Handle (from $175)

Norma Dice Wire Wrapped Peas-in-the-Pod Pendants ($69 to $79 each)

L to R: 14k Gold Keshi Pearl Earrings ($89); 14k Gold Pearl Locket ($395); 14k Gold Cultured Pearl Earrings ($95)

L: 14k Gold Wedding Ring Set with Diamonds and a large Baroque Pearl ($295); R: 14k Gold Ring with Garnets and Seed Pearls ($295)

There are, as you might expect, a plethora of faux pearl jewelry on the market. Some from top designers like Miriam Haskell, Hobe and Trifari are gorgeous in their own right. Mamie Eisenhower was famously in love with her Trifari pearls. Others are done so well that they almost defy distinction from the real thing. But when it comes to birthstones, only true pearls will suffice.

Alexandrite and Moonstone: June's Other Birthstones

2011-06-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

While pearl is the primary birthstone of June, moonstone is also included as one of the contemporary birthstones for June, while alexandrite is June's traditional birthstone.

Moonstones are a member of the feldspar family of stones. It has a beautiful iridescence and occasionally displays a star effect. Moonstone was a popular stone in late-Victorian jewelry and again in the Art & Crafts jewelry. Today's studio jewelers use moonstone in many of their modernistic pieces because of its lovely and lively opalescence.

Alexandrite is a classical stone, discovered in Russia around 1830. These early Russian stones are the most prized because they have a strong color change from grass green in daylight to a rich red in artificial light. While alexandrites from other locations display this same color change phenomena, they do not swing across the color spectrum as much as the Russian specimens do.

Handcrafted Tags, Cards and Notes

2011-05-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hand made tags by Susan (from 99c each)

Hallmark cards are fine, but when you want to say something special, carefully handcrafted cards are the right touch. Whether you make it yourself or get one from a local artist, it is still special. We carry a number of cards, tags and notes crafted by local artists and individual crafts-people from around the country. While some of these are made in multiples, most are one-of-a-kind creations. We also have lots of ephemera, special paper, images and crafting accessories to help you make your own. Take a look -- we do not have many of these pieces available online. So come in to the shop, or send us an email and we can send photos and details.

Glittered Tags ($7.95 each)

Glittered Letter and Crown Tags ($6.95 and $7.95 each)

Packets of Ephemera, Great "Card" for a Crafter ($12.95 each)

Hand made Tags by Susan ($2.95 to $3.95 each)

Cards and Tags by Susan (from 99c each)

We have a number of very special hand crafted tags by Tricia's Ribbons and Fine Things. These are large enough to be cards or works of art and each has a removable tag in an envelope on the back. All are one-of-a-kind creations.

Selection of Tricia's Tags ($12.95 each)

Tricia's Tag showing envelope on the back.

A few more of Tricia's Tags ($12.95 each)

This is a stationery box, hand crafted and selected by Tricia. It's like an ephemera fantasy. ($89 with all the contents)

The selection of decorative paper and ephemera at Vintages is excellent. We have everything from hand made paper to crafting accessories to artist transfer paper to ephemera packets filled with doo-dads and treasures. All so you can make your own card, tag or note.

Several years ago we acquired these hand made bridge tallies. These are from the 1950s or so. Alas, these are from our personal collection and are not for sale. But you can drop in and check them out in the shop.

Emerald: May's Birthstone

2011-05-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Emerald green ... darker than the new green leaves of spring and the lovely apples of fall ... a gorgeous, rich, velvety green that captivates and allures. Emeralds have been considered special since ancient times. Top quality emeralds can be more valuable than diamonds, and definitely more scarce. While emeralds have been found in many places around the globe, today's finest emeralds come from the mines of Colombia.

Emerald is a fairly hard, but brittle stone. Unlike diamonds, emeralds are rarely ever free of inclusions and fissures. In fact, these defects form the famed jardin of an emerald when looked at under low power magnification. To conceal the fissures, almost all emeralds are impregnated with oil. Such treatment is not considered a detriment to the value of the gem.

Here's a good look at the emerald jardin under two different magnifications. Photo courtesy of All About Gemstones, an excellent website for research about gems, their structure, origin and history.

