I like that you emphasize that collecting antique and vintage jewellery doesn't have to be expensive. And perhaps unlike historical clothing, old jewellery can perhaps be more easy for most people to fit into a contemporary style, so it's in many ways a more accessible hobby. Also, an interesting little collection you have. I do like to look at pretty things...
Thank you! I felt it was important that people see how accessible of a hobby it can be (perhaps for some it isn’t because of geographic location, as antiques are more expensive in some parts of the world, but at least for most of Europe and the US, it can be very affordable). It’s nice to be able to give these pieces a second life as well, instead of them just sitting in a box somewhere or getting lost. Thanks for your comment 😊
My heritage is eastern European and buying or being gifted with gold coins or jewelry for celebrations and milestones is very familiar to me! None of my pieces are antique but are still very precious to me since they are from my grandmother and mother. You have a lovely collection!
Thank you Natalie! If I may ask, what part of Eastern Europe is your heritage mainly from? Please don't answer, however, if you don't feel comfortable to. Do you have a favourite piece from your grandmother or mother?
@@VBirchwood my family is from Macedonia but my paternal grandmother's family (who were tailors) are Vlachs, a sub ethnic group in the Balkans. My favourite piece is a pair of gold earrings with a tiny garnet in the centre of each that she gave me when I first pierced my ears. My first "real" jewelry!
@Natalie Stanchevski Ah that's awesome! Thank you for sharing your heritage. I'll have to do some more research into the Vlachs. My family is an ethnic group as well, the Russian Tatars, but more the ones that are from Mongolian and Middle Eastern decent (since there are a variety of groups of Tatars). My grandmother even still speaks Tatar, but I unfortunately never learned it. That piece sounds lovely and I'm sure it has some really special memories attached 😊
@@VBirchwood ethnicity can be pretty complicated! Macedonia was part of the Ottoman Empire for a long time so there are plenty of Turkish and Persian influence in language and culture. Also, every village in Macedonia had their own dialect, so I speak a version of Macedonian (a Slavic language similar to Russian) but not Vlach (a Romantic language similar to Romanian) with a bunch of Turkish words that became incorporated during the occupation. And English of course, since I'm a first generation Canadian. I'll have to learn about the Tatars! I recently learned that Mongolian uses a version of the Cyrillic alphabet and found it fascinating. I'm a nerd lol.
@@nataliestanchevski4628 Hahaha it's great you're a nerd about this stuff, as so am I 😊 Many of the stans as well use versions of the Cyrillic alphabet, it's quite interesting to see how prevelant it is in fact in that part of the world. It's crazy two how two languages in very close proximity, like Macedonian and Vlach, can have completely different roots and origins. It makes you ponder how it all happened in history, as there was probably some reason. Thanks for sharing all this, very fascinating.
3:54 ....The three holes were to sew each buckle to a cloth belt securing the buckle, one for the left side and one for the right. Cloth belts were popular well into the 1930's though I believe this to be Victorian. Cameos from Italy were made until 1948 and were still quite popular until the early 1950's when they fell out of style.
Ah yes that makes sense. I figured as much, since I have seen how popular silk belts are all throughout the Victorian era (and beyond). I do believe it is Victorian as well due to the way the materials are.
That ring! Wow! And here I was, thinking I’m not a big fan of larger rings. I was wrong. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for a ring similar to that, because it truly is gorgeous. And how wonderful that you’re able to hold such precious memories with it. As I’m in Australia, finding true vintage and antique jewellery is much more difficult than it would be in Europe or the US. We do have antique stores, but they mark up their prices quite a bit. So I’ve found the easiest way to find antique jewellery is on Etsy. It just means I need to be willing to pay the truly ridiculous shipping costs to the bottom of the world. Often, the shipping will cost more than the actual piece. $25 for a small package containing jewellery is pretty common. But- it’s worth it. That being said, I’m also more than happy to wear reproductions. It doesn’t have to be “real” for me to love it. It’s more about the look or the vibe. And it is easier to find (cheap) reproductions. As I would rather spend my money on fabric and dressmaking books, I tend to go more for cheap replicas than the real thing which is always more expensive due to needing to ship it from overseas, or pay the exorbitant markup at antique stores.
