I typically begin my articles reminiscing about somebody within the jewellery business who’s impressed me through the years or a favourite kind of knickknack to put on. On the subject of 1928 model jewellery, nicely, I’ve received nothing. It’s not that I haven’t been conscious of those baubles for a very long time, however they weren’t actually my factor. Too frilly, too female, or simply too one thing that all the time made me look in one other path again after I was accessorizing as a younger girl.
As I used to be considering writing about whether or not to purchase this jewellery now, I took a more in-depth have a look at the various kinds marketed by 1928. Lots of them nonetheless aren’t my factor, however I discovered a number of kinds I wasn’t conscious of that I would definitely don with the precise outfit. With style shifting again into ruffles and different frills accompanied by wealthy materials like velvet and satin, some items would look fairly fairly. Pendant necklaces made by this model could be nice for layering, too, in the event you like that pattern. Even so, does that imply you should purchase them for resale?
The reply depends upon your small enterprise’s targets and the belongings you really feel are value holding in your stock. Earlier than I delve into what to buy and what to keep away from, nonetheless, I’ll let you know a little bit extra concerning the firm that produced the merchandise marked 1928 (and later 2028) as a result of its historical past is vital within the grand scheme of knickknack manufacturing in the USA.
A Temporary Intro to the 1928 Model
The 1928 model was established in 1968 by Mel Bernie. He started with a companion crafting jewellery in a storage with little or no cash and little to no data about jewellery making. Nonetheless, their drive was rewarded as they caught with the duty, as famous by Brenda Sue Lansdowne, writer of Making It 1928: The Story of the 1928 Jewellery Firm.
The California-based enterprise, positioned in Burbank because the late Nineteen Seventies, has all the time been identified for providing jewellery impressed by vintage and classic kinds. The corporate refers to those as “fashionable replicas” on its web site and touts that its jewellery has been made in the USA since its inception. All manufacturing is completed in-house, from designing and model-making to casting and ending. That’s spectacular in right now’s jewellery world as increasingly more of the previous devoted manufacturing companies right here proceed closing their doorways.
Over time, different manufacturers and collections have been added to 1928’s choices. One is 2028, which has a extra up to date vibe, and the items are marked with 2028 grasp tags. Others embody bohemian designs within the T.R.U. assortment that incorporate some semi-precious stones and supplies like suede and leather-based with conventional metals. Then there’s the Antiquities assortment with higher-than-average value factors and kinds paying homage to historic Greece, the Renaissance, and Victorian kinds, a few of which even have semi-precious stones. These are all presently being made by 1928, however the items they made and offered a long time in the past at the moment are classic, in fact.
Along with trying out Lansdowne’s ebook, if you wish to study extra about 1928 jewellery, I like to recommend watching a YouTube video that provides a superb overview of 1928’s manufacturing unit processes from begin to end. This video will provide you with an thought about what goes into making all varieties of costume jewellery and why it’s a treasure to nonetheless have any such enterprise working right here in the USA.
1928 to Think about Shopping for
Wanting nearer at 1928 jewellery, I believe a few of the newer items promoting at larger value factors are value shopping for. Particularly, the objects within the Antiquities line are value peeking at on the corporate’s web site. Many individuals who see jewellery in boutique settings will attempt to discover the identical kinds secondhand at a extra reasonably priced value.
Some kinds, offered for a few years, are additionally well-liked with classic patrons, together with magnifying glass pendants on lengthy chains. Old school gumball machine pins with matching necklaces which have little bead “gumballs” rolling round contained in the globes are additionally nonetheless accessible on the 1928 web site. Folks purchase these secondhand as nicely, however make certain to not spend a lot that your values would lengthen past the retail pricing of $45-60 every.
Lockets and items with vintage-looking charms also can catch the attention of web shoppers, so I all the time search for them. Utilizing the Worthpoint Worth Information is without doubt one of the finest methods to know whether or not you’re choosing up items on the proper value.
What to Depart Behind
As a lot as I like 1928 for staying devoted to manufacturing jewellery within the U.S., there are lots of items that I don’t trouble choosing up, even when they’re inexpensively priced. For instance, I’ve all the time had problem promoting items by this model embellished with little porcelain roses, fake pearls, and plastic cameos. The tide could also be turning on {that a} bit with the return of romantic clothes kinds, however I’m nonetheless continuing with warning in these areas.
Keeping track of high quality can also be a good suggestion since some 1928 jewellery is made with extra detailing and heavier elements than others. I additionally keep away from items that look too plasticky, like some beaded necklaces. For me, the promoting costs at $10-15 every don’t warrant the work my husband and I’ve to perform prepping, photographing, itemizing, and delivery to make a number of {dollars} revenue after all of the promoting charges are paid.
That stated, in my ebook, that is very a lot a “your mileage could differ” model. For those who promote at flea markets or are inclined to put collectively a number of jewellery to public sale on eBay, you may need higher luck than I do promoting piece by piece. Backside line? Proceed with warning, however don’t fully ignore the 1928 model.
Pamela Siegel is a contract author and writer who has been educating collectors for greater than twenty years. Along with three books on subjects regarding antiques and collectibles, she often shares her experience by on-line writing and articles for print-based publications. Pamela can also be the co-founder of Costume Jewellery Collectors Int’l (CJCI) and the proprietor of Stylish Antiques by Pamela.
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