One beautiful aspect of emeralds is that many have been expertly carved through the years. These carved specimens create a genre of jewelry beyond the beautiful faceted gems that we normally see.

Cartier Pin with a Carved Emerald Gem (1920s)

Alas, we have just a few pieces of emerald jewelry here at Vintages. While we have many items with lovely light green peridots and several with emerald green glass or crystal, all beautiful in their own right, but still not emeralds. Jewelry with exotics green jade and classic chrysoprase are also wonderful, whether carved or left as cabochons. But emerald jewelry is a class unto itself. Here is some of the emerald jewelry that we have at this time.

Emerald & Diamond Pendant in 14K Setting and Chain ($145)

Edwardian Gold-filled Brooch with Emerald ($95)

Emerald & Diamond Ring in 14K Gold Setting ($295)

Happy Easter • Happy Spring

2011-04-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and Easter is in a few weeks. What better way to enjoy the Spring than with bunnies, chicks, Easter eggs and Spring flowers. We have a lot of bright and cheery Spring and Easter gifts and decorations in stock. As well as crafting treasures, both vintage and new for the creative crafters out there. We also have a selection of wicker and wire baskets ... stuff them with excelsior and Easter grass (from us, of course!) and you have the perfect presentation for Spring flowers, Easter eggs or gourmet goodies.

Handcrafted Rabbits ($23.95 to $49.95 each)

Eggs, Baskets, Boxes of Bunnies (Starting at $9.95 each)

Handmade Folk Art Bunny Rabbit Dolls ($39.95 each)

Bunny-Carrot Picks ($4.95 each)

Bunny Basket ($14.95) and "Gold" Egg Container ($7.95)

Bright Egg Ornaments ($6.50 & $7.50 each)

Glass Eggs ($3.49 each)

Spring Corner of our Shop

Handmade Mulberry Paper Flowers

Giant Paper Flowers (from $13.95 each)

Handmade Mulberry Paper Flowers in a Few Sizes ($0.95 to $5.95 each)

Beautiful Ribbons by the Yard

Be creative. Be different. Always something wonderful and unique at Vintages.

Diamond: April's Birthstone

2011-03-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

How lucky is the lady born in April? With diamonds as her birthstone, why would she want anything else? After all, as Marilyn Monroe so breathlessly sang in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes ...

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental
But diamonds are a girl's best friend

...

Diamonds ... Diamonds
I don't mean rhinestones

But diamonds are a girl's best friend

Diamond Solitaire 14K Gold Engagement Rings ($695 to $995 each)

Diamonds have been treasured for their brilliance and beauty for many centuries. When diamonds became a part of our lives is unclear but where they entered is completely certain -- in India. An old Indian text from the 4th century BC notes that diamonds were known, traded and even taxed in India at that time. The Romans treasured diamonds and examples of Roman diamond jewelry can be found in several museums.

The European love of diamonds was subdued after the fall of the Roman Empire, as Christianity took a dim view of the Roman's superstitions about diamonds. Contrary to the European situation, the gem maintained its popularity in the Indian and Islamic world, reappearing in Europe in the 14th century.

Two gold rings with old diamonds that were re-set in the 1940s. Left: Old European cut diamonds ($2295). Right: Old table cut diamonds ($975).

Early diamonds were simply polished crystals, but when the diamond industry revived in Europe, the process of cutting and polishing diamonds was established. (FYI: Indian artisans not only polished diamond crystals, but had learned to cleave, cut and polish diamonds early on.) The history of diamond cuts is an interesting one. The brilliant cut which we are all familiar with today, did not emerge until the 19th century. The earliest cuts were the pyramid and table cuts. Today we also hear much of "old mine cut" and "old European cut" diamonds used in 19th century jewelry.

