Sunday 17 December 2017

WHITE METAL, LARGE VINTAGE CLIP EARRINGS WITH COLOURED GLASS STONES

Large earrings our one of our best sellers in my shop at Grays Antiques in central London.  Although I sell a wide range of vintage jewellery - it is the bigger earrings that so many people seem attracted by.  I think these white metal clip earrings with coloured glass stones are probably 1980s but it is difficult to tell.  They measure about 4 inches top to bottom so are not for the faint hearted!  Full details on web site.  Ref: 3137 C81/6
White Metal, Large vintage clip earrings with coloured glass stones

Tuesday 12 December 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - CICADA - IVORINE AND BLACK

The Lea Stein cicada is about my favourite Lea Stein brooch and I will sometimes wear two at once.  It is one of the longer/thicker brooches - being nearly 3 1/4 inches long.  Had trouble photographing this one so am trying a different background - at least you can see it now!  Will have to experiment some more.  Price £65 Ref: 3135 C77/35
Lea Stein Brooch - Cicada - Ivorine and Black

Sunday 10 December 2017

MEXICAN SILVER EARRINGS - HALF BALLS AND LOOPS PATTERN - STUDS

Love Mexican silver jewellery and often wear it myself.  Can't keep it all though so am putting these Mexican silver stud earrings in the shop.  Distinctive and interesting pattern on them - half-balls and loops.  They have to have been made after 1980 as they have the modern silver marking on them - although I cannot sell them as silver due to our strict Hallmarking regulations.  Full description on my web site.  Price £55 ref: 3134 C68/2
Mexican Silver Earrings - Half Balls and Loops Pattern Studs

Tuesday 5 December 2017

ART DECO GLASS BELT BUCKLE - DECO GREEN & SILVER

Back to Art Deco today - which I love.  This is an Art Deco glass belt buckle in a Deco green colour with silver.  In the Art Deco period many of the dresses worn were made by dressmakers - or at home.  Even in the 1950s when I was young - if you were going anywhere special you might have a dressmaker make you a dress. You would choose the material, the buttons and the belt buckle.  This one would take a belt width of about 4/5ths of an inch - or 2 cm.  It is so easy to sew on to any belt.  You could even try going to a charity shop and finding one, cutting off the modern buckle and sewing on this one.  Often these are sold in my shop for films, plays etc.  Ref: 3132 C76/10 price £55

Art Deco Glass Belt Buckle Deco Green & Silver

Sunday 3 December 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - THE TALL CAT - REPTILE OR SNAKESKIN PATTERN

This is the Lea stein tall cat brooch.  It is in a snakeskin or reptile pattern - which is just one of my favourite of all her textures/patterns.  It is classy and looks so smart.  Can be worn for work or when going out socializing.  It is a genuine Lea Stein and has the correct v-shaped clasp on the back. I do so hate the cheap Chinese copies - they are just no comparison with the real deal!  It measures about 3 inches top to bottom.  Like most of my Lea Steins, it is priced at £65.  Ref: 3131 C77/33  I usually have a good selection in the shop at Grays Mews - 3 minutes from Bond Street Underground Station.
Lea Stein Brooch - The Sitting Up Cat - Snakeskin

Friday 1 December 2017

ART DECO PERIOD HANDKIES - THE PRINTED SQUARE

I have been selling vintage costume jewellery for over 35 years - and collecting for longer - but do not collect anything in particular.  I love to have examples of different things.  One small collection I do have is Art Deco period handk
ies - usually rayon.  I love these because of their designs and colours - they are just so alive and beautiful.  Some of my handkies were included in a book called 'The Printed Square' by Nicky Alrechtsen - Thames & Hudson.  I have just been give a set of five beautiful floral handkies.  The person who gave them to me was very upset that it was missing the sixth.  The dealer he bought them from had sold one of the set!   I wonder what colour the missing one was!