Thanks Neartmhor! It's great to hear from you. If it helps with your lookout, I believe it's originally a male's pinky ring, though I could be mistaken. That's just what I was told as a teenager 😂 I can imagine being in Australia definitely does complicate matters. A friend of mine in Canada has the same problem, where there aren't many affordable options, though shipping from the UK to Canada is oddly affordable, which I can imagine is not really a viable option with you being in Australia. As you mention 😊 Do you have in-person estate sales in Australia? That is sometimes a great way to find antique pieces for cheap, as everything needs to get sold regardless since it's a clear-out. Reproductions are an excellent solution as well! There are quite a few artists as well specifically releasing affordable historical replica jewellery and it is so beautiful. Plenty of pieces also could work for historybounding and historical just because of some of the similar qualities (so much 1980s jewellery for instance). It's great you've managed to find solutions that work well for you even considering the lack of affordable shipping to Australia or the lack of a range of inexpensive antiques to choose from.
@@VBirchwood Your lovely ring is Russian gold and a lab gemstone from around 1970. It was worn by middle-class women and bought as an investment and security, and as a status symbol. Jewelry collecting is an exciting field and there's so much to learn. If you've been studying and researching it since this episode came out, you've probably already determined that the dating on several pieces shown here needs to be revised but that doesn't take away from their charm and the joy they bring.
I am a jewelry lover. Your pearls are fresh water pearls, still very pretty. Love your collection. I collect certain pieces myself, there is a secret joy of ownership involved. Precious pieces, thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Susan! I can perfectly relate to you being a jewellery lover. There’s so much to love about jewellery, especially antique and vintage jewellery I find as it’s often far more affordable even than modern equivalents compared with its craftsmanship 😊
Your delightful cameo broach with the spirited lady with the hat I’d love to own is probably not carved shell. She’ll cameos are made with an open back so that the light can show through like a window. This was a way to prove that it was actually two layers of shell. It is lovely and I have one like it for that reason! Of course the resin and poured pins were less expensive so no woman need be without for her wardrobe!
You're random jewelry catagory is gorgeous I love the hair clip and ring. Being a jewelry collector and enthusiast I can say the stone in you're ring is probably an amethyst and you can find the karat of gold you're ring is by a stamp in the inside of the ring.
Thank you very much! Looking it up, it appears to be 14K rose gold, and the stone may be some type of corundum based off of other similar USSR models that I see listed online. They all seem to contain the same stamp and metal and are from the same time period too (either 1960s or 70s) and they all contain some type of corundum.
My husband runs an Auction House. The amount of vintage and antique jewelry that comes in is very very tempting every single time! He had a few auctions a couple of months ago that was STRICTLY antique and vintage (up to the 1950s) with most of it being Edwardian or older. I ended up with a third of one of the auctions! I just couldn’t help myself. I have a particularly strong weakness for Art Nouveau pieces. I rarely dress up, and I am certainly not one to wear brooches, but man did I get quite a few! Honestly, I rarely ware jewelry to begin with. Its a good thing I missed his first one of those auctions completely! I’m still trying to figure out how I can wear the clip on earrings when I have very sensitive ears (they turn BRIGHT red and turn very itchy.) I’m hoping to either cover it up, or figure out a way to add a post or hook that won’t ruin the integrity of the pieces. I would definitely get far more use of the earrings than the other pieces if i could figure out how to wear them safely. I ended up with a beaded choker that looks much like the necklace you shared! It needs some good cleaning up, but it does show a ton of promise. Most of the pieces ended up being 25 or under each, though I did sneak in a $45 bid for a art nouveau style set of earrings and a matching necklace. If only he came across antique clothing! Its usually more vintage. The only antique clothing we’ve found is military outfits, stole/fur coat or hats, and a particularly massive ensemble that mustve been a wedding dress (though that could’ve been at the edge of vintage.) In our house, we do have a few antique pieces of furniture-its hit and miss for them selling. In our Dining room we have a pump organ that I was able to date to 1898.. I think he paid like $25 for it, and a few other random pieces throughout the house. I wish it all was, but man would that be a HEAVY move! Those pieces are not light to move around.
