Saturday, January 21, 2012

Bohemian Rhapsody


 Imagine the 1920s...  
 Gaily colored beads swinging from the necks of bobbed flappers-- Dancing to the Charleston... New ideas floating in the midst of rebellion and smoke.  

Beautiful necklace with etched glass pendant and metal stamping  SOLD
 European designers cashed into this "new woman"- A wild creature who cut her hair, smoked cigarettes, and showed off her knees.  Sequins, feathers, and other accoutrements bedecked the flapper.  But the one singular aspect was her saucy necklace.  Czechoslovakia was often the source of this quintessential accessory.  
Lovely lengthy necklace with unusual shaped glass stones  SOLD
Created in 1918, Czechoslovakia produced glass beads, faceted and molded glass stones and metalwork stampings.  Filigree necklaces, bracelets, brooches, buckles, clips, earrings, and rings in the Art Deco style flooded the ever hungry American market.  Geometric designs and simple pronged settings are characteristic of this era.  Glass bead sautoirs are another Czech specialty. (Sautoirs are defined as a very long chain or beaded necklace, often terminating in a tassel). 

Amber glass faceted stones with chainwork... Shorter in length than your typical Deco necklace



 Czech jewelry is typically unmarked but look for the signature in the circumference of the jump ring or on the clasp. The style of Czechoslovakian pieces, however, is unmistakable.  Fine metalwork, Victorian Revival intricacy, faceted stones, lots of rhinestones, nice prong settings-    These are the marks of Bohemian jewelry from the eras between WWI and WWII.

All showcased pieces are available for purchase.  Simply send me an email if you're interested!

Sources: 
  • Warman's Jewelry Identification and Price Guide by Christie Romero
  • http://www.collectorsweekly.com/costume-jewelry/czech-bohemian

Monday, January 9, 2012

A New Day

 Welcome to 2012... And good-bye to 2011.  What a fabulous year!  Here's just a tiny snippet of what happened to Flotsam and Jetsam in the past 12 months:

Gwyneth Marie Newton, born May 9th, 2011.  The greatest joy in my life.  Here she is this December with Mommy.  She's just wonderful!  Her big blue eyes and rosebud lips are ever present reminders of her being a part of me. 

September 3rd, 2011.  Moved down the street to 3730 Howard Avenue.  Best business decision of my life!  Sales have been strong and I have a deeper sense of community with the other dealers.  We are in a beautiful historic building with tons of natural light and fantastic floor space.  I couldn't ask for a better location...





August 2011- Made the choice to join Kate Fine of The Hope Chest in this before mentioned shop.  We share the store and each bring a vision and zeal to the business.  She is encouraging and knowledgeable.  I am grateful God brought her into my life. 
November 2011 -Ben, my loving husband of 7 years, lost 50 pounds over the course of the year.  He finished his first marathon in Richmond VA in November.  I'm so proud of him!


So, that's the VERY short version.  Other things include:
  • Drawing closer to Tim Green, a dear friend of 9 + years.  He works and consigns at the shop and is a blessing to Flotsam and Jetsam.  Visit his online catalog- The Green Lion.
  • Finally gave a profit to Beth Youkel of Osiris Books.  She supported me for over a year at the old location, never taking in any money.   What a wonderful partner! 
  • Working full time.  Gwyneth is now in full time daycare - What a transition!  The business growth made a distinct change in my life- No longer do I sit languidly waiting on customers to haphazardly walk in.  Busy, vibrant, and exciting - All new adjectives for Flotsam and Jetsam.

So, all in all it was one of the best years of my life.  Blessings abounded and friendships blossomed.  And here's a toast farewell to 2011~

Looking forward to doing regular blog posts focusing on Flotsam and Jetsam and our inventory of every changing bibelots and curiosities.  January entries will feature Victorian cut steel buttons, new acquisitions from the South, and Art Deco Czech jewelry  And just a little whimsy and wonder!