Ruby Lane's Past Times Newsletter for May 2010

In This Issue

• Ruby Lane Launches Ruby Plaza: New Site for Home Decor, Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories, Handcrafted Items - Flagship Spaces Going Fast!
  
• Reproductions of American Victorian Silverplated Napkin Rings By Ron Bronow of R & J Collection
  
• Kramer of New York
  
• Shop Sampler: Fine Art on Ruby Lane!
  

RUBY LANE LAUNCHES RUBY PLAZA: NEW SITE FOR HOME DECOR, JEWELRY, FASHION & ACCESSORIES, HANDCRAFTED ITEMS - FLAGSHIP SPACES GOING FAST!

We are pleased to announce the launch of Ruby Plaza, an exciting new home to online shops offering home decor, jewelry, fashion & accessories and handcrafted items. www.rubyplaza.com

Currently in Beta mode, Ruby Plaza is designed to offer a wider selection of items than does our flagship sister site, Ruby Lane. Unlike Ruby Lane, new items in all categories, as well as reproductions, and handcrafted items of all types are welcomed. Ruby Plaza's selling guidelines are different than those of Ruby Lane, in order to reach a different audience of both buyers and sellers.

Ruby Plaza launches with some exciting promotional opportunities. While the 250 available spaces for Ruby Lane shop owners has filled, there are still spaces available for about 80 sellers who are new to the Ruby Lane "family" of sites. But hurry as these spaces are going fast! You'll be able to identify Flagship shops by the icon which displays on their shop home page. Flagship sellers receive lifetime benefits including significant discounts.

Click here to see a special video introducing Ruby Plaza, powered by Ruby Lane:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzd0W_cpnbo

Click here to Take A Video Tour of Ruby Plaza:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJu1KDywwdA

For more information visit www.rubyplaza.com, then under SELL, choose Open A Shop. We hope you'll join us!

REPRODUCTIONS OF AMERICAN VICTORIAN SILVERPLATED NAPKIN RINGS BY RON BRONOW OF R & J COLLECTION

When we began selling figural napkin rings in 1977, we noticed a number of reproductions were showing up in antique shows and flea markets. Now, as figural rings have become more expensive, the primary sources of the phony rings have changed. Now, the Internet and auction galleries seem to have taken the lead. So, let me give you some clues how to tell the real from the fake.

1. Look for a manufacturer's mark and a number that identifies the ring in their catalogue. Most rings had marks, except for rings without bases, which were frequently unmarked.

2. Be wary of any ring that has a uniform pewter-like color and a gunmetal-like appearance. The silver plate on legitimate Victorian rings does not wear evenly. High and low spots can be found, with variable amounts of silver remaining.

3. Watch out for bad soldering, indistinct facial features and smudging of fingers.

4. The James W. Tufts Company of Boston, MA, one of the finest makers of napkin rings and other figurals, was the only company that consistently used the same sequence of numbers in their plated articles. Tufts' napkin rings were always marked with the numbers 1400-1699. Never buy what claims to be a Tufts ring that is stamped with any other number. It's a phony.

5. Occasionally, American Victorian silverplated hollowware had an elevated button on the base, featuring an imprinted manufacturer's mark and catalogue number. These buttons were sometimes used on napkin rings, and many can be found on
today's reproductions. A button was removed from a cake basket, for instance, and soldered onto the base of a napkin ring. So, if you see a napkin ring with a button mark, look for smudges of fresh solder around the button. That's the tip-off.

6. Wheeled napkin rings are among the most commonly reproduced. In almost 35 years in the antique business, we have never seen a legitimate wheeled cat, lion or elephant. Yet, these regularly show up on line or at auctions, listed as Victorian. The sellers never provide a maker's mark or catalogue number. They do, however, provide creative historical facts, like "This has been in my family for many years" or "This was given to me by my grandmother". How about, "Victorian era, between 1900-1940"? Always pin down the seller as to how the age was determined and ALWAYS ask about the manufacturer's mark and catalogue number. Ask questions before you bid. If you're not sure, DON'T BID.

7. Watch out for rings with elaborate floral, earth-like or patterned bases. They are almost never marked. Although some Victorian rings had fancy bases, the new examples are over the top.

8. The part of the ring that holds the napkin, usually round, was always made in one piece. Look to make sure that there is no seam inside the ring. If a seam is present, that means the reproduced ring was cast flat, rounded, and then soldered together. That ring is a reproduction.

9. Now, let's talk about rings crafted from parts of
other items. Put togethers or marriages, as they are called, are extremely common. This is the simplest form of a fake. Take a figural piece off of a cake basket, humidor or other Victorian object, add any silverplated napkin ring, solder the two together, and, POOF, you have a fake figural napkin ring. To identify these, look for solder at the points of attachment. If the soldering is sloppy and not the same color as the ring, you can be sure it's not Victorian. The only exception would be a legitimate ring that breaks and is subsequently resoldered. If repaired by an experienced silversmith at the original points of attachment, the soldering will be almost invisible, and should not detract from the value of the ring. Gottschalk and Whitson's book, " Figural Napkin Rings", is a good resource to help determine a fake. If there is a figure shown in the book and the item for sale has the wrong ring, it's up to the seller to prove to you that the napkin ring is real.

10. Finally, make sure that your dealer has a lot of experience with napkin rings. Get a written guarantee of authenticity.

I hope that this article will help you in your search for figural napkin rings.