Thursday 30 November 2017

DECO LADY'S HEAD VINTAGE BROOCH - PURPLE & GREEN

This is a vintage brooch - probably from 1960/70s - depicting an Art Deco lady wearing a green and black hat.  Very stylish!  She also has a green scarf on a light purple dress.  The background is a deep purple.  The pin on the back is marked 'Made in W Germany'.  It measures approx 2 1/4 inches and is probably on a light metal base.  Ref: 3128 C79/29 price £55
Deco Lady's Head Vintage Brooch - Purple & Green

Tuesday 28 November 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - THE MONKEY - BLACK & IVORINE

At this time of the year Lea Stein brooches are my best seller.  This is the Monkey - in ivorine, black and silver.  Full details are on my web site - including measurement.  Love this cheeky monkey.  Price £65 ref: 3127 C73/22
Lea Stein Brooch - the Monkey - black & ivorine

Tuesday 21 November 2017

THE LEA STEIN POODLE BROOCH IN BLACK AND RED

Lea Stein is always popular in my shop at Grays Antiques - and so are poodles - so this is a winning combination!  The black poodle has 2 red rosettes and a gold bow.  It is a genuine Lea Stein with the correct marking - Lea Stein Paris - on the pin.  The real Lea Stein jewellery is so much better than the cheap Chinese imports.  Full details on my web site.  Price £65 Ref: 3126 C77/38
Lea Stein Briooch - Poodle - Black & Red

Sunday 19 November 2017

PAVONE BROOCH - DALMATION - GRAYISH/WHITE DOG WITH BLACK SPOTS

This brooch was made by Marie-Christine Pavone - who makes from re-worked galalith plastic.  (Please see my notes on Pavone on my Web Site under 'Manufacturers - my notes).  It is a white/gray colour and has black spots, black trim and red collar.  It has been pre-owned.  I love Pavone's work - which always shows a sense of humour.  She also makes great earrings and bangles.  Ref: 3125 C78/17 Price £68
PAVONE BROOCH - WHITE DOG WITH BLACK SPOTS - DALMATION

Saturday 18 November 2017

KREMENTZ GOLFING CUFFLINKS IN BOX - 14KT ROLLED GOLD OVERLAY

I like to have a selection of different styles/period of cufflinks and was glad to get this Krementz golfing set.  They are 14ct gold plated and are in good condition.  Lots of pictures on my web site.  In good condition.  Price £55.  Ref: 3124 C78/6
Krementz Golfing Cufflinks in Box - 14KT Rolled Gold Overlay

Tuesday 7 November 2017

DIAMANTE & CRIMSON GLASS STONES VINTAGE SPRAY BROOCH

I just love the crimson colour of these baguettes and marquise shaped stones - so beautiful!  Wish I could buy more stock of this quality at a reasonable price.  It is often a case of trying to buy the best stock you can but keep the prices at an affordable level.  So difficult sometimes.  So lucky too that all the stones were present in this brooch and that I needed to do nothing to it.  I have piles of stock at home all waiting for me to attend to.  Full details are on my web site.  Hope it finds a good home where it will be treasured!  Ref: 3123 C75/18 Price £75
Diamante & Crimson Glass Stones Vintage Spray Brooch

Sunday 29 October 2017

ART DECO NECKLACE - GREEN GALALITH AND WHITE METAL PENDANT ON CHAIN

Back to Art Deco today - my favourite!  This necklace is c1930s.  It has a circle of green galalith with a ?chrome and galalith pendant hanging.  There is a chain with galalith and metal beads.  The galalith is a little faded and the metal not bright and shiny - but it is about 80 years old!  Full details on my web site.  Price £148 ref: 3121 C53/5
Art Deco Necklace - Green Galalith and White Metal Pendant on Chain

Saturday 28 October 2017

WOODEN BEADS VINTAGE BROOCH - CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Love these 1930s wooden beads brooches.  They were probably inexpensive in their day- affordable jewellery!  Many have not survived in good condition - but this one is lucky!  Full description on web site.  Price £45 ref: 3120 C75/23
wooden beads vintage brooch - Czechoslovakia

Saturday 21 October 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - THE OWL - SPARKLEY SILVER AND BLACK

