Vintage Costume Jewellery: A Passion for Fabulous Fakes

“Vintage Costume Jewellery—one of the best books ever written on the subject.”

Books on the topic of vintage costume jewellery tend to be highly repetitive citing the same brands and the same information about this variety of jewellery.

That may be the usual, but Ms. Tanenbaum defies the norm, using her own private collection to support her insights on the subject. And miracle of miracles: There is actually new information in Vintage Costume Jewellery—one of the best books ever written on the subject.

Three items set this book apart from others. First, the photographed pieces are A+ quality. Second, the usual brands—such as Trifari, Hobe, Eisenberg, Haskell, Coro, and Boucher—are given new life by being shown off at their finest creative moments. Last, the author brings different names to the table that significantly broaden and enhance the topic.

When these lesser known names are introduced, we are given a brief bio and a few superior examples of what made them famous. Ms. Tanenbaum also imparts lesser known facts which have never been brought to light in other publications, to wit: Did you know that Christian Dior developed the Aurora Borealis stone with Swarovski? Have you ever heard the terms
jelly bellies and apple juice Bakelite applied to costume jewellery?

Some of the lesser recognized names are given greater prominence in the history and include Sorrell, Sandor, Amourelle, Vendome, Coppola E. Toppo, Schreiner, Gripoix—even unsigned pieces.

Again, what Ms. Tanenbaum does is show us these brands and use examples of the most stunning pieces to make her points. This is a book that deserves to be noticed and owned by anyone who is a collector, a prospective collector, a budding jewelry designer, or a fashionista interested in the history of costume jewelry and who and what made it great.