SPRING IS IN THE AIR: TIME FOR COLORFUL COSTUME JEWELRY

Well I don't know what it's like, weather-wise, where you are but up here in Canada where we still sometimes get snow in April, Spring has surely arrived. We've been enjoying summertime temps going as high as 27 C ... record-breaking for our city at this time of year. The funniest part for me was returning from our trip to Venezuela for the last week of March: it  was hot and humid on Margarita Island and I was almost looking forward to returning to cooler temps. What a shock to come home to this! No complaints of course, but it was a reminder that when it comes to jewelry, it's time to start thinking Spring. And not only Spring: Mother's Day is just over a month away. So what will those shoppers who still have some money left after tax time be looking for now? 

One of my loveliest recent finds is the delightful pink glass bead necklace and earring set by DeMario shown above. No way could I pass this up. Everything about it, from its pretty color to its design suggests spring and flowers.  This is an 82 gram necklace; yet it doesn't feel or look heavy. It's satiny smooth on the skin and feels cool to the touch. 

For those not familiar with DeMario, he designed between 1946 and 1960. In both design, quality, construction and the use of beads and findings, he's comparable to Miriam Haskell. He later worked with Stanley Hagler, one of the most lauded vintage designers.  According to the book, COSTUME JEWELRY 101 by Julia Carroll,  DeMario's pieces, especially those in good condition are hard to come by, getting pricier all the time, and definitely worth collecting. So this lovely set above should be added to your wish list: it's in fantastic condition and the gorgeous pink color is always popular. You can see more photos and learn more about this DeMario set HERE. 

Speaking of Stanley Hagler, before I went away I began looking into that designer too. I'd seen his pieces in books on costume jewelry. They were always expensive and from what I was reading, highly collectible. Since starting that research, I've acquired several remarkable pieces signed Stanley Hagler N.Y.C. and will be featuring them in time as we get our photos done. But one that is available now is this incredible brooch shown below: 

Now let me tell you: no books nor photos ever prepared me for this one! For starters, it's "huge" at least by my standards.  It measures 4" X 2.5". But wow ... what an amazing example of the work of a master! The glorious intricate bead work that must have taken hours to complete is mind-boggling. And the lovely combination of colors! This brooch represents a butterfly in a garden, resting near a massive amethyst colored cabochon. You just have to go see this brooch in OUR SHOP AT RUBY LANE. Note its construction, condition and workmanship. Then realize that no photos, not even ours which are very good, shows you just how beautiful this is. Now wonder Stanley Hagler is revered amongst vintage costume jewelry designers. 

MARCH MADNESS SALE at VINTAGE JEWELRY SHOWCASE is underway now!

As the end of February draws near, it's time for our annual MARCH MADNESS SALE to begin. So we kicked it off yesterday with some incredible savings to be had on everything from fine diamond and gemstone jewelry (rings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces) to designer vintage costume jewelry (Sherman, Haskell, unsigned beauties) We even have a vintage 18k and 925 silver set by Cartier on sale ... and it's just a new addition to our site.

We took a look at what our customers have added to their "wish lists" and that's what we've reduced, in some cases by several hundreds of dollars. If ever there was a time to snap up a knockout diamond ring or necklace at a fantastic price, this is it! How about something like this killer vintage diamond necklace below, just recently appraised at $4875 CAD. We had it listed at $2495, but during our March Madness Sale, it's yours for only $1895. But you must order it by March 15th!

CLICK THIS LINK to see the appraisal and more photos of this knockout piece. 

Been dreaming of owning a genuine emerald and diamond ring? That 0.75ct stunner above is set in Platinum and flanked by 2 brilliant baguette diamonds on either side. During our MARCH MADNESS SALE you can save $100 on this beautiful vintage ring which is now a very affordable $595 until March 15th. Emerald is May's birthstone: know someone with a May birthday who love to get this as a gift? Learn more about it HERE. 

Designer costume jewelry collectors might like to save on the few remaining SHERMAN pieces we have in our SHOP AT RUBY LANE. We've reduced prices on those for the MARCH MADNESS SALE too. How about this magnificent sunburst necklace below for only $195! That's $100 off our original asking price. What a beauty to add to your Sherman collection! See more photos AT THIS LINK

We have other SHERMANS being offered at reduced prices too. These include a rare "mink" Swarovski crystal AB set in topaz, a Siam red, japan-backed bracelet   & earrings, a knockout larger-stoned pink Sherman set, and a pretty fuschia set. Both of the latter are necklace/earring sets. Just type SHERMAN into our search box in our RUBY LANE SHOP. 

There are so many wonderful pieces available at reduced prices during our MARCH MADNESS SALE that I couldn't possibly list them all here. So why not  slip over and take a look around. And while you're there, you might enjoy checking out some of our latest arrivals too. We've added 5 new items in the past few days, including this incredible unsigned beauty shown below: 

This has got to be one of the most beautiful necklace/earring sets I've ever seen. It was impossible to believe it wasn't signed. When I first saw it, I thought it was a JULIANA by D&E, because of the hand-painted "easter-egg" cabochons. Well it's not a Juliana but it certainly rivals it for beautiful design and workmanship. This piece came from the huge collection of one of my customers. She has been collecting for years and now circumstances have forced her to sell off some of her treasures. So we're selling her pieces on consignment. She's open to offers so please slip over to BLACK BEAUTY and take a close look at this one. 

And though it's already too late for you to buy the Miriam Haskell glass bead necklace shown below, I wanted to share it with you. This is also from this lady's collection. It was snapped up by a smart buyer within hours of my listing it. But I wanted to show it here as it's such a fabulous Haskell necklace. It'll also give  you an idea of the quality pieces our lady will be offering shoppers who visit OUR RUBY LANE SHOP. I hope that will be you who are reading this! Now, come on over and see what else we have for you during our MARCH MADNESS SALE at VINTAGE JEWELRY SHOWCASE at RUBY LANE.