My ears aren't pierced, but I have the same problem you do. I found some adhesive bandages made of silicone at Wally World, that I cut up into little pieces. I put a little piece on the front and back of my earlobes and let the clips grip those. I tried moleskin but that was a good bit thicker and more noticeable.
Thank you so much Lilja! My optometrist was so accomodating with the glasses, I was shocked. But it's great to know that no matter what crazy glasses I find on the internet, they could actually become wearable 😂
@@VBirchwood That's really good, I was wanting a pair for a while, but I didn't think an optometrist would want to do that! I might actually continue my search for historical glasses now 😂
@@LiljaHusmo Are you in the UK? If so, I think quite a few optometrists here are willing to fit antique glasses with modern lenses. It's worth an ask around at least 😊
I have been fascinated with the Victorian era since I was five years old, and I have never swayed from my love for all things Victorian. Furniture seems to be my weakness, and I have a passion for unique pieces especially dark walnut which is my favorite. I subscribed to your channel as you are an excellent speaker and your true love for all things Victorian is quite evident.
The Victorian style was revisited in the 1970s and there were lots of Victorian-style jewelry and accessories in the 90s as well. Lovely pieces and I enjoyed the story of your grandmother and Russian heritage.
Yes, there was a costume jewelry brand back then called 1928. I used to have several pieces of theirs. I have seen people get excited thinking the stamp was when the jewelry was made. It's vintage but definitely not antique.
Your collection is absolutely wonderful!! Something to treasure for a lifetime. I have a marcasite collection because I was told that Queen Victoria wore it. It is at a price level that I can afford or that family members can afford to get for me as a gift. I have always wanted a Chatelain, so far what I have found is way too expensive.
Thank you Becky! I had to look up marcasite because I wasn't familiar with the term, but it looks absolutely beautiful! I'm sure that's a very treasured collection for you. Amazing too that family members can always have an idea of what type of gift to get you 😊 With regards to the chatelaine, generally, yes they can be very expensive. The one I managed to find was honestly kind of a rarity in regards to the price point. I don't believe that the person who sold on EBay was completely familiar with it being a chatelaine, or perhaps they just wanted to get rid of it. My best recommendation for finding one would be to regularly search online auctions on EBay, because occasionally, something more affordable will pop up and you can get a good deal. I think there's someone in the US as well that makes replica chatelaines, though I'm not completely sure.
@@VBirchwood Hi, yes I keep my eye on eBay, and Etsy too. I was given one that holds only one item, so I have small scissors on that. It stretches out and then reels its self back in. Joannes at one time had Chatelaine parts but they seemed too expensive too and looked cheaply made.
@@Becky_Theroux_Gockel How interesting that Joannes used to sell them. I guess that the chatelaine has become more mainstream than I originally thought!
Great video, I have a lot of similar pieces and wasn’t sure of the ages but I can use your tips to work them out now. Coincidentally I have the exact same bracelet which I thought was maybe 1980’s or 90’s. I love collecting old jewellery from charity shops as it’s so affordable. 😃
Ah that's wonderful to hear! I'm no expert of course, just have done some internet reading on the matter 😊 But the general hinge formats seem to be quite consistent with their respective periods, and even articles I've read on the matter seem to say so as well. Collecting jewellery from charity shops definitely is a lovely pastime!
one extra tip, if you want to know if it is old, then the needle/pin is longer then the broch, so C calsp T part en longer needle. Becasue the fabric of the clothes were thicker then now a days Good luck and remember longer pin or needle
Thank you!! I have a new pair now that are similar but made of gold instead of brass because the brass ones kept leaving blue and black marks on my nose lol 😂
@@VBirchwood I love it so much. Faberge used it a lot in his famous Russian eggs. I have three, guilloche butterflies that belonged to my grandmother. I often see those belt buckles (for much more than you paid) but I know I wouldn't wear them as buckles (because of my disability) and I'm not sure how else to wear them. BTW, I have a HUGE vintage and antique jewelry collection, and I've made several videos about it that you might enjoy.