This Lea Stein owl brooch is in a very sparkley, patterned
Lea Stein Brooch - The Owl - Sparkley Silver & Black silver with black trim.  So good to wear at Halloween!  It is amazing how Lea Stein manages to use so many different textures in her brooches - making them look so different from each other.  The picture does not do justice to the sparkles on this one.  The cheap import copies of her work simply cannot compare with the creativity shown on items like this!  However it does take time to create a brooch like this - and this has to be reflected in the price.  This is something people appreciate in her work.  I would be very happy to wear this brooch.  It measures approx 3 1/2 x nearly 2 inches.  Ref: 3117 C77/28 Price £65.

Tuesday 17 October 2017

C & M CARON FRENCH VINTAGE BLACK BEADED BAG WITH EMBROIDERY

This beautiful black beaded bag was made by C & M Caron in France.  The black beads are very small and it has embroidery on the front and on the top.  It has a chain for carrying.  The lining in the inside is a thick satin.  It is in very good condition.  Often the beads are falling off - but not on this one!
Caro French Vintage Beaded Bag with Embroidery Full details are on my web site.  Price £88 ref: 3116 C77/23

Saturday 14 October 2017

LA PORTE BLEUE PARIS 1960s GILT AND DIAMANTE HEART SHAPED CLIP EARRINGS

These earrings worn bought in Paris in the 1960s and worn by a very stylish Spanish lady.  They are large, but quite light to wear.  Gilt and diamante.  Marked on back.  Full description on my web site.  Price £75 ref: 3114 C74/4

Friday 6 October 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - SCARLETT O'HARA - OR BALLERINA - WITH FAN

This is the Lea Stein Scarlett O'hara - or Ballerina brooch.  This one has a fan.  Could not quite get the face to be the same colour as the hands and feet - which are ivorine.  Find Lea Stein difficult to photograph as the light bounces off the cellulose acetate.  This is a genuine Lea Stein brooch - marked with the correct pin - Lea Stein Paris.  Ref: 3111 C73/26 Price £65.
Lea Stein Brooch - Scarlett with Fan - Red and Black

Tuesday 26 September 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - THE HEDGEHOG - BEIGE BROWN AND BLACK

One of my favourite Lea Stein brooches - the hedgehog - in an attractive colour for autumn.  A mixture of beign, brown, black.  It is an original Lea Stein - I do not sell the copies.  It is marked on the pin Lea Stein Paris.  Lea Stein brooches are popular in my shop and I usually have a selection.  Full details of shop and how to get there on my web site - see link.  Price £65 ref: 3107 C73/25
LEA STEIN BROOCH - HEDGEHOG - SWIRLEY BEIGE BROWN

Thursday 21 September 2017

STRATTON VINTAGE CUFFLINKS & TIE PIN SET IN BOX - BLUE ENAMEL, STARS & DIAMANTE - ORBIT STYLE

This vintage Stratton set is in white metal with blue enamel half balls with diamante stars and a diama

Stratton vintage cufflinks & tie pin set in box - blue enamel, stars & diamante - orbit stylente sem-circular orbital style diamante piece.  (Please see full description on my web site - via link).  Price £45 reference 3105 C73/10

Tuesday 19 September 2017

CHERAMY - POUDRE VELOUTEE POWDER BOX UNOPENED

Back to powder boxes today - still have a pile of unlisted ones.  This is by Cheramy and has not been used.  The history of the Cheramy company is interesting and I have included a link to a site that has the whole story - which I am not going to try to put down myself!  I do not know the date of this box but like the design.  Price £45 ref: C3104 C46
Cheramy - poudre veloutee powder box unopened

Sunday 17 September 2017

SPHINX - PEACOCK BROOCH - GOLD TONE, BLUE AND GREEN

Love this peacock brooch is made by the Sphinx company which was founded in the U.K. in the late 1940s and closed around the year 2000. It made jewellery in its own name - sometime with the named cartouche, sometimes without. Often with a number. It also made for other companies - such as Butler & Wilson and Kenneth J. Lane. It has been such a busy British company, I was very sad when it folded. This peacock brooch is on a gold tone metal and has green glass diamante stones on the wings and blue ones on the body. The neck and head is a dark blue enamel. It is in good condition. See more details on my web site. 
SPHINX - PEACOCK BROOCH - GOLD TONE, BLUE AND GREENRef: 3103 C73/30b