Victorian Jewelry with center Diamonds. Gold-filled Locket ($95) and 14K Gold Pin with Enamel Decoration ($165)

Old mine cut diamonds in enamel pansies. These were re-set in 14K gold in early the 1940s into these gorgeous pieces ($2950 each)

Diamonds have also produced many unique and whimsical sayings through the years:

• Diamonds never leave you ... men do. (Shirley Bassey)
• I don't exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor. (Joan Rivers) • I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself! (Mae West)

• I never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back. (Zsa Zsa Gabor)

Art Nouveau-style 14K Gold Rings. Left is a wedding set with a large fresh water pearl ($295). Right is a floral designed ring ($695)

Over the years, famous diamonds have been given names. Some of the most well-known gems are the Blue Hope diamond (which is in the Smithsonian), the Taylor-Burton diamond (a gift from Richard Burton to his lover Elizabeth Taylor) and the great Star of Africa diamond (the largest cut diamond in the world).

Taylor-Burton Diamond

Hope Diamond

Great Star of Africa Diamond

While here at Vintages, we do not have any of these great, famous stones, we do have several wonderful pieces of diamond jewelry. The gallery below features jewelry that have diamonds without other gems in the setting. However, we have a number of lovely pieces that feature diamonds with gems such as blue topaz, rubies, emeralds, garnets and more. Check out our online selection, and stop in the shop to see more.

Platinum and Diamond Bracelet ($1995)

14K Gold Brooch with Diamonds and Carved Rock Crystal ($695)

Multi-colored Gold Cross with center Diamond ($245)

18K White Gold Ring with Diamonds and center Turquoise Cabochon ($1295)

Online References:• History of Diamonds • Famous Diamonds • Historical Diamond Cuts

A Little Bird Told Me ...

2011-03-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

A little bird told me ... it's the start of Spring (almost) and the birds are as happy as we are. So we thought it appropriate to have birds as our March Featured Product.

bird |bərd| • noun • a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings and a beak, and (typically) by being able to fly.

Birds seem to have fascinated man right from the start. Maybe it is their ability to fly. Or their beautiful plumage, especially of the males in mating season. Or could it be that they are soooooo cute!

And birds have found a place in many of our favorite colloquialisms:

birds of a feather flock together

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

the birds and the bees

kill two birds with one stone

a little bird told me

We recently came across these fantastic folk art birds made of reclaimed wood, tin and such. These are made just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and clearly come from the imagination and hand of an artistic person.

Folk art birds ($59.95 each)

Feathery bird ornaments are a happy sight all year 'round. These little white ones are just a sample of the colors and styles that we have available.

Ornamental birds (from $8.95 each)

Hand crafted wreath with bird on nest (from $29.95)

We have paper birds (decorative paper, tags, die cuts, notebooks), bird figurines, bird ribbon (check out the new wide birds on burlap!), paperweights, wall hangings, and more. And don't forget bird jewelry! Here's a small gallery of our offerings.

Decorative papers (starting at $4.50 per sheet)

Bird tags, labels and sticky notes (from $14.95 each)

Bird dish ($35.95), Bird nest vase ($13.95), Hand-made bird box ($17.95), Folk art bird on the line ($59.95)

Folk art metal sandpipers ($64.95 & $84.95)

Bird paperweight ($44.95)

Burlap bird wired ribbon 4" wide ($4.95 per yard)

Folk art Party Chicks wooden wall plaque ($49.95)

Birds, birdhouses and beach accents.

Audubon bird prints ($18.00 each)

Rustic bird nests and houses on branch ($7.95 each)

Tiny bird cages ($9.95 each); "Love" bird ($7.95 each)

Coro Bird of Paradise Duette Double Clip Brooch from 1940s ($245)

Girl with Basket and Bird (One only - inquire)

Aquamarine & Bloodstone: March's Birthstones

2011-03-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

March is one of the months where the traditional and modern birthstones are different. The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, that beautiful sea-blue gemstone which is a member of the beryl family (as is emerald). Aquamarine, named for the Latin phrase water of the sea, shows off lovely shades of blue, from sky-blue to sea-blue. It is a versatile stone and is cut into many shapes and used in a wide variety of jewelry. This is a gorgeous gemstone for that lucky March baby.

