Coppolo e Toppo

posted on: Monday, December 29, 2008

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

posted on: Thursday, December 25, 2008

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

posted on: Monday, December 22, 2008

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

posted on: Saturday, December 20, 2008

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

posted on: Thursday, December 18, 2008

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

posted on: Monday, December 15, 2008

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

posted on: Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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

posted on: Friday, December 5, 2008

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

posted on: Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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

posted on: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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

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