Very very cool, honest, and what must be a hugely passionate and dedicated host. intrest/hobby=>Chanel. I love to look through the auctions for great jewelry that has lost its way and story. its the antique jewelry value purchases that are the most satisfying and when I can buy them cheap like you mention, they make great giveaways in my opinion. very satisfying to give great gifts even if they don’t cost much which means I can give more. “Give freely for it is freely given”, said a very well known person. I like the English and the Russian cross cultural ties. Also, try good writer I thought. could do that for a living as well! I know that must have been a script and it was the best I have heard a host on RU-vid write on any subject.
The cameo is so cute omg, I have a cameo with a small chain on it like that one with a kindoff safety clip thing attached to it so maybe that's what it was :)
The chain on your cameo is from a guard chain that had its own, twisted wire, pin. This was the way many brooches with a C clasp were protected against loss if the main pin back came unfastened.
Thank you for your incouraging and beautiful content. You are quickly becoming my all-time favorite RU-vidr. I love to save historical ideas to my pinterest, I wish we could see your boards if you are able.
Wonderful content. Glad to have found your channel. I, too, am very near-sighted and am in need of a new prescription. I'm off to find some antique frames, now, thanks to your tip that an optometrist can and will, indeed, still place prescription lenses into them. Thank you! :)
Thanks Laurie! And welcome to the channel. Definitely do speak to your optometrist as they might be willing to fit some antique frames 😊 it’s a fun way to mix the past with the new too!
Thank you! They are a type of gigot or leg-o-mutton sleeve, though the garment itself is a German folk jacket which pulls from strong historical influences (but is technically contemporary).
I constantly look in charity shops and at the moment I've been really lucky I've found a lot of 1950s necklaces and bracelets which go with my vintage style I wear clothing mostly from the 50s 60s in the summertime it's all dresses lol but you do have to keep looking and have a keen eye for vintage peaces
Turns out that you have to have good friends to get affordable vintage jewlery...or a russian granny! ;) 8:19 WOW that's GORGEOUS! Would love to know what the repair costs will be. ;) What a coincidence! You are releasing your secret project on my mom's b-day! :D
Hahaha good friends and a russian granny definitely do help 😉 I’m curious how much it’ll cost too! I’ll let you know when I get a quote if you’re curious 😊 What a lovely coincidence. An early happy birthday to your mum!
Thank you so much! I actually follow you on Instagram and love seeing your collection/wares 🥰 My collection has expanded a lot more since this video, so I probably need to do an updated one soon, as I got really heavily into collecting antique jewellery (mostly Victorian) this past year 😊
Lovely each piece, I have quite a collection of antique broaches I believe ih m f rd om the 1700/1800s in obsesed with the Victorian clothes and jewelry
I love your collection I have the same branch as your with the brown stones and brass ponged brooch, mine has green stones with one clear rhinestone marked czeck some design
I really enjoyed this, thank you x just one thing, I had exactly that enamel bracelet except with a blue background, it was bought new for me when they were all the rage, I think (I wasn’t very fashionable) and it would have been between 1983 - 1985 I think. Of course, it could have been a resurgence or a shop getting rid of old stock to gullible tourists? We may have been on holiday at the time.
Thank you Sarah! It could very well be from the 80s. I never had it officially dated, but I was just taking a guess that it was 70s (I think I said 70s?) just based off of the design and materials and such but I am no jewellery expert so I just try to give my educated guess. That's super funny though that you had the exact same bracelet almost!
Your Pearl is a freshwater Pearl. Here in the Philippines, we have lots of different pearls and while it’s not worth much before, eventually with time especially now adays it’s expensive already.
