Working Out The Value Of Your Vintage Jewellery

Vintage jewellery is highly collectible and has been popular for quite some time, and you may also have a few family heirlooms that you have accumulated over the years. The value of your collection will depend on the quality of the jewellery that you have, and not what you paid for it!

Here are some tips on how you can work out the value of your vintage jewellery which is especially handy if you need to insure it.

Where Did You Get The Item?
Although it is not strictly a rule, if you were to find some jewellery at a market or boot sale, it would most likely be vintage rather than antique, and as antiques are worth more than vintage, this can help to determine the value of what you have. If you purchased it from a reputable jewellery seller or antique dealer such as https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/, then you may already have an accurate idea of the value of the item. If you have a piece of jewellery that has been handed down through multiple generations of your family, this could be an antique and so could be worth more.

Examine Your Jewellery

Image Source: Unsplash

You will want to examine your jewellery and look at what it is made from. You will also want to look for a hallmark, which can give you a lot of information about the item. You will be able to get the metal that it is made from including the purity, you will also be able to find out where and when it was made. The condition of the jewellery will play a vital factor in the value of your jewellery, and if it is not very good, you may wish to consider selling it off for the scrap value of the materials from which it is made.

Look At The Gemstones
You will also want to look at the gems that are in your jewellery and try to certify whether they are genuine or whether they are paste or glass copies. You will want to look at the quality of the stones and researching the 4 C’s can be done with ease on the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) website. You will want to look for any flaws, cracks, or other factors that can determine the value of a gemstone and make a note of the overall condition of the piece. Working out the prices for precious metals and gemstones using the current market prices, you can then get a rough estimate as to the value of your vintage jewellery. If you are still in doubt, you may wish to contact a reputable jewellery dealer and have them appraise your collection.

An Expert Valuation Is Best

Image Source: Unsplash

To get the most accurate value of your vintage jewellery collection, you are better off leaving this to the professionals and use a reputable dealer close to you to value your collection. Using their service, you will be able to know how much your jewellery is worth as well as the documentation as to its worth if you need to insure it should it ever gets stolen.

However much your jewellery is worth financially, you can never quantify the sentimental value that a piece can have, so to you, they can be priceless.

First Image Source: Unsplash

Autumn Style Giveaway!

Hello, Elegant Lovelies,

I am celebrating my twenty-year wedding anniversary, it’s amazing. It’s beautiful to be filled with gratitude and I am thankful to God to be married to a man who loves the Lord and really loves me.

I am a freelance fashion stylist and even though I am seeing heat indexes of over 100-degree weather the leaves are falling. What is a better way to kick off the fall fashion season than something new to spice up your wardrobe? What is an item in your wardrobe you would like to have for fall?

I’m joining Katherine, from Katherines Corner for her Autumn Style Giveaway! 

Please remember to follow Katherine, the sponsor, and all her hostesses so you can earn all of your entry opportunities. 

~ Katherine – Katherines Corner
~ Lisa — Casa Bouquet 
~ Nina – Vintage Mamas Cottage
~ Karren — Oh My Heartsie Girl
~ Diane — Mamal Diane Keeping Life Simple
~ Christina — Christina Faye Repurposed
~ JT Wisdom — Bubbling with Elegance and Grace 

Disclaimer -from Katherines Corner-Some of Katherines giveaways may have sponsors and/or reviews included. Katherines Corner may receive compensation for reviews and advertising provided through a sponsored giveaway. However, no compensation will influence the outcome of any review or giveaway win. Katherines Corner provides reviews to readers in order to provide an informed decision before the purchase. Katherines Corner and its affiliate Bobskatie Enterprises reserves the right to not publish a review of a product or products that do not meet the specified instructions provided to product submission companies or individuals. Reviews are posted in the appropriate section at Katherines (subject to products availability. This disclaimer is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

To enter please log into the entry form below using your email address. Have fun and Good Luck in the Giveaway! 

 

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Dooney & Bourke Pebble Leather Cameron Crossbody with Logo Strap (Handbag Review)

Hello good people,

I’m thankful to have Labor Day Monday off because I know that everyone does not have the day off. Whether you are off or working, enjoy your day. Today my husband has been painting the office. It looks so good and ready for a fresh look in the house.

I have really been working on my wardrobe, looking at what I have in my closet. I realized last year that I did not have a true small crossbody handbag. Our wedding anniversary is coming up when I saw on QVC the Dooney and Bourke Leather Cameron Crossbody with the logo strap. It looked really cool and thought it would be worth a try. Many of the reviews said that the strap should be sold seperately since the Cameron is not new to the Dooney line. Since I do not I have a Dooney and Bourke crossbody, so this seemed like a perfect fit for me.

Here’s more information about the bag.

From Dooney & Bourke. Logo embroidery on this gorgeous crossbody bag’s strap sets it apart from more ordinary accessories.
Collection: Cameron

  • Pebble leather body, zipper closure, four feet, metal plated logo, removable logo-engraved strap
  • Lined interior, front-wall zipper pocket, back-wall slip pocket, key hook
  • Measures approximately 7.5″ x 9″ x 4″ with a 24″ strap drop; weighs 1 lb, 6 oz
  • Body/trim 100% leather; lining 100% cotton
  • Imported
    Description on QVC.com

The strap sets the bag off. It is more of embossing than embroidery. I can see myself wearing this strap on other bags that have interchangeable straps.

Do you think the guitar strap overpowers the bag?

