On the Radar -- Cameos

Trends are funny things.  We've talked about this before -- about how trends start with the style makers and move through the steps of fashion/home fashion, until they end up at Big Lots.  Or Dollar General. 

We're catching today's trend right in the middle of its progression through the stages.  Last year designers were all about cameos.  Like Lanvin's pre-fall collection (fall 2012):

 And Alexander McQueen (from last year -- neither of which are available):

 

Hmmm... But here's a page I just scanned from the July 2013 Harper's Bazaar, titled "Must-Haves":

And we've been witnessing renewed interest in cameos, both at the antique mall, and in many recent "favorites" of our sterling Van Dell clip earrings, listed here on Etsy:

So jump on this trend wagon!  It's just the right time...

From Morning Glorius, on Etsy, here.

And really, cameos are a quintessential classic.  They will always be stylish!

The Skinny -- Van Dell Jewelry

From Broadwater Rose Jewels

The mysterious world of vintage jewelry is full of twists and turns.  Marks can be hard to read, and company's names reduced to vague initials.  Histories on the jewelry companies are lost or incomplete.  And forget about trying to date a piece or find out more about the jeweler's other collections.

Before I list a piece of jewelry in the Etsy shop, I do research.  I had never heard of Van Dell, but was intrigued when I found a pair of black and white cameo screw back earrings, set in sterling silver.  The mark was clear and prettily done.  But when I went to research the company, it was hard to find anything about them.  So for today's "The Skinny", I'm going to share with all of you the info I have been able to find out about the Van Dell Corporation (which ain't much...).  

It began in Providence, Rhode Island in 1943 (or 1938, depending on your source), with an emphasis on making high quality collections of costume jewelry, as well as sterling silver and gold filled and gold plated pieces.  Van Dell wanted to make designs that imitated fine jewelry, retaining a more delicate feel than a heavy, costume feel. They used rhinestones and simulated gemstones, as well as cultured and faux pearls.  They were also known for their hand carved cameos and ivory pieces.  According to Vintage Jewelry Lane, "Some of their early pieces sold for $65 or more in the 1960s, which was quite expensive for the time."

From The Art Floozy on Etsy

Van Dell is recognizable for their cameos, delicate floral pieces, faux pearls, and carved ivory.  Their ivory jewelry was marked with red and gold foil hang tags.  Rhinestone designs were often originally sold in sets, and are worth more if you can find the entire set or the original box.  The jewelry will be marked Van Dell, and have a stamp stating if it is sterling or gold filled.  Although not a high end designer, Van Dell does have a following, and can sell for a higher range of prices that your average costume jewelry.

From Morning Glory Jewelry

 
 The company was sold to Hallmark in 1970, and in 1998, was bought by the Colibri Company, based in London.   They also own Krementz jewelry, which has a similar design aesthetic. Van Dell jewelry is still being made today.

From our Etsy shop!

 Thanks to Vintage Jewelry Lane for the info!