Friday 8 September 2017

SALVADOR DALI SWEETCORN BROOCH - GOLD TONE & COLOURED STONES 2004

A Salvador Dali marked sweetcorn brooch in gold tone and coloured glass stones.  Marked with copyright marks - and Fundacion Gala - Salvador Dali 2004.  Would have been sold in the Museum or authorised outlets.  Full details on web site together with measurements.  Ref: 3102 C71/22 Price £95.
Salvador Dali Sweetcorn Brooch

Thursday 7 September 2017

SNAKE CHAIN NECKLACE WITH SNAKE'S HEAD - VINTAGE GOLD TONE

A gold tone snake chain necklace with a snake's head - mid century.  Feels so smooth and flexible.  Has extension chain.  Full details are on my web site.  Price £75.  Ref: 3101 C72/40
Snake Chain Necklace with Snake's Head - Vintage Gold Tone

Saturday 2 September 2017

1950-1960s PROGRAMME GLASSES - FAUX MOTHER OF PEARL WITH CARNIVAL DIAMANTE

These vintage fold-up glasses would have been used for reading programmes, menus etc. when a woman wanted something more glamorous than a pair of reading glasses!  They are in faux mother of pearl and have carnival glass stones.  These were only made after the mid 1950s so the glasses would have been made shortly after that.  This pair are in good condition and the handle works well. Full details on my web site. Ref: 3100 B100/12 price £751950-60s Programme Glasses - Faux mother of pearl with carnival diamantee

Sunday 27 August 2017

ART DECO CZECH NECKLACE - GREEN GLASS & WHITE METAL - 2 GREEN BEADS HANGING

I sell a lot of different styles/period of vintage jewellery - but I do love the Art Deco Czech Glass jewellery.  This necklace is so lovely!  It is a front fastening necklace in white metal with green glass beads/pieces and two dangling beads on chains at the front.  It fastens with a hook at the back.  Full details on my web site.  Price £128 reference 3097 C51/39

Art Deco Czech Necklace - Green Glass & White Metal - 2 Green Beads Haging

Thursday 24 August 2017

GIVENCHY CUFF LINKS - VINTAGE 1977 - GILT BROWN BLACK

In addition to selling women's vintage costume jewellery at my shop in Grays Antiques in central London, I also sell a selection of men's items - such as cuff links, tie pins etc. This pair of Givenchy cuff links are dated on the back 1977 - which makes them 40 years old this year! They are in gilt metal and are six sided. They have the copyright symbol on the back and the Givenchy cartouche with the date. Full details on web site  Ref: 3096 C63/97

Givenchy Cuff Links - Vintage 1977 - Gilt, Brown, Black

Tuesday 22 August 2017

CHARM BRACELET WITH 19 CHARMS BY DESIGN MO.RO.VA.

This is a large charm bracelet by Design Mo.Ro.Va of Florence - but I do not know the date - or much about the company.  Apparently the designer is Rossella Zanobini which is inspired by "the magnificent craft tradition of the ancient Florentine Renaissance".  The metal is a sort of bronzed gold colour and the 19 charms are wonderful.  Some enamelled and some with diamante or faux pearls.  Some quite complicated.  Measures about 7 inches.  See full description on my web site.  Ref: 3094 C69/46

'Design Mo.Ro.Va. Florentine Gold Coloured Charm Bracelet

Friday 18 August 2017

LEA STEIN SNAKE BANGLE - ORANGE, RED, WHITE

I love the Lea Stein snake bangles (in fact I love all snake jewellery) but they are usually quite small.  This one measure about 2 2/5 inches.  There is a little give - but not much.  It is marked Lea Stein Paris - although the mark is a little difficult to see.  I only sell genuine Lea Stein jewellery - none of the cheap Chinese import look alikes for me!  Ref: 3093 C71/1 Price £78
Lea Stein Snake Bangle - Orange Red white

