March 06, 2015 6 min read 18 Comments
These are all examples of true antique watch keys, lockets and fobs, made into wearable art pieces of the past by adding an artisan made necklace or chain.
Stunning Estate {vintage} Champagne & Ice Earrings
Many of the cameo's I sell, if they are not antique, are Estate pieces.
February 27, 2019
This was very helpful. I inherited my mother’s jewlery and it included my great grandmother’s as well. I ended up the only girl. I have heard stories about some pieces, but no clue what I really have. How can I tell the difference between crystal and glass stones, and even more important the real thing?
September 25, 2015
Hi Lidy, thank you for the info very helpful :)
August 28, 2015
Enjoyed the information and look forward to the next “lesson”!!
Best,
Mimi
May 20, 2015
All the pieces I have bought from FrenchGardenHouse remain a favorite. If only I had two of me, I could get more! Looking forward to receiving my Cameo bracelet.
March 31, 2015
Wow, I’m simply amazed by how beautiful these jewelry pieces are. They’re just so classically elegant! I’d love to be wearing something like that white and gold pendant around my neck. I would definitely stand out from other people!
March 22, 2015
Patricia,
Unfortunately, there is no quick free way to figure out what your jewelry is worth. I suggest you educate yourself as much as you can about your jewelry. Visit jewelry dealers at antique shops, scour internet sites, google like crazy and perhaps invest in one or two books on the type of jewelry you have. It is work, but you will be amazed at what you can learn. Good luck!
March 20, 2015
I have a shoebox full of old jewelry. There is no way I can afford the $40 fee to have each piece appraised that so many dealers charge. Often the internet is no help either because (of course) my pieces are not listed on the inventories. They date from the very early 1900s to the 1970s. Any suggestions for finding out if they are valuable?
March 16, 2015
Great article, thank you for the knowledge, and for sharing yours with us. You always have such beautiful jewelry, I love the mosaic brooches, and the watch fob necklaces and lockets too. On my “wish” list!
March 13, 2015
Very informative. Thank you.
March 07, 2015
I enjoyed your articles about antique jewelry. I have been given several boxes of costume jewelry . Some I found to be from the 20’s others older. Some from 50’s and 60’s. It is all from my mother-in -laws estate. Lots of fun going through all of it.
March 06, 2015
Many thanks for the inspiration of your fabulous website and this super article!
Greetings,
-Eva Maria
March 06, 2015
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Tammy. I love mixing old with new too, and we are so lucky that there are “no rules” these days. xo
March 06, 2015
I just love your jewelry style Lidy! This was so interesting, thank you. I love mixing old with new.
March 06, 2015
Danielle, I’m so glad to hear you love and wear the jewelry, the sterling bracelets are still amongst my very favorites! I wear mine almost every day.
March 06, 2015
Thank you, Eleanor, and thanks too, for taking the time to leave a comment. I emailed you back regarding the paste lockets.
March 06, 2015
Lidy, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I wear my jewelry I bought from you all the time, especially the sterling bracelets.
March 06, 2015
Thank you so much, is thoroughly enjoyed this lesson in jewelry eras. I am looking forward to more, it’s exciting to learn about my jewelry. It’s what I appreciate about your website, you do research and always describe what you sell so well. I am going to shop, you have some beautiful victorian pockets for sale. Thank you.
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Lidy
February 28, 2019
How fortunate you are to have inherited your mother and grandmother’s jewelry! It isn’t that easy to tell the difference between some really good “paste” {not rhinestones} stones and diamonds, there were exceptional gold and sterling pieces made with paste. Crystals tend to sparkle much brighter than glass, but I think that if you have any questions about whether stones are diamonds or gemstones, the best thing would be to ask your local jeweler.