Bygones Vintage Clothing

Many people categorize Victorian jet jewelry as mourning jewelry, and that is often not the case. While it is true that jet -- especially the matte variety -- was used in a number of Victorian mourning jewelry pieces, it also was considered quite trendy and fashionable for the time.

This dazzling necklace is a prime example of just how à la mode jet can be!

Comprised of hand carved wheel shaped jet beads with sparkling pyrite centers, each bead is wire wrapped and connected to the next. A larger, wire wrapped pendant dangles from the center.

Pyrite was often used as a substitute for diamonds and adored for its ability to sparkle in low light.

Wearing pyrite (aka fool's gold) is thought to be good for your physical and mental health. It is also believed to help stabilize your mood and promote positive thinking.

Jet beads are attached to a 12k gold filled chain that fastens with a spring ring.

Measurements

Necklace Length: 18"

Pendant Drop: 1"

Markings: 1/20 12k GF

Condition: Good
Jet and pyrite are both fragile in nature and both tend to crack and chip easily. A number of the jet pieces are chipped, cracked or have dings and all of them have surface scratches. This is very common with jet jewelry. A few of the pyrite pieces also are chipped (See photos). None of the pieces are cracked all the way through and the necklace itself is structurally sound and wearable. But we do recommend wearing it with care given the delicate nature of jet in general. Priced accordingly.

One look at this beautiful, celestial locket and you would swear it was plucked out of the night sky!

Set with two luminescent mother of pearl cabochons, this eye-catching hinged locket practically glows when it moves. It really is quite striking.

Locket is gold plated and is attached by Albert clasp to a lovely 12k gold filled rope chain necklace with a delicate fleur de lis adjustable slide.

Such a sweet, romantic piece!

Measurements

Chain Length: 30"

Locket Size: 1" x 1"

Marked: 1/20th 12k

Condition: Very Good
Necklace and locket have light surface scratches and patina consistent with age and use. Some of the plating is starting to come off the locket and it looks like a new catch was soldered on at some point as it is a little messy. These flaws are only noticeable under close, magnified inspection. Does not detract. Priced accordingly.

Feminine with an air of romance, it is easy to see why Edwardian era rings are our most popular engagement rings.

Fashioned in 14 white gold, this striking ring features a beautiful 10 point Old European cut diamond in an unusual hexagon shaped setting that is surrounded by intricate metal lacework.

Truly a breathtaking ring!

Measurements

Size: 5 1/2
Carat Weight: 1/10 CT
Total Weight: 2.08g

Marked: None

Condition: Very Good
Metal has light surface scratches consistent with age and wear. Shank is slightly out of round. There looks like there may have been some scrollwork detailing on the shoulders but most of it has worn off with years of wear. All of these flaws are typical of an antique piece and do not detract. Priced accordingly.

A symbol of rebirth, victory over death, the joys of heaven, and happiness, images of grapes are often utilized in Christian funeral rites.

Fashioned in shiny black molded French jet -- which is neither French, nor jet but just a fancy European-made black glass -- this beautiful brooch features three dimensional grapes and leaves shaped into a pseudo heart shape.

Brooch fastens with a C catch.

Measurements

Width: 1 1/16"
Length: 1 1/2"

Marked: None

Condition: Good
There are numerous small chips around the edge of the piece. The most notable being at the top of of the right side grape leaf. Most chips are on the back and not overly noticeable from the front. Does not overly detract. Priced accordingly.

While most people equate the rise of mourning jewelry with Queen Victoria, it actually predates the widow of Windsor by more than 200 years.

The 17th century was a time riddled with pestilence and death. Diseases ran rampant; many children were dying. Death was on the forefront of everyone's mind and was reflected in the macabre images of memento mori jewelry, a popular jewelry style of the period. Decorated with skeletons and skulls, memento mori jewelry was donned to remind the wearer that they too will die one day. 

However, people's views on death and mourning began to change around 1649 following the execution of King Charles I of England. Many loyalists wanted to show their sympathy and support for the fallen king and commissioned jewelers to make pieces designed with Stuart crystal (the king was of the House of Stuart) with a portrait of the king underneath.

This began a trend among the wealthy elite to have mourning pieces commissioned to remember lost loved ones and also marked the shift from memento mori to mourning jewelry. (Though it really was Queen Victoria who popularized the trend.)

This lovely ring is dated 1830, which is right at the tail end of the Georgian period. It is crafted in rosy 14k gold with a central glass compartment surrounded by tiny seed pearls.

Inside the compartment is a tiny piece of fabric with metallic copper thread. The original owner of the piece said the ring initially had a lock of hair under the glass, but the family thought it was unsightly, so the hair was removed and replaced with the fabric swatch.

The back of the ring bears the inscription: "J.B.M. obit. 5 Meÿ 1830"

This is a wonderful collector piece for any antique jewelry lover!

