I was recently at a outdoor antiques market when I saw this dazzling purse and couldn’t keep my eyes off of it. The purse is made of wood and has a whimsical bird pattern bejeweled with gold and brown translucent stones and gold coins. I could tell that the design was from either the 1960s or 70s. Flat 2-D bird images have been popular and I wondered if this is where it began. The lady who sold it to me asked if I knew Enid Collins. No, I’d never heard of her.

Once I got home, I started to research Enid Collins and what I found was an interesting lady. Enid and her husband, sculptor Fred Collins, moved to Medina, TX to ranch. After struggling at making a go of ranching, they had to turn to their talents. She had graduated with a fashion design degree, so it was only natural that she would design purses. Enid made unique, stylish purses using paint, charms, sequins, rhinestones, sculpted brass ornaments and leather trim. Collins of Texas was born in 1959 and at first sold her bags locally in gift shops and dude ranches. But then Neiman Marcus placed an order and Enid’s totes and box bag purses became the ‘must-have’ accessory. I find her story inspirational because she followed her bliss. It seems that a lot of us get caught in the money trap of having to rely on a day job when only we’d be so lucky to lose our jobs and then have to rely on our passions. I know it seems a little scary, but the payoff is huge, not only money but what you have the potential to create.

After poking around the internet, I’ve learned that the purse that I’ve acquired was made in the 1960s. This purse is in excellent shape, but for missing three small sequins – hardly noticeable. It has a mirror on the inside flap to allow for powdering one’s nose at any moment. The purse design is called “Money Tree”, so you’ll be rich if you carry this bag around. Well, you’ll look rich anyway. It’s like carrying a portable piece of studio folk art. I’ll be posting this one for sale soon . . . if it can be wrestled out of my hands. What a find! If you’d like to see more designs, check out Enid Collins Collection.

Well, I finally received my verification on the milk glass brooch and earring set…and it is confirmed a Juliana/Delizza & Elster set.  I was very excited to hear the news!  You can see the confirmation in album #33- images 78-79.

It really is a beautiful vintage demi-parure.  I have posted the set for sale under “jewelry sets” for a great price of $64!

I have picked up on some of the makers attributes, but since I am new at this most are found by chance.  I was recently surprised by a brooch and earring set I purchased.

When I looked on the internet, I found a couple of stores that were selling the same brooch under the Juliana name.  This is a highly collectible brand, but all are unmarked.  I wanted to confirm if this set really was Juliana.  As luck would have it, there is a site that is totally dedicated to the Juliana brand.

http://www.julianajewelry.net/

On the site they verify the  jewelry through Frank DeLizza, one of the owners of DeLizza & Ester jewelry (producers of the Juliana brand).  In addition, they provide you with images of known Juliana pieces and the common characteristics of the pieces.  It is really fun to look around the site; they provide tons of information.

I have just submitted the photos for verification.  I will let you know if it is Juliana.

A funny thing happened when my sister and I decided to buy and sell vintage jewelry last summer – all of a sudden I saw it everywhere! In fashion magazines, store catalogues (reproductions, of course) and even first lady was matching vintage jewelry to her outfits (well, her style advisor probably was). Vintage is the current trend! I’m sure it has something to do with the state of the economy. In tough times, people historically look back. And that’s where we’re at right now . . . looking back to when life was easier and people didn’t live in fear of losing their job.

Whether or not vintage is ‘in’, I still have a deep appreciation for it. I got into this biz because I love to treasure hunt. When someone asks me, “Where did you get that?” I have to tell them that it’s a unique jewelry piece (either vintage or from an art show) that you won’t find at the local chain store. In our shop, I try to sell a mix of simple to elaborate so that I can post jewelry pieces that are in a range of prices. It’s fun to mix and match jewelry, even if they are not from the same era . . .it lends to a unique, personal style.

At the age of thirteen, I started working in a consignment resale shop.  One of my main duties was to organize and display the jewelry cases.  For seven years I admired and purchased a lot of vintage jewelry.  I didn’t really pay attention to the designer names, but noticed the quality and workmanship.  Even today, some of the pieces I purchased back then are still great pieces.  Good jewelry never really goes out of style.

When I decided to follow the path to selling vintage jewelry, it came quite naturally, except that it is a little hard to part with it.  What I enjoy is what collectors and jewelry lovers also see and appreciate the jewelry too.

I am learning new things every day and I am excited to share my love for jewelry with you.