Beautiful Modernist Aquamarine ring set in 14K gold ($195)

Bloodstone, the traditional birthstone of March, is a dark green chalcedony with specks of red jasper. (Chalcedony is a crystalline form of quartz.) Bloodstone, which is also known as heliotrope, got its name from the belief that it was a stone from below the cross of Christ, whose blood dropped upon it. Bloodstone is said to help with physical endurance and strength, so is often considered a man's gemstone as a result. It is often mixed with other forms of agate or quartz in necklaces, and is used with Scottish agate in traditional Scottish jewelry.

Edwardian Sterling Silver horn-shaped earrings from Birmingham, England (1905), with Bloodstone caps (SOLD)

Stone bead necklace, with a variety of agate and quartz beads, including bloodstone ($65)

We only have these few pieces of jewelry (above) with these stones here at Vintages, but I have included some archival photos to give you a feel for the beauty of these two birthstones.

Fantasy dragonfly pendant with aquamarine stone

Over-the-top Art Deco pendant with diamonds & aquamarines

Large aquamarine stone surrounded by diamonds

Victorian watch fob with a bloodstone center

Traditional Scottish jewelry

Arts & Crafts ring with a bloodstone set in gold

Hearts • Murano Glass, Limoges, Jewelry & more

2011-02-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

It just seems appropriate to feature hearts in February. After all, Valentine's Day is February 14th! Of course, hearts are not just for Valentines. Any special occasion is made more personal with hearts ... as a gift, as part of the table decoration, nestled on a pillow, or attached to a card. But you really do not need a special time or place to give a heart. Do it "just because."

We always carry a nice selection of heart gifts and jewelry, as well as hearts for crafting and collecting. Here is a gallery some of the many hearts we currently have in the shop.

Handmade paper hearts and fans; felt heart stickers; heart die-cuts

Wonderful handmade hearts and fans ($9.95 - $14.95 each)

Die-cuts of heart & flowers (99 cents each)

Murano Glass Gold Leaf Hearts ($22.95 & 48.95)

Heart Pendants ($12.95 - $19.95 each)

Heart Limoges Boxes are Hand Made in France ($103 to $199 each)

Victorian Lockets, many with Hearts (starting at $59 each)

Remember, we have some of these items online, and many more in our shop in Los Gatos. Call, email or stop in!

Amethyst: February's Birthstone

2011-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:00


Victorian Amethyst & Pearl Pin

Amethyst is a form of quartz that has impurities that give it a royal violet color. Other impurities in quartz create some other semi-precious gemstones, but amethyst is always a shade of violet or purple. It's color ranges from a pinkish violet to a dark purple with flashes of red. Generally, the darker the color, the more prized is the gem.

The name derives from an ancient Greek word meaning intoxication. It was believed that wearing amethyst, or drinking from a vessel carved out of amethyst, would prevent drunkenness. Ah, would that were true! Mysticism aside, amethyst is a beautiful gemstone. It is also beautiful in its crystalline form, which is not uncommon and frequently seen in geodes.

At Vintages we have a nice selection of amethyst jewelry, including some lovely rings, brooches and pendants. Most of these are available online.

A Variety of Amethyst Rings ($79 - $95 each)

Amethyst Ring set in 14k Gold ($345)

Amethyst Ring set in 14k Gold ($365)

Amethyst Ring and 14k Gold Bracelets

A Luscious Victorian Amethyst & 14k Gold Pendant ($365)

Modernist Butterfly Amethyst Earrings ($95)

Contemporary Amethyst & Silver Dragonfly Pin ($65)

A couple of Amethyst Crosses (starting at $59 each)

Scottish Silver Brooch ($79)

Red Garnet: January's Birthstone

2011-01-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

Garnets were a favorite gemstone of the Victorians who especially enjoyed their dark red color. Other stones, such as rubies and red spinels have beautiful reds, but at a price. Garnets have served a very versatile place in jewelry through the years in cost, cut and color. It is a bit softer than the other red stones, allowing interesting and unique cuts, from traditional round, oval, baguette and emerald cuts to cabochons, hearts and birds. Bohemian cut garnets (and garnet glass as well), which is cut a bit rough like old rose cut diamonds, are often clustered in groups making a fantastic display.

