Antique and collectible history

What Should You Buy For The 25th Anniversary?

What Should You Buy For The 25th Anniversary?

The answer is silver! Some people interpret this to be a gift which is the colour silver but the recipient is likely to know that a gift made from solid silver is what is traditionally given for the 25th (silver) anniversary. Imagine a wife receiving a gift from her husband after a quarter of a century of matrimony to discover that it is silver coloured instead of hallmarked silver! 

Read more
All About Antique Seed Pearl Jewellery And The Popularity Of Pearls In Britain Throughout The Ages

All About Antique Seed Pearl Jewellery And The Popularity Of Pearls In Britain Throughout The Ages

This post will answer these questions:

When did seed pearl jewellery become popular?

How do seed pearls differ from other pearls?

Why are they called seed pearls?

Are seed pearls natural?

What colour range do seed pearls have?

 

Read more
Pearls for 30th Anniversary Gifts, Elizabeth Taylor & Le Peregrina

Pearls for 30th Anniversary Gifts, Elizabeth Taylor & Le Peregrina

Probably the most famous pearl is the world is Le Peregrina. The 500-year-old pearl is pear shaped. Its previous owners included the King of Spain, Napoleon Bonaparte and Elizabeth Taylor. Richard Burton bought Le Peregrina in 1969 as a Valentine’s Day gift for Elizabeth Taylor. He bid $37,000 at auction in which the Spanish royal family were also bidding. 

Read more
Gueldy

Gueldy

Gueldy was established in 1905 by Messrs. Lelaurin & Sergent. It was situated at 370 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore in Paris. Monsieur Sergent was also the founder of another concern which manufactured affordable perfumes and cosmetics. This brand was known as Sergy. The business was very successful & the Gueldy brand was highly regarded. In 1925 Gueldy attained the highest accolade possible, winning the gold medal at the 1925 Paris Exhibition. Naturally this fabulous scent and its associated products were sought-after all over the world. 

Read more
The Difference Between Vermeil & Gold Plating

The Difference Between Vermeil & Gold Plating

In the mid-18th century the process of fire-gilding was developed in France. Later on it was discovered that workers involved in this work became blind due to their exposure to mercury which was used in the process & it was banned. In modern times electrolysis is used to bond the gold. This method is safe. Vermeil jewellery has been popular since the 19th century & it has gained great popularity as it makes gold collectibles more affordable.
Read more
Antique Sterling Silver Ripley & Gowan Mesh Purse

Our Favourite Antique And Vintage Mesh Purses

Here at The Vintage Compact Shop we are probably best known for our fine collection of compact mirrors & handbag compacts. What you may not know is that we also have a wide variety of vintage handbags and purses in our collection as well. We are big fans of fine mesh purses as well as enamel and French chatelaine coin purses. 
Read more
Henin & Cie: What We Know About La Maison Henin

Henin & Cie: What We Know About La Maison Henin

The great Parisian goldsmiths Henin & Cie were born in the nineteenth century. At the heart of the historic city of Paris, the Marais was the noted jewellery quarter. It was in this locality that the nobility would go to buy luxurious jewellery and items made from high grade silver and gold.
Read more
Stratton Compacts: Why Are Many Of The 1930s, 1940s And 1950s Models So Rare?

Stratton Compacts: Why Are Many Of The 1930s, 1940s And 1950s Models So Rare?

Without doubt Stratton were the most successful brand of British powder compact. The quality of their enamel was clearly superior to the other British brands at the time. Vintage Stratton accessories are highly collectible today and many have proved to be a good investment.

With thanks to the material written by Juliette Edwards in her book The Stratton Identification Key, collectors can say for certain what model is rare, uncommon & common. Coupled with known years of availability it is possible to build a big picture of exactly how rare an item is.

Read more
Walker & Hall Heritage & Sterling Silver Guide

Walker & Hall Heritage & Sterling Silver Guide

Walker & Hall was a very successful manufacturing business based in Sheffield, England. 

The company was established in 1845 by George Walker (1816 -1881) who was an experienced electroplate practitioner and his brother-in-law, Samuel Coulson, who put up the capital needed to fund the venture. 

 

 

 

Read more
Elgin American (Illinois Watchcase Company) Accessories & History

Elgin American (Illinois Watchcase Company) Accessories & History

The Elgin American story started when Max Eppenstein began working in the jewellery quarter of New York in the late 1870s. In 1880 Solomon Eppenstein joined his brother and together they ran the M C Eppenstein & Company, (aka Eppenstein Brothers Company). The premises were located at  67 Washington St, Chicago. Initially the firm was only involved in the wholesale jewellery trade. 
Read more
Bourjois Powder Compacts & Heritage

Bourjois Powder Compacts & Heritage

In 1863 the cosmetic firm Bourjois was established on the great boulevards of Paris in the theatre district.  

During this era France was the world's second leading economic power. The famous actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin prepared perfumes and makeup for his fellow actors. Initially these formulations were created in his own home.

Read more
The History of Evans Case Company

The History of Evans Case Company

The Evans Case Company of North Attleboro, MA was a huge concern making accessories in America. Manufacturing between 1920 and 1960. Colonel Obed Robinson who was a skilled blacksmith & clock maker began a jewellery / jewelry business in Attleboro in 1807. The 1812 war meant that soldiers needed buttons & so production was changed to suit this purpose. 
Read more
108 results