Tuesday 15 August 2017

FOSSIL - LARGE CICADA LOCKET/PENDANT ON WHITE METAL WITH DOUBLE CHAIN

This locket/pendant is so unlike any other Fossil jewellery I have ever seen.  It is a white metal locket with a large cicada with faux mother of pearl and diamante.  It is large and quite heavy.  It is on a double chain.  I can find nothing like it on Google.  Probably not vintage - but the company has been in operation since 1984.  So well made!  Love it!  Full details on web site as usual with lots of pictures.  Price £75 ref: 3092 C68/36
Fossil - large cicada locket/pendant on white metal with double chain

Sunday 6 August 2017

BLACK & WHITE LONG STUD EARRINGS WITH HANGING BEADS

BLACK & WHITE LONG STUD EARRINGS WITH HANGING BEADSA pair of black and white?resin beads stud earrings.  I love black and white and was please with this pair.  I do not know who made them or what date they are - but they are a great look.  They are on my website with measurements and price.  Ref: C71/33

Thursday 3 August 2017

BUTLER & WILSON SMALL VINTAGE GILT DOG BROOCH

This is a Butler & Wilson gilt dog brooch with twisted metal legs.  I am not sure how old it is so cannot guarantee it is vintage - perhaps someone will know and inform me.   It does give the appearance of having age.  I have never seen it before.  Love the expression!  Full details on the web site - follow the link.  Price £60 ref: 3083 C72/1
Butler & Wilson small vintage gilt dog brooch

Sunday 30 July 2017

LONG GILT PHARAOH HEADS AND MUMMY EARRINGS - VINTAGE CZECH COMPONENTS

These earrings have come out of a shop that closed in 1972.  They were made up in the shop from old Czech. components.  The shop has only recently been clear and I am trying to buy up as much of the stock as possible. Please see my notes on the web site.  These earrings are long - being over 3 1/2 inches.  They certainly make a statement!  Ref: 3082 YL  Price £
Long Gilt Pharaoh Heads and Mummy Earrings - Vintage Czech Components75.00

Sunday 9 July 2017

SILVER VINTAGE BALLERINA BROOCH - DESIGNED BY FREDERICK MASSINGHAM FOR RETAILER D.H.PHILLIPS 1947

This is one of the famous silver ballerina brooches designed by Frederick Massingham for the retailers D. H. Phillips. It is a registered design no. 8851564. Massingham did a number of different designs - larger, smaller and in pairs. Some brooches and some earrings. This one has the Birmingham Hallmark for 1947. (They range from 1947-1949.)  I am sure it is not a coincidence that the film The Red Shoes - starring Moira Shearer - was the 6th most popular movie in the U.K. in 1948. A clever piece of marketing! I also have 3 more of the brooches but have not had time to photograph them!  Ref: 3076 C69/39
Silver Vintage Ballerina Brooch - Massingham

Friday 7 July 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - THE FLOWERPOT - YELLOW, DARK RED, GREEN

Too hot for me at the moment - just venturing into the garden when it cools.  Love this Lea Stein flowerpot brooch - with dark red and green flowers.  The colours go together so well.  It is of course a genuine Lea Stein brooch - I do not sell copies. See my web site for details, price etc.  ref: 3075 C69/22
Lea Stein Brooch - The Flowerpot - Yellow, Dark Red, Green

Friday 30 June 2017

ORANGE GALALITH VINTAGE BEADS WITH CUT, CLEAR, FACETED DECO PERIOD GLASS BEADS

This is a long row of beads and has orange galalith beads and clear glass faceted beads.  It was put together in a shop in Spain that closed in 1972.  It is a very interesting combination of beads - one that I would not have thought of - but I love it!  There are a number of different designs of the galalith beads and the clear beads have unusual facets.  Ref: 3074 YL Price £95

