Unsigned Beauties Of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values

Marcia "Sparkles" Brown puts together the best books on costume jewelry there are. With all the pictures she includes it makes it so much easier to find something you may be wondering about and she has a lot to look at! I absolutely love her books!

I had read the book before when I started researching my mothers pins. I have now purchsed two of Marcie's books. They are well written, easy to follow, good pictures of pins and great advise.

I love this book!. It's chock full of excellent pictures and information for the vintage jewelry collector, whether a novice or one of long-standing. The book is well organized in its layout. I've discovered it's a 'collectible' book in its own right. Author, Marcia Sparkles Brown, has a video, which I also own and recommend. Although not a whole lot on each designer, some mention is better than none. To find references to Judy Lee, BSK, LaRoco, Park Lane, Avon, Capri, Art, JJ, Les Bernard, Capri, etc. was of interest to me when I first started collecting jewelry because of the scarcity of volumes on these names. Other designers, such as Lisner, Coventry, Napier, Monet, etc., also included in this book, were more easily found when doing searches for designers. The book has no index, so this may be a concern to others. But the designer names are presented in alphabetical order. Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth.

Most of "Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values," by Marcia "Sparkles" Brown, consists of labeled, full-color photographs of pieces of jewelry: brooches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. The book also contains an introduction and sections discussing such topics as rhinestone history and tips for starting a collection. A glossary, bibliography, and index further add to the book's usefulness.But it's the stunningly beautiful photographs that really give this book its punch. Brown has assembled an eye-popping collection of pieces that employ many different motifs: butterflies, floral designs, fish, birds, mythological/fantasy figures, whimsical characters, fruit, patriotic motifs, abstract geometric forms, pieces reminiscent of military medals or heraldic insignia, etc. Pictured are rhinestones of a rich variety of shapes and colors. Every page brings new and marvelous treasures.In her author's notes at the start of the book, Brown notes that she considers rhinestone jewelry to be "the true 'American art form.'" Her passion for the subject really shines through in this visually pleasing compendium.

I think the book is worthy of it's name. It recognizes the beauty of unsigned pieces and their value. Each page includes colored photos of unsigned costume vintage pins, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The pictures are bright, clear, and vibrant. The only set back to this book is that the author has listed the value of the pieces a little to high. This is relative across the board though, so I wouldn't skip on purchasing this book. If you by vintage because you admire it's beauty and not it's maker, than this book is for you. Enjoy!