Measurements

Width: 3/4"
Height: 1/2"
Size: 8 3/4
Weight: 2.61g

Marked: There is a partial number and letter stamp on the outside of the shank, but we cannot make out what they say.

Condition: Very Good
Ring and glass has light surface scratches and patina consistent with age and use. Does not detract.

Founded in 1943, it didn't take long for Louis Kramer and his two brothers to create a high class costume jewelry empire known to the world as Kramer of New York.

Coveted for their interesting, limited number designs, Kramer pieces utilized only the highest quality materials including Austrian rock crystals, gilded metal with black enamel, artificial pearls and faux semi precious stones.

One look at a Kramer piece and it's easy to see why it caught the eye of Christian Dior.

Kramer and Dior teamed up in the 1950s with Kramer creating luxury jewelry lines under the Dior umbrella. Given Dior's immense popularity -- following the 1947 release of his "New Look" collection -- Kramer's Dior line was much more expensive than his namesake line.

This exquisite piece features all of the Kramer trademarks: large, brilliant Austrian crystals, artificial pearls, gilded metal, and a design to complement any couture Dior piece!

Necklace is signed Christian Dior by Kramer and fastens with an adjustable hook clasp.

Measurements

Necklace Length: 13" to 17"
Pendant Drop: 1 1/2"

Marked: Christian Dior by Kramer

Condition: Very Good
Necklace has light surface scratches and patina consistent with age and wear. Does not detract. Priced accordingly.

The birthstone for the month of February, amethyst has been considered a prized gem for centuries.

A favorite among royals, bishops and saints, the word amethyst derives from the Greek word amethustos, meaning sober. It was said that wearing amethyst could prevent a person from getting excessively drunk and would keep the wearer's mind still and sober.

Throughout history, amethyst was thought to have many different attributes -- all of them good -- including controlling evil thoughts, strengthen intelligence, protect from contagious diseases, encourage calm, bravery and contemplation and to bring forth the highest and purest aspirations of human kind.

We can't guarantee that this ring will keep you from getting drunk or make you smarter, but we can guarantee that it will turn some heads!

Created by the highly sought after American design house F & F Felger, who notably designed for Cartier and Tiffany, this exquisite ring is set in 14k yellow gold and features a jaw dropping 18mm x 12mm oval cut amethyst.

This piece is one for the collection!

Measurements

Length: 3/4"
Width: 5/8"
Height: 3/16"
Size: 5 3/4

Marked: 14k, FFF hallmark

Condition: Very Good
Amethyst has a few faint surface abrasions that are consistent with age and wear. It also has a natural inclusion that runs 3/4 of the way across the inside of the stone. This is naturally forming and not a defect. Priced accordingly.

Throughout time, anchors have traditionally been seen as a symbol of hope. Sometimes it represents a general faith that all will be well through divine will and sometimes it is a more specific wish for the welfare of someone away at sea. This gorgeous cameo ring is not only full of hope, but also has a little bit of lady luck on its side.

Designed by Josiah Wedgwood in 1770 in his iconic blue and white jasperware -- an unglazed, matte stoneware -- this striking ring features the Greek goddess of luck and fortune, Tyche, leaning upon the anchor of hope.

The cameo itself is set in a lovely sterling silver Art Nouveau setting with a wonderfully detailed floral motif on the sides.

The ring is marked silver and the cameo is signed with the serif version of the Wedgwood mark and what looks like the letter O, which would date this piece to around 1912.

Measurements

Height: 1 3/16"
Width: 3/4"
Size: 5 3/4

Marked: Silver, Wedgwood, O

Condition: Very Good
Silver has light surface scratches consistent with age and use. Does not detract. Priced accordingly.

This wonderfully romantic bracelet blends antique sparkle with just a hint of blush.

Fashioned in sterling silver, this striking piece features dazzling marcasite links between beautiful oval quartz cabochons with just the slightest hint of pale pink. Quartz pieces have a number of inclusions giving each piece some depth and character.

Bracelet fastens with a spring ring.

Measurements

Length: 7 1/2"
Width: 1/2"
Weight: 18.05g

Marked: Sterling

Condition: Very Good
Bracelet has surface scratches consistent with age and wear. A few of the quartz pieces have more surface abrasions than the others. All the marcasite is present however a couple of them are cracked. None of these flaws detract. Priced accordingly.

Perfect for the archery lover in your life!

This lovely bow and arrow brooch is crafted in 14k yellow gold with incredible fine detailing from the feathers to the string itself. Pin closes with a safety catch.

You are guaranteed to love this piece!

Measurements

Width: 13/16"
Height: 1 1/8"
Weight: 1.72g

Marked: 14k with the Baskin Brothers "BB" hallmark

Condition: Excellent
Light surface scratches consistent with age and wear. No major flaws to note.