Identifying And Wearing Antique And Vintage Brooches
Estate sales and antique shops both offer the opportunity to see, handle and purchase antique and vintage jewelry. Collectors frequently discover amazing pieces that have a unique style and beauty. Earring, necklaces and rings typically sell first due to their popularity. One item that is often overlooked is the brooch. For many years this accessory was viewed as "grandma jewelry" and ignored. This is changing as more women are realizing that these sparkling items are not only beautiful but useful as well. Antique and vintage brooches from popular makers are seen by many collectors as treasures that are useful for more than taking up space in a jewelry box.
Discovering Brooch Makers
There are many early twentieth-century brooch makers that created astoundingly beautiful pins. Trifari, Eisenberg and Hobe are three of the top names to look for when shopping for quality vintage brooches.
Trifari began making costume jewelry in the 1920s and was established and operated by the son of an Italian immigrant. Their most collectible pieces were those designed by Alfred Philippe from about 1930 until the late 1960s.
Eisenberg was in business for about 20 years as a clothing designer before they began crafting jewelry. Eisenberg Ice - crystal brooches known for their sparkle - are popular with many collectors. The company also offers playful and colorful enamel and rhinestone brooches in many fun designs like birds and holiday themes.
Hobe began in Paris in the 1880s and was introduced to American consumers in the early part of the 1900s. The reputation of the company grew in the 1940s and 1950s when Hollywood began adorning wardrobes with the accessories. Their brooches are known for their glamor, elegance and striking combinations of brilliantly colored gems.
Wearing Brooches Confidently
There are no rules about how to wear a brooch. It is easy to incorporate these beautiful art pieces into nearly any ensemble. Use a brooch to emblazon a blazer, keep a scarf in place or add glamor to a little black dress. Decorate any type of top, include on a winter or fall jacket or top off a basic hat.
Brooches are a wonderful option for a new collector. They are easy to find at thrift shops, estate sales and antique shops. Many art galleries include valuable antique and vintage brooches in their jewelry exhibits and this makes it easy for people to see firsthand examples of what some of the most valuable pieces look like.