ENJOY YOUR COLLECTION!!!

Ron Bronow The R & J Collection

We invite you to visit The R J Collection

KRAMER OF NEW YORK

Kramer Jewelry Creations was founded in 1943 by Louis Kramer. His brothers, Harry and Morris, soon joined him in the venture. Kramer soon became known for their items, which featured fine quality rhinestones and Austrian crystal. Many of the early pieces mimicked the look of the fine diamond jewelry of the time.

It is unclear whether Kramer actually manufactured jewelry. It is known that a number of their items were manufactured by others, including DeLizza & Elster and Dan Kasoff Inc., the maker of Florenza items. Outsourcing some, or all, manufacturing was a common practice in the costume jewelry industry. Kramer pieces never showed the wide variation in styles that some lines exhibited. They may be best known for their classic "Diamond Look" pieces that imitated fine jewelry so well. They also produce items with a mixture of clear and colored stones, as well as all color, mimicking the best colored gemstone creations of the day.

Some of the earliest Kramer ads we have seen, from the late 1940's, featured this look. The pieces in these ads were in rhodium plated Sterling Silver. This was perhaps a result of the scarcity of base metals from the war years, when many costume jewelry manufacturers switched to silver. Most later production was in rhodium plated base metals. The line was priced from $5 to $50 at the time. It was about this time that Kramer trademarked the phrase "The Diamond Look", which was used in much of their advertising through the
1950's. These items sometimes had a standard Kramer mark, with "The Diamond Look" on a paper hang tag or card.

" The Golden Look" was another trademarked phrase, used from about 1954 onwards. The company produced a number of designs during the 1950's with Italian names, some of which used "The Golden Look" as an advertising tag line.

The company also produced a number of collectible figural pins.

During the 1950's and 1960's, Kramer also produced some of their most desirable pieces, associated with some well-known designers. They produced Christian Dior designs during this time. These items are normally marked "Christian Dior by Kramer". While the quality is no different than their standard lines, these pieces do demand a premium price in today's marketplace. They often feature striking center stones in blue or green.

Frank Hess produced the Amourelle line for Kramer in 1963, after leaving Miriam Haskell. He produced pieces with Josef Morton Glasser, marked "Josef Morton" for a few years, then designed the line for Kramer. The tapestry beaded creations do resemble some of the work that Hess designed at Haskell, and are normally marked Amourelle, on a heart-shaped plaque.

Kramer marks varied quite a bit over the years. It is unclear if some variations in marks indicate different production eras or different sub-contractors' work. Some marks appear on attached plaques, while others are stamped directly on the piece. Plaques are normally oval, but some slightly
marquise shaped ones have been noted. The Amourelle plaques were heart-shaped. Marks include a block letter Kramer, probably the oldest mark used, and a later version with a fancier "K". Kramer Pat. Pend. Plaques have been used, and the copyright mark is on many post 1955 pieces. Kramer New York, Kramer of New York, and Kramer of New York City have all been used, as well as Kramer Sterling. Many unmarked pieces were made, identified only by a Kramer hang tag or display card. Although rather rare, some boxes with a Kramer labeled insert were used. Marks may actually vary on matching pieces in a parure.

All manners of catches were used on pieces. You will encounter concealed box catches, J-hooks with extenders, spring rings, and fold-over catches.

The variance in catches and markings does support the position that Kramer used a number of sub-contractors to actually produce the items. Whatever the source of the original manufacturing, Kramer pieces, most production was high quality and many Kramer pieces have withstood the test of time rather well. Vintage pieces may still be found with little, if any, rhinestone discoloration, and with plated finishes in good condition.

Kramer did advertise nationally, from the 1940's through the 1960's, and some later ads may exist. They disappeared rather quietly in 1979 or 1980; so quietly that no sources provide a definitive date for the closing. The pieces they produced over 35 years are still out there and are still desired by
joolies everywhere.

SHOP SAMPLER: FINE ART ON RUBY LANE!

Barkus Farm Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art: Unique Collectibles, Antiques and Fine Arts from Around the World

Marvelous Lithograph by Viusa - Signed Artists Proof

Manuel Viusa - 1918 - 1988. This Spanish artist captivated me many years ago. This piece is an outstanding example of the ethereal and unique style ...

Del Mar Classique: Del Mar Classique - Your source for distinctive jewelry, accessories, collectibles and antiques

Original Painting on Tile Signed Mazatlan '95

Such a vibrant visualization of a Mexican village. Painted on tile is a wonderfully detailed painting of adobe homes, lush flowers and foliage, and a...

Under the Sea: A Sea of Vintage Jewels ~ Spectacular Aerial Ocean Bottom Coastal photographs

Nantucket Shoal – Giclee on canvas

LIMITED EDITION: 2 250 SIZE: 19 X 15 1 8 It's hard to describe how gorgeous my father's pieces are, without being able to see them in person, ...

Bagatelle: Quality English and American Antiques Jewelry - Fabulous doesn't have to cost a Fortune!

Charming Large Victorian Pastel Portrait of Young Boy in Blue Velvet - dated 1900

REDUCED - Fresh from a New Orleans estate, here is an absolutely wonderful pastel portrait of a very young boy in a blue velvet Little Lord ...

Cameleon: Treasures from around the world for you to choose from

Lithography by Listed Artist Serge D Dubé Limited Edition

For your consideration is this wonderful lithograph titled Complicité ( Complicity), that is signed, titled, in pencil