Tuesday 27 June 2017

EMERALD GREEN GLASS DROPS GILT LEVER BACK TOPS VINTAGE EARRINGS

This pair of emerald green glass drops earrings have come out of a shop that closed in 1971.  They would have been made up in the shop from earlier components.  They are quite long at just over 2 1/2 inches - but of course could be shortened by removing the ornate centrepiece.  Price £55 Ref: 3073 YL
EMERALD GREEN GLASS DROPS GILT LEVER BACK TOPS VINTAGE EARRINGS

Saturday 24 June 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - ROLLS ROYCE - BLACK AND RED

Glad to get this Lea Stein Rolls Royce brooch.  Haven't had one for ages.  This one is in black and red.  It was designed by Lea Stein between 1968-1980.  It does of course have the correct Lea Stein Paris pin on the back - I do not sell the cheap Chinese copies.  Full details on my web site.  Price £65 ref: 3072 C68/22

Tuesday 20 June 2017

ART DECO PERIOD EARLY PLASTIC VERY LARGE BELT BUCKLE - TRANGLES WITH FLOWERS

This belt buckle is an amazing size!  It is probably make of galalith and consists of 2 triangles - one with red and one with orange flowers.  Metal fittings on the back.  It would make such a wonderful belt - and would not be difficult to do - all the fitting are there.  Be brave and have a go!  Full details on the web site as usual!  Price £78 ref: 3071 C61/15
Art Deco Period early plastic, very large, belt buckle - trangular with flowers

Thursday 15 June 2017

1960s LARGE VINTAGE SUNGLASSES WITH 'PHOTOSUN' LENSES

A large pair of 1960s unused sunglasses with original 'Photosun Lenses' label in good condition.  Vintage sunglasses really need to be tried on.  I always have a selection at my shop in Vintage Modes, Grays antiques in central London.  Of course the lenses do not have the sun protection of modern lenses so should not be used as protection in strong sunlight!  ref: 3069 C63/6 Price £75.
60s large vintage sunglasses with photosun lenses

Monday 12 June 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - GOLDEN AND BLACK OWL

I just love the delicious colours of this Lea Stein owl brooch.  I am very fussy about my colour combinations - as my customers know!  I just look at this one and wonder how it is made!  Very pleased to report too that all the dreadful copies of Lea Stein brooches have been cleared from Amazon.  (What were they thinking of!). A full description of this Lea Stein brooch is, as usual, on my web site - www.gillianhorsup.com - ref: 3067 price £65
Lea Stein Brooch - golden and black owl

Thursday 8 June 2017

KIGU VINTAGE POWDER COMPACT - FLORAL LUCITE TOP - BOUQUET

Love these Kigu compacts.  Half-ball in shape - with a flat lucite floral top.  Opens up and has sifter for loose powder and a lovely little powder puff.  Look so good on a dressing table.  In very good condition.  See full description on my web site.  Price £78 reference 3065 C64/3
Kigu Vintage Powder Compact - Floral Lucite Top - Bouquet

Tuesday 30 May 2017

MONET - 1970s VINTAGE 8 STRAND GILT CHAINS NECKLACE

This is a 1970s gold plated 8 strand chains necklace.  The quality and condition are excellent.  I love Monet and Napier vintage gold plated jewellery.  To produce such high quality plating would be very expensive now.  Of course at the time people like Dior were also producing good quality plating but Monet and Napier were more affordable.  Full details on my web site with measurements.  Ref: 3063 C67/14 Price £88
Monet - 1970s vintage 8 strand gilt chains necklace

Saturday 27 May 2017

LEA STEIN BROOCH - THE DACHSHUND DOG - BLACK SILVER RED

Haven't had a Lea Stein Dachshund dog for ages so was pleased to get this one.  Like the colours too - black, silver and red.  Full description of colours, size etc. on my web site.  It is a genuine Lea Stein - with the correct pin - Lea Stein Paris.  Please beware the copies - the actual Lea Stein ones are so much better!  Price £65 Ref: 3062 C68/21
Lea Stein Brooch - Dachshund Dog - Black Silver Red