Bohemian Garnet Bar Pin $95.00

Color-wise, there are four groups of garnet. The dark red stones (often called carbuncles, rhodolite or Bohemian) are the ones we normally recognize as garnets. But there are garnets that are yellowish-brown-red (hessonite or spessartine), colorless (which are usually synthetic, such as YAG or GAG gemstones), and green (tsavrite and the spectacular demantoid garnets). The photo below, from Keith Wallis' excellent book, Gemstones, shows the variety of colors of this versatile gem.

Red garnet is the January birthstone on pretty much all the birthstone charts. We have a nice selection of garnet jewelry, from bracelets to pendants, rings and brooches. Happy Birthday January!

Victorian Garnet Bar Pins ($65.00 to $125.00)

Bohemian Garnet and Garnet Glass Brooches ($65.00 to $195.00)

Garnet Rings, Earrings and Pendants ($65.00 to $295.00)

Magnifying Glasses

2010-12-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

Desk Set $69.95

These aren't just your Dad's magnifiers. We have a large selection of magnifying glasses, including some nice sets for the desktop. These are great gifts because they are decorative as well as useful. Stamp collectors, entomologists, librarians, autograph hounds, miniature book collectors, cartographers, and just folks who need help seeing all use magnifying glasses. We have bone and horn handled magnifiers, lenses with vintage beads to hang like a necklace, and desk sets as well.

Magnifiers L to R: $43.95 • $32.95 • $43.95

Letter Opener & Magnifier Set $49.95 • Compasses $23.95 to $26.95 each

Telescope in Box $43.95

Magnifier, Compass & Telescope in Box $75.95

Magnifying Glasses $32.95 each

These smaller Magnifiers are easy to hold $43.95 each

Unique Optical Lens Magnifiers with Vintage Beads & Ribbon $19.95 each

Limoges Porcelain Box with Magnifier on Book $212.00

This Magnifying Glass has a Hand Carved Horn Fish Handle $39.95

Some of these are available online, but most are only available in the shop. But feel free to contact us about any of these, as we can ship anywhere for you.

Stocking Stuffers & Little Somethings

2010-11-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year. While it's fun to surprise someone with a "perfect" gift, I really enjoy finding that "little something" that fits in the Christmas stocking. We try to have lots of little gifts that truly fit that concept - small, different and wonderful. At Vintages you can spend around $5 for a decorative tweezers or a package of beads. Or you can splurge on a pair of diamond earrings or a Victorian brooch. Have it your way ... we'll supply the inspiration, you make the choice.

Here are some of the stocking stuffers we have available, and there's more in the shop, so come on over.

Hand sewn angels, snowmen and Santas (Starting at $21.95)

Vintage Bracelets (From $24.00)

Hanging Pillow Sachets ($9.95) • Charms & Pendants ($12.95 - $24.95)

Super Cookie Cutters ($5.49 each)

Hanging Mini Frames ($21.95) • Plus Many Other Frame Options in Stock

Red Mercury Glass Hearts ($11.95) • Milagros Heart Lockets ($14.95)

Lela Belle Murano Glass & Sterling Silver Charms ($24.95 each)

Large Variety of Stocking Stuffers for the Man in Your Life

Inlaid Wood and Stone Knives and Money Clips (Starting at $22.95)

Silver Solder Pendants and Charms (From $12.95)

Purse Mirrors ($14.95) • Tweezers ($4.95) • Keys ($7.95) • Hearts ($14.95) • Pewter Charms ($1.79)

Votive Candle Holders ($8.95 - $9.95)

Mini Easels ($4.49) • Mini Canvases ($3.49)

Tiny Treasures Beads ($5.95) • Alphabet Beads ($4.49)

Vintage Red Little Leather Library Classic Books ($10.00 each)

Clothespins with Printed Words ($3.79 per package of 5 pins)

Quality Paper Notes from France, Spain, Italy and America

VintageLetterpress Blocks ($3.00 each) • Metal Number Plates (From $1.69)

Ribbon Packages ($3.95 - $5.95)

Vintage Toys and Games

2010-10-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Toys from bygone years have a tremendous appeal for us. Some bring back memories of childhood, others a recollection of a simpler time, or maybe we just like them. We have a nice selection of toys, games, children's books and gadgets both in our shop and online. The items change frequently but here's a sampling of what is available at this time.

