Classic American Costume Jewely (Classic American Costume Jewelry: Identification & Value Guide) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Jacqueline Rehmann (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classic American Costume Jewelry: Identification & Value Guide | Publication Date: October 13, 2008

Author Jacqueline Rehmann, a collector of vintage costume jewelry for over 40 years, features some 400+ pieces from her private collection, and describes each in detail. Her research has been exhaustive to ensure her descriptions are accurate and contain the most up-to-date information. She highlights selected pieces by companies which have had little or no exposure in other costume jewelry books. She describes her taste as eclectic and the photos certainly prove that. From World War II retro brooches to the mod 1960s to the revival of costume jewelry in the 1980s, her collection showcases pieces from many different eras. Included is an entertaining introduction in which she provides tips for beginning collectors. This section contains personal anecdotes that chart her collecting triumphs and mishaps. Also included is a brief history of costume jewelry as well as a reference chart of manufacturers' marks, dates, and brief descriptions of chief characteristics. 2009 values.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This 192-page soft-back book features some 400+ pieces form the author's private collection. From World War II retro brooches to the mod 1960s to the revival of costume jewelry in the 1980s, her collection showcases pieces from many different eras. Included is an entertaining introduction in which she provides tips for beginning collectors. Also included is a brief history of costume jewelry as well as a reference chart of manufacturers' marks, dates, and descriptions of chief characteristics.

About the Author

Jacqueline Rehmann believes the appreciation of beautiful things begins slowly and the seeds are planted in us when we are young. She has admired, appreciated, and collected vintage costume jewelry since she was nine years old. Today she continues to collect vintage costume jewelry with her ten-year-old daughter, who is learning the basics of collecting by accompanying Jacqueline on buying trips.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; 1 edition (October 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574325981
• ISBN-13: 978-1574325980
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Jewelry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome addition to jewelry guide library, October 22, 2008

By 

Char - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic American Costume Jewely (Classic American Costume Jewelry: Identification & Value Guide) (Paperback)

Images are large and outstanding, and related text very informative. Book is filled with items easily encountered in your travels, not museum pieces that are seldom found. Useful designer information included at the back of the book. I rate the usefulness of a guide by the number of postit notes on the pages after I flip thru the first time, and this book has many. Highly recommend this book if you are not into museum pieces.

The only criticism I have for this and most other jewelry guides, is the lack of images of the back of pins/brooches and earrings. Earrings are easy to do by showing the front of one and back of the other. To help us date and identify pins, we need to see the back. I hope this will be addressed in future guides.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic American Costume Jewelry - a Gem!, December 10, 2008

By 

L. J. Herz - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic American Costume Jewely (Classic American Costume Jewelry: Identification & Value Guide) (Paperback)

This is a gem! Ms. Rehmann's book has turned a casual purchaser of jewelry at thrift stores into a woman with a loupe and magnifying glass going over every item in her stash. I didn't realize how much fun it can be to find a signature on the back of a piece and read more about it in this book. Knowing the background of a piece has prompted me to find new ways to wear and display my favorites and gain new appreciation of others. The book is written in a very personal, often amusing manner that anyone with even the slightest interest in costume jewelry will enjoy.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic American Costome Jewelry: Identification and Value Guide, November 24, 2008

By 

Maria B. Tavenner (Alexandria, VA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic American Costume Jewely (Classic American Costume Jewelry: Identification & Value Guide) (Paperback)

This book is well written, with a graceful style and entertaining anecdotes, but is is also well researched with vivid detailed histories of the items and their craftsmen. But worth the price alone are the hundreds of close-up photographs showing the detail of these beautiful pieces. Well done!