Coppolo e Toppo

My heart flutters every time I think about this team of designers from the '60's. Coppola e Toppo designs were commisioned by all the best couture houses, including Pucci and Schiaparelli. Their jewels are veritable feasts of intricate bead work in graduated color values. Shown here is one of my all time favorites. Is someone writing a book about this wonderful designer yet? We need one on these masterful jewels.

Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

A New Book on Sherman Jewellery

Okay, so most of you know that I'm Canadian. And those who know me have heard me laud the jewellery of Gustav Sherman, a Canadian designer whose work spans four decades: from 1947 to 1981. I am happy to report that a new book has been published which illustrates Sandra Caldwell's beautiful collection. Sherman Jewellery, The Masterpiece Collection by Sandra Caldwell and Evelyn Yallen, is both a comprehensive collector's guide and a feast for the eyes!

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

What the Boys Wear

Okay, let's get serious. What's with our men, who dresses them? Take a look in the mirror, because for the most part it's us! In Europe the men have been sporting lapel pins for years. I'm talking about the wonderful Deco sterling and marcasite clips from the '20s. The effect is modest but elegant. How about a great heavy geometric bracelet or silver Moderne pin? A bolder statement is both interesting and creative. It's up to us to introduce these ideas to our guys and a good time to start is with a holiday gift. Here are some clues.

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

Juliana Five Link Bracelets

There are many grey areas as to which jewels may or may not be D&E, commonly refered to as Juliana. However, a signature item which can always be attributed to Juliana is the five link bracelet. Produced in the 60's in a variety of colors and with the most fabulous array of stones. Most bracelets have safety chains and display one of three findings, which are either stamped with an arrow or stripped design. (The image above shows the stripped design.) These bracelets look best worn in groups and are easy to throw on. Whenever I need a "pick-me-up" I wear a few. Try it.
Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

Lipstick Red

Decades ago, Chanel introduced us to cherry red with her lipstick collection. Here is a selection of vintage Czech jewelry in that luscious shade of red, just in time for Christmas!

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

The Creatures

The only bugs I have any tolerance for are the vintage ones! They always put a smile on my face. Cartier designed them frequently, as did most of the fine jewelry houses. I personally love the outrageous ones. They look best worn in clusters! Put a smile on your face with one of these creatures!
Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

The Perfect Baby Gift

How often have you racked your brains to come up with an unusual idea for a baby gift. You want to give something that will be remembered, and that no one else has thought of. Well, here's a suggestion... Vintage Baby Gifts! For births, christenings, and birthdays, a vintage present is always received with excitement! A sterling rattle, a sterling spoon or a 100 year old piggy bank. There are even pieces of vintage baby jewelry, many from the Victorian Era.
Be creative! These may be the only things that a child will take on to adulthood and pass on to his or her children. Click here to see a few examples of the perfect baby gift.

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

Holiday Gifting

Christmas is fast approaching, believe it or not! I love to sell the 50's Christmas trees as heritage pieces to pass down through generations. Why don't you start a trend? Our Fabulous and Festive spotlight features a range of brooches to choose from.

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

Stocking Stuffer

If you’re searching for a great stocking stuffer this holiday, be sure to pick up a copy of Fabulous Fakes. Sold out in hard cover, a great new soft cover version is available for purchase online through this site, as well as on amazon.ca.
Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

Early Chanel Jewelry

The Chanel jewelry that I lust after are the early pieces, such as the silver necklace pictured above, and those created by designer Louis Rousselet. The silver necklace was most likely created in the 40s and is marked Chanel. There are few examples of these early pieces, and the exquisite workmanship and design has ensured their survival over the decades.

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

In the early 80s, I turned my passion into the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection. I was always looking for shortcut terminology to refer to certain unsigned pieces. I've always loved the Czech jewelry with unfoiled, bezel set crystals. The necklaces in this genre looked to me like pools of reflection dancing on the collar bone. Naturally, I needed a catch-all term to refer to these treasures. One day I saw a clear crystal square necklace and said to the vendor "Please pass me that chicklet necklace." Since that time I've been referring to this type of jewelry as "Chicklets." They remain a favorite of mine and one of the most popular sellers!

Check out the wonderful selection in our Chicklets Spotlight.

Stay FABULOUS.

Carole

Vintage Filigree Jewelry

There is nothing more "old world" than vintage filigree jewelry. And, nowhere is it better exemplified than with Czech pieces from the 20s and 30s. These bohemian treasures are hard to find and coveted by collectors worldwide! The bracelet and necklace pictured above are excellent examples of why vintage filigree jewelry is sought after! To view more items like these click here.