Candy Containers and Dispensers from the 1950s to 1970s ($28 to $45)

Victorian Table Top Croquet Set in Original Wicker Case ($195)

Hawaiian and Indian Dolls and Wind-ups ($55 to $95)

Miniature Doll-sized Tea Sets ($139 in silver • $55 in ironstone)

Vintage Blocks, Wooden Letters, Spinning Tops and more (Starting at $1 each)

Collectible Playing Cards ($10 to $70)

Children's Games and Books (Starting at $9)

Dollhouse Miniature Tin Litho Dining Set ($58)

Vintages' Holiday Open House • Nov. 6th

2010-09-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Save the Date ...

Vintages will hold its
Annual Holiday Open House
on Saturday, November 6th.

Special Offers • Refreshments • Prize Drawing

And we will be unveiling our complete

Christmas Holiday Collection!

Come join us and have some fun and kick off the Holidays.

Santos • Carved Statues of Saints and Angels

2010-09-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Santo is a traditional Mexican genre of sculpture, carvings in wood or ivory of saints, angels, or other religious figures. Santo comes from the Spanish word meaning "saint". The Spanish colonials in America carved these statues as part their own religious worship and to help convert the Native Americans to Catholicism. Images were central to their education and understanding of the saints angels.

The early Santos were probably imitations of Spanish Baroque statues carved by priests. Later Santos were influenced by native styles, incorporating themes, dress and articles of local significance. These popular figures were found in home altars, shrines and churches.

Large standing Santo with movable arms and legs. ($325.00)

Santos are normally full figures, usually standing, but busts and half-figures on cages are not uncommon. The figures with the cages were traditionally dressed by the local ladies with costumes to celebrate different holy days.

Santo bust atop a vintage tapestry. (Santo $79.95; Tapestry $195.00)

Originally common throughout Latin America and other areas of the world that were colonized by the Spanish and Portuguese, the tradition of Santo carving continues as a folk art in parts of New Mexico.

Decorated bottle w/rosary ($195.00), Prayer books ($45.00-245.00)

Carved hearts ($59.95 & $79.95), Jeweled heart ($45.95), Burlap bean bags ($11.95), Vintage shoe form ($19.95)

We recently added a number of Santos and other carved and religious items. The Santos are contemporary reproductions of the traditional statues that are meticulously recreated. We offer these in our shop, along with our selection of vintage religious medals, crosses, rosaries and prayer books. (See an earlier post about Rosaries, Prayer Books & Religious Medals).

Rosaries and Prayer books

Angels on stands ($29.95)

Standing Santo ($139.00) and Hand painted cabinet ($89.00)

Votive candle holders ($7.95 & $8.95), Jeweled heart ($45.95), Decorated crown ($65.00

Crowns • Jewelry, Decorative Accents and More

2010-08-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

That was her crowning glory ... They were crowned champions ... The crown jewels ... The Triple Crown of horse racing ... You complete a project with the crowning touch ... Crowns depict the pinnacle of success, the top of the line and the peak of performance. Crowns are worn by royalty, kings and queens, while princesses and brides are adorned with tiaras.

Crown themed brooches were popular in the mid-1900s and are quite collectible today.

Vintage crown pins and pendants range from $39 to $65 each.

Silver charms on chains or ribbons create wonderful bracelets or necklaces.

Solder pendants $19.95 each including ribbon.

Crowns always make an elegant statement as an accent in interior design, whether as a table top decoration, a piece of wall art or a floor rug.

Silver & gold resin crowns $14.95 each.

Bamboo mat in a variety of designs $29.95 each.

Hand crafted projects are given that touch of royalty with miniature crown pendants and charms.

Mini crown for crafting and jewelry making $2.25 each.

At Vintages, we always carry a variety of crown-themed product. Some of these are available online. For others that we have, if you contact us we can send photos and descriptions of other crowns that we have in stock.