Is it possible that the chain on the Cameo would have been attached to a small safety pin of sorts for the extra security because of its weight? I have two brooches that have one. It doesn’t look like a modern day safety pin. Mine are both gold in color and connected to the chain/connected to the back of the broach. I agree with the gloved hand looking like one from that period, which yours has the modern day fastener, but yours looks like it was poured into a mold. The ones I’ve seen have been carved. You might want to check that. Thank you for sharing your collection, it’s beautiful. I am a recently retired elementary school teacher and I wore a different brooch every day of the 180 day school year, and never repeated one. I LOVE brooches. :-)
Amazing collection, i am so happy to saw it ! I've discovered your Channel few weeks ago and really enjoy meet you. I am a glass beadmaker, and really fascinantes by glass beads jewelry tthrough Times ! My vidéos are in french... But i've made a vidéo about a vintage glass beads necklace restoration ... Not so well documented... But. See you With pleasure for your next vidéo ! Bye
Hi! Thank you for your kind comment and welcome to the channel. I’m so glad you enjoyed this jewellery tour. That sounds like an amazing profession to have and I’ll have to check out your videos (even if I’m not fluent in French). 😊
@@VBirchwood 25 years with me that pearl necklace, maybe from India or China imported. I am from Uzbekistan and we are mostly wearing gold (583 or 585)14K , same as your golden ring with pink corund. But I am comfortable with silver my most jewelry are silver.
My grandmother was fairly poor so I’m doubtful it’s amethyst (I’ve seen similar rings from the same period that feature some stone in the Ruby family) but who knows, it could be!
Glad to find your channel. Wonderful collection. Your ring looks very familiar. Such rings ( and pearl necklaces) were very popular in exUSSR in 1960-1980s. Are there any marks on it? Think it can be gold (583, 585) or gold plated silver (875). Not sure that the stone is natural "alexandrite" (synthetic alexandrite ?). May be it's amethyst? Thanks for sharing. Wish you all the best. From Ukraine ❤️.
Thanks for your comment Nataliya and kind words! It does indeed have marks on it, a hammer and sickle and then the 583 number you mention, so it must be gold 😊 A jeweller once told me it might be pink topaz, but who knows honestly! All the best from the UK 💕
@@VBirchwood It' real gold! 583 means 14 k gold. The hammer and sickle (inside the star) mark was used from 1958 till 1994. So it can be vintage. Unfortunately difficult to say anything about the stone by video. To test for amethyst you should put the ring into the glass of clear water. If the stone looks much lighter and almost clear - amethyst. It's the easiest test. Happy if my information was useful 💞.
It is hard to find some things if you DIY. Or Things which you want to use different. Metal charms but for other uses are not easy to find if you don't know where to look. Other Way round here. I prefer silver over Gold, old Gold is fine.
@@VBirchwood you're welcome.😊 You have to take the proper measurements for the belt though I suggest elastic for the belt so it stretches around your waist.
They absolutely could be! Good thinking 😊 I’m imagining though how they maybe would have fashioned the belt then. I wonder if it would hold as well as a sewn leather/silk loop or something similar.
I don’t make my own corsets personally (due to preference) but the best materials are generally silk twill, cotton coutil, or a durable linen can be nice too. It has to be something that is quite supportive. More than one layer can be used too.
Changlains 😂 chatelaines are the best honestly! I’ve been adding to mine and it’s so convenient going everywhere with basically a useful tool belt haha.
I’d recommend TheBoudoirKey on Etsy (she’s also Ukrainian so you’d be supporting a Ukrainian business), RedThreaded, Atelier Sylphe, and there are free ones on Aranea Black’s website.
Your collection is beautiful, M'am! ...and it made me think of vintage, paste jewelry my grandmother let me play with when I was young. ...and that which she gave me...and I lost. :-( Methinks I shall now endeavor to find a facsimile of said jewelry.
Ещё в самом начале обзора поняла, что колечко то из России😀. Слушаю красивую девушку и думаю, в чем обман, правильно, девушка должна говорить на русском языке,. А коллекция очень достойная.
As Russian I did not appreciate shitting on communism because for sure not everything was bad, as some may lead you to believe, on the contrary, but however the stone is probably Aleksandite , which is semi precious
I wasn’t crapping on communism, merely saying things were difficult for my grandmother, which is true. That’s even now. Her experience is hers and a collective experience is supremely different. Если вы хотите, мы можем по-русски. Not everything was good for everyone during those times, including sometimes not for ethnic minorities and indigenous folks, which she is. Thanks for the identification.
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