Saturday 25 January 2020

Vintage Monet jewellery

Vintage Monet Jewelry information and Monocraft history

Just vintage Monet jewellery or Monocraft accessories information and photographs. Part of our research on the many jewellery companies across the world. This US company started out in the 1920s and although has changed ownership several times in its long history, it is still in production today. It is famous for its high quality, fashionable and well made finishes. Ideal to collect and wear.

First established by two brothers - Michael and Joseph Chernow under the name Monocraft. They originally produced monogrammed car emblems. Now rare to find and of course very collectible. Monocraft originally capitalized on the monogram craze by having monogrammed keyrings, bag labels and ultimately jewellery. They then continued after the great depression in the 1930s, to not only produced jewellery but other accessories that could be monogrammed. Continuing its tradition of producing good quality and classical pieces that have stood the test of time. Monet is still a brand that is ideal to wear on many occasions.

All the Monet jewellery pieces that we have showcased here are sourced here in the UK by us. Then photograph each piece of jewellery ourselves. This makes our blog post unique as many blogs we have seen just take photographs from on the web.

Monet stamped vintage jewellery box with logo

Signature Monet on the reverse of a brooch. Complete with their copyright

A Monet brooch in bright polished gold-tone. Circa 1990s

Another Monet signature stamped in the back of an earring

Monet with copyright in block capitals on the back of a clipped earring.

Monet vintage earrings complete in a Perspex jewellery box. Note the Monet logo on the front.

Monday 20 January 2020

MASJ jewellery | Silver Scenes of Wales

MASJ - Maureen Ann Story - Silver Scenes jewellery and accessories.

MASJ Jewellery and ornament information that we have sourced and collected produced by the designer Maureen Ann Story Jones or abbreviated to MASJ. Also under the brand Silver Scenes - Welsh pieces that are fabulous to own, collect and wear. Made in Wales - jewellery, ornaments and frames that are now very collectable.

MASJ jewellery History

Crafted silver plated on a pewter base, from Edward and Maureen Ann Story-Jones originally. Produced in the Mid Wales county of Montgomery shire from 1984 - 2017. The Silver Scenes range was started along with other giftware in 1984. The items are all silver plated on pewter, which gives them an antique finish. Well made and of high quality, making them very durable. Lacquered, so that they only need a light dusting o keep them clean. Just becoming vintage with the 1980s and contemporary 1990s. The pieces are usually signed and dated by hand. Early pieces are signed AND dated - later post 2000s pieces appear not to be.

The company was taken over when the couple retired in 2005 and continued until June 2017, when the company folded. The new owners were Phil Wilson and Bill Whitby. The company sold beautifully crafted jewellery and giftware, including a range of frames, clocks, pillboxes and vases. Their logo is shown below and they used the branding line of "Today's treasures, tomorrow's heirlooms"
We are showcasing previously owned and vintage signed MASJ jewellery and accessories that we have found on our travels.

Small rose brooch that came in its original box.

The Silver Scenes box with logo used.

Hand signed MASJ 95 on back of jewellery

Hand-signed MASJ with the copyright sign and dated 95 for 1995. Earlier jewellery is usually dated. Whereas latter pieces are not.

This MASJ/Silver Scenes rose pin can be used for both a lapel pin or as a tie pin.

Silver Scenes jewellery set of a floral necklace, brooch and bracelet. Silver plated pewter.

Pisces brooch by MASJ 1992. Gold plated pewter.

Fuchsia brooch by MASJ made in 1990. Written on the reverse. Pewter made.

Sunflower brooch by MASJ in pewter. Signed 1998.

Dahlia brooch in silver plated pewter. No date stamp on this one so of a later date, probably in the 2000s.

Rose pin brooch in it's original box Silver Scene

Rose pin in original MASJ or Silver Scenes box from 1995.

As usual I update my blogs with any more jewellery photographed that has come into my possession.

Miracle jewellery | St Justin Jewellery

Miracle jewellery designs now under the ownership of St Justin jewellery

Since 1946, Miracle LTD has been a resident of Birmingham in the UK. But early in 2013, it was announced, that on the retirement of the owner, it had been taken over by the Cornish company St Justin. Both companies produce fine pewter and silver made jewellery in the style of Celtic, Scottish and historical reproductions. So we are showcasing both vintage Miracle jewellery and pre owned St Justin jewellery together.
Below is a faux agate brooch signed Miracle. Dome shaped with a pewter setting.

Miracle jewellery information

First produced in Birmingham, England in 1946. It produced the famous Mizpah designs that were first made by the Quarrier Ward and Ward Brothers over 100 years ago. The Mizpah jewellery was set with the purple Bohemian glass that looks like amethyst and glass Cairngorm stones in its yellow-orange colour. Silver made jewellery was also produced in the Miracle, Ward Brothers and W Johnson designs. Handcrafted with engraving and completed with real semi-precious gemstones.

Although it's sad that Birmingham is at the end of an era for Miracle. It is still continuing Ward Brother’s legacy. We are very glad that the company has remained in the UK.

Miracle signature on a clip earring back

Large clip-on earrings - not in the usual style of Miracle.

Miracle stamp under the clip of an earrings

Miracle stamp under the clip - can be missed at first glance

On this page, we will showcase the Miracle, Mizpah and St Justin jewellery that we have sourced and photographed. We will be leaving them so that you can see the many designs and information.