Stay FABULOUS,

Carole

"To Match" - Archaic Fashion Expression

It used to be that fashion was all about matching, shoes to bags, pins to suits, gold with gold, etc. Today, anything goes. You have three favorite bracelets…wear them all together! Two costume necklaces and a real pearl necklace you think might just work…throw them on! It's all about spontaneity when it comes to accessorizing. Just look at the runway shows on style.com. The necklaces being shown include huge mixed media show stoppers. The bracelets are more familiar, the only difference being we never thought to mix them so casually. Accessorizing today is all about personal aesthetics. So, create your own unique "ensembles" and have fun doing it.
Looking for some inspiration? Check out our ideas in our Mix and Match spotlight.
Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

It's in the Bag

In today's economy, when couture evening bags go for several thousands of dollars, vintage equivalents are a "cheap date"! And luckily they are still available. There is a wide variety to choose from, including; beaded, embroidered, petite point, corde, etc. As long as they are in good condition (no bead loss, clean metal frames) these time tested treasures are extremely wearable. They add an effortless sophistication to any outfit! Please check out my vintage purse trunk at Holt Renfrew on Bloor, as well as the purse category of this site for some amazing finds. We have a large inventory of purses, so feel free to contact us if you have a wish list!
Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

Carole's Contemporary Designer Picks

As collectors, we all know that today's fare becomes tomorrow's collectibles. There are several Contemporary jewellery designers that I have started collecting. My choices are based on the quality of craftsmanship and personal aesthetics.

• Robert Sorrell, a New York designer who does a lot of work for Cirque de Soleil, is among my favorites. He works mostly with vintage stones. His jewels, although influenced by vintage designs, are uniquely his own. He is widely known for his cascading necklaces, his long elegant earrings, and fantastic cuff bracelets. He works alone and therefore has a small production. However, I have rarely seen a piece that I don't lust after!
• Alan Anderson, Canada's darling in costume jewelry is also a one man show. He searches for unique stones, mostly vintage swarofski crystals, and secures them in large claw settings. His large necklaces are spectacular, with wonderful, off-beat color combos. My pick with Anderson is his statement necklaces on japanned metal. Keep your eyes out for this new star!
• Next is veteran Lawrence Vrba, who once worked in the Miriam Haskell production house. Although many of his pieces reflect "a blast from his past" (think huge 5" flower pins constructed with shells and stones and mammoth Christmas tree brooches) they are objects of wearable art. Kudos to him for his continued collections.
• David Mandel, of The Show Must Go On, is well known for his life size lobster brooch, which sits on my desk when I am not wearing it. David Mandel definitely takes the cake for 'most over-the-top designer.'

If you haven't already been exposed to these talented designers, check them out in our Contemporary Collectibles Spotlight. You will not be disappointed!
Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

Fund Raising Event for Sick Kids Hospital

Every year, our company partners with a foundation to hold a fund raising event, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. This season, we are excited to be showcasing a major selection of jewels, in hopes of raising funds for the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto. Jewelry from the collection dates from the Victorian Era to present day. 20% of retail sales will go to HSC. The event will take place at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel, Tuesday December 2, 2008 11:00-8:00pm, in the 2nd floor boardroom. 318 Wellington Street West, M5V 3T3, Toronto, Ontario.
The Hospital for Sick Children is Canada's most research-intensive hospital and the largest center dedicated to improving children's health in the country. We feel privileged to be part of their fund raising program. Please stop by and have fun selecting treasures for yourself and loved ones, while helping to fund a most worthy cause. I will be at the event, signing copies of my book, Fabulous Fakes, which will be available for sale. In addition, if you make a purchase from our site from now until the New Year, we will contribute 20% of the sale to the Hospital for Sick Children. We will also be accepting direct contributions to the HSC at the show. I look forward to meeting you on December 2nd!
Stay FABULOUS,
Carole

*Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection is on permanent view at Holt Renfrew on Bloor, and White Bridal on Hazelton Avenue, Toronto.

Carole's Vintage Jewelry Tips!

Statement jewelry is everywhere this fall, and Carole Tanenbaum is the queen of costume. Here is a list of some things to watch out for when searching for your own vintage treasures:

• Watch for metal that is tarnished green. This is a sign that copper has oxidized, and if copper is a component in the metal, then the metal may be damaged. If the tarnish is just on the surface of the metal however, try wiping it with a soft cloth, or use vinegar on a q-tip for spot cleaning.


• Jewelry boxes should be organised so that pieces do not touch each other. To avoid scratching, try velvet pads. They can be purchased from almost any jewelry supply store, or you can make them yourself with cotton velvet.


• Bracelets should be stored on bracelet stands, or an upright paper towel stand. Hinged bracelets must be stored lying down, as older hinges have the tendancy to weaken.


• I always feel that less is more when cleaning vintage pieces. However, if you must, test a small area on the back of the piece to ensure that you are using the right product.


• Check brooch clasps to see if they work. They are difficult to repair as early clasps are no longer being made. If you feel the clasp is loose, cut a square out of a rubber band and secure it to the pin of the brooch before closure.