The cameron bag is actually quite roomy. I can fit my full size iPhone, my wallet and cosmetic bag inside. The bag even has feet on the bottom.
The strap is comfortable and in my opinion doesn’t overpower the bag at all. I wore it to church and it was great. I even had my friend asking me where I got it from and wanting to place an order.

This is my first crossbody small handbag from Dooney and Bourke and I am enjoying the bag. Please let me know if you own the original Cameron or purchased this Cameron with the guitar strap. I would like to know what you think about it.

Attending A Homecoming? Useful Style Tips for Short Women

If you are a little on the short side, special care needs to be taken when shopping for an evening gown, and working on the principal that an evening gown looks entirely different when worn by another, it is important to find a gown that simply works for you. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the right gown choice for that very special homecoming if you are on the short side.

Photo by Bruno Salvadori from Pexels

Empire Waist – This style really does work for a short woman, with a waist that flares out from under the bust line, and petite girls should avoid puffy gowns, as they seem lost in the many folds. It might be an idea to opt for a gown that has a just below the knee hemline, and if you really must go full length, make sure the gown is tight-fitting and it looks proportionate with your frame.

A-Line Cut – Fitted at the waist, the A-line cut flares down in an A shape and if you have wide hips, this is the style for you. For a great selection of A-line waist evening gowns, search online for an established boutique, where you can find A-line cut gowns from leading designers such as Sherri Hill.

Consider A Two Piece Outfit – If you search the online boutiques, you will find stunning two piece homecoming dresses that would suit you, and by ordering in advance, you can ask your local seamstress to make some small adjustments. Wearing a two-piece outfit does offer you a level of freedom that a single gown cannot, which is great if you like to dance until the early hours.

Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna from Pexels

Wearing High Heels– The short girl’s primary weapon, wearing high heels can give you that essential extra few inches where it counts, and the most important thing is your dress length, which should be just touching the floor if full length. Of course, you may choose not to wear a full-length gown, in which case the main thing is that you feel comfortable in the shoes, and it goes without saying that you can remove them when on the dance floor.

Plus Size Girls – We come in all shapes and sizes, and if you are a plus size girl who is around 5 ft. tall, avoid dress styles that don’t complement your figure. There are online designer boutiques where you can view a great collection of plus size evening gowns, and once you find the ideal dress, a secure online payment is all it takes to have the garment dispatched to your home address.

Petite girls should always remember that the best things come in small packages, and providing you feel good in your outfit, that’s all that really counts. If you have a dress rehearsal at home, take a selfie and send it to your best friend for a second opinion, and remember to order your gown, leaving enough time for any minor alterations.

Homecomings offer the chance to meet some old friends and see how their lives are turning out, and if you are looking your best, your friends will be more than a little impressed.

* First Photo by zelle duda on Unsplash

JT Style File: Pretty In Pink

Hello, Lovelies

It’s been all about color and prints for me this summer. The bolder prints and the brighter the colors, the more I enjoy the outfit. Pink brightens my face like soft light and it really stands out in the sea of black that some many women wearing. I am not trying to be an imitator of other people’s style, but I want to make my own style statement. My hubby tells me to embrace my uniqueness and if I like it, nothing else really matters.

This is a regular workday outfit for me, where I dress in layers. It may be hot and humid outside, but it can be chilly on the inside. Layers meaning a black shirt with a true pink Bob Mackie T-shirt. I added a belt to define my waist. The piece de resistance is the Bob Mackie Tropical Paradise Gaucho Knit Pants that are a vibrant burst of pink and red variations with splashes of black in the backdrop. Do you notice how the colors are balanced? The gauchos take center stage in this outfit. If I really wanted to step out, I could add a printed top with the pants. However, I don’t believe that I need it. The solid top adds balance to the outfit and makes it work-appropriate. I went with black wedges for my shoes, but I could also have paired it with pink espadrilles or nude wedges.

Do not be afraid of bold colors. If you are in a black rut or tend to wear monotone hues, you can make it work for you by adding small amounts of color to your top, pants, skirt, shoes, or scarf, and see how you feel in it.

JT Style File: Floral Fancy

Floral Fancy

Hello, Lovelies

It’s sunny, hot and humid here in the Midwest. But what do you expect, it is August. Work has been keeping me busy lately with quite a few projects. I feel so relaxed working on summer style posts.

Soft Surroundings has quickly become one of my favorite retailers for high-quality fashion pieces. If you have looked through its website, you know that the items are at a higher price point because the fabric and details are higher quality.  Being a savvy shopper, I tend to look at the clearance and sale sections to see what has been marked down. I recently found the Lupita top with tie-front, shown in the photo above. This fabulous top retails for $79.95, but I was able to find it on sale for only $19.95. WOW!
I felt floral fancy. The pink roses and the corresponding colors are year-round and the tie in the front is effortless. A colleague said that it reminded her of Paris. I wore a black tank underneath, but it is not a necessity. The top is not shear and is not see-through. The lace skirt is from Isaac Mizrahi Live line from QVC. It is a perfect pair for summer with the cool cotton fabric. I am constantly on the move throughout the day while at work, so I want my shoes to be comfortable, but chic. These blush Sketcher wedges fit the bill. I can walk with added height and my feet well supported. The Sketchers Suede Peep-Toe Slingback wedges -Stylin are on clearance right now on QVC for only $37.12.

Jewelry
I wore my jasper necklace on a leather cord, Grandmother’s Buttons earrings and My Saint My Hero Bracelets. When it’s hot, I don’t wear as much jewelry.

Handbag
Dooney and Bourke Hattie is the handbag I chose with this outfit. The leather is soft and pliable and feels like a second skin.

I felt confident, chic and floral fancy. So pretty in pink!