Posts Tagged ‘costume jewelry’
Parure and Demi Parure
October 21st, 2009 | 
Author:
Parure and demi parure are often heard in regards to vintage jewelry. Parure is from the French, it’s literal meaning is is a matched set of adornments,
A parure is a matching set or suite of jewelry, officially it is five matching pieces of jewelry including a necklace, a pair of earrings, a brooch, a bracelet and a ring. A parure was originally a sign of royalty and great wealth in the 17th century. Parures became popular in costume jewelry in the 20th century. Very few jewelers include a ring in their designs so a 3 or 4 piece set is considered a parure and of course 2 or 3 matching pieces is a demi parure.
It is rare ( not impossible ) to find full parures in vintage jewelry today. Sometime collectors will collect and hunt for one piece at a time.
The Life of a Jool Junkie
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Hello my name is Sally and I am an addict. Yes it is true I am a “jool ” junkie, a “joolie”, addicted to beautiful jewelry. The thrill of the hunt sets my heart to racing. spotting a gorgeous, shiny piece of vintage jewelry at an estate sale or garage sale causes the palms of my hands to sweat.
My Plan of Attack
I start on Thursday and look through the classified ads and emails I have received from autioneers. If their are previews of the sale online I check them out. Sometimes there is a phone number so I call and ask about any vintage jewelry that may be available.
If I am lucky I may get a few good prospects in the same area. I live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina; a beautiful place that I love, but it is at the ends of the earth, so I usually have to travel at least two hours to get to an estate sale.
On Friday I map out my plan, print out directions to where I am going. I gather my supplies: bubble wrap, jewelers loupe, cash, checks, credit cards, a sturdy box, drinks and snacks, my map and a reference book or two.
The Big Day
I wake early before the sun is up, pack the car with my supplies and I am on the road.
I get to the sale early so I can preview any jewelry in person. If I find some good ” junk jewelry “, I scope out the competition, repeating to myself ” act casual ” while trying to keep the competition at bay with my infamous glare. Sorry but I need my fix.
Now I start holding individual pieces of jewelry in my hand and casually but carefully examining them. I find a beautiful vintage brooch in great condition and it is signed by one of my favorite designers. Beads of sweat break out on my upper lip; “STOP, never let them see you sweat.” 
I wind up getting some beautiful jewelry at a fair price and I head home with my days haul.
Back Home
Back at home I spread out my new treasures, look at the beauty of them; the luster of the faux pearls, the sparkle of the rhinestones . . . I hold each and every brooch, necklace, pair of earrings and bracelet in my hand, feeling the weight of each piece of jewelry and the cold of the metal. I carefully examine each and every one, research some of them and wonder about the history of each treasure. Now I am at peace I have fed the addition, for a little while.
Now I can hardly wait to show off my new treasures, I can’t keep all of the jewelry. I have to decide which to keep and which to sell and share.
Until next time,
Sally
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: collecting vintage jewelry, costume jewelry, vintage jewely | 
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