Thursday, March 31, 2011

Maker's Mark: G.L.P.

I'm planning to use this blog to share information that I find while researching marks and signatures on the back of vintage pieces.

One of the pieces that I picked up recently is an Amethyst brooch with the initials G.L.P on the back of the clasp.

It took a while for me to find any information, because this company was not very big, nor was it in business for very long, but here's what I found:

"The George L. Paine Company was founded in Attleboro, Massachusetts shortly after the turn of the twentieth century. They produced solid gold and gold filled pieces according to the book American Jewelry Manufactures by Dorothy Rainwater on page 184." (Item listing on Amazing Adornments)

"The George L. Paine Company of Attleboro, MA was in business from 1909-1922." (Item listing on Worthpoint)

And finally:

"G.L.P., or G.L.P.CO, is the hallmark for George L Paine & Company. Founded in 1909 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, and last known in business in 1922. Their products were mostly solid gold, 10k gold front and gold-filled jewellery. Marks used on jewellery - G.L.P., G.L.P.CO, GLP, GLP CO." (Vintage Cove)

The first quote has given me a resource to check out from the library. It's on my request list from inter-library loan.  Once I get it, I'll try and put more information up on this company. 

Until then, you can check out the brooch at my Etsy store.  G.L.P Art Nouveau or Edwardian Amethyst Brooch

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Do you like Mysteries?

Here's a mystery for you.  What is this piece?  It has no hardware on the back and no markings to show that hardware ever existed.  As you can tell, it's got some fantastic artistry to it with all that wire roping. 


Visit the Etsy Listing for more information on this piece.

Isn't it so cool???

Why I love Vintage

It's so cool!

The pieces are usually very different from anything you'll find in "mall-world" and they have such personality.  Just like jewelry at the mall, there are different price points in vintage jewelry.  So no matter what your budget you can find pieces you like and can afford. 

Most of the pieces are well made.  As evidence in the fact they've made it this long, many vintage jewelry pieces are simply constructed better than modern pieces.  Let's face it, quality has dropped as companies have lowered standards inorder to raise profits.

Speaking of price point, the other thing with vintage jewelry is that its collectible.  So when you're ready to move up in price-point, you can always re-sell the jewelry you have in order to buy more of what you want.  There are all sorts of collectors out there.

Here's one of my favorite pieces in my collection right now.  This little heart pin I bought recently at a local antique store for $5.00.  It was labeled as purple glass and "antique."  Turns out it is a genuine amethyst, with a gold plated over silver setting, and is worth over $100.  Beyond the fabulous bargain, I wear it because it makes me smile...and that's what good jewelry should do.  It should make you feel pretty and make you smile.  I happen to find that joy in Vintage jewelry.


I have two pieces very similar in appearance to this on sale at my Etsy store. One is a GLP signed brooch, and the other is unsigned, but still gorgeous!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

What the heck is a Pink Astilbe?

Welcome to Pink Astilbe Vintage! I'm so glad that you've found us and want to know more.

First of all, an explanation. It's pronounced "Uh-still-bee" and its a flower that grows in my garden.

When I started my Etsy store, I had to come up with a user name that would also be part of my URL. Originally, I was making beaded jewelry and thought that it was good enough to sell. My first ideas, things like "beads-r-us" or "beading-chick" were taken, which ended up being a good thing. My hand-made jewelry was nice enough that people smiled at me and liked them as gifts, but honestly, no one would pay for them.

Regardless, I still needed a name. I spent a good couple of hours staring at the screen trying to come up with a great name. I finally sighed, leaned back in my chair and stared vacantly out the window at my garden. What was in bloom? Roses? All the possible combinations with "rose" in the name was taken. Sweet Woodruff? Taken. Creeping Charlie? Too creepy. Finally my eyes settled on the fluffy puffs of the Pink Astilbe in bloom underneath my gnarly old tree.

Aha! Pink Astilbe! Unique enough that no one would likely have it and, luckily for me, vague enough that when I switched from trying to sell my not quite right handmade jewelry to sharing my love of vintage jewelry (and subsequently funding my vintage jewelry habit) it made the switch with me.

Here's a picture of a Pink Astilbe flower for your reference.

Anyway, the purpose of this blog is to share my love of vintage jewelry, information that I've learned about vintage jewelry from my own research, and increase awareness of my store. Look for further posts with new listings, announcements of sales and even hints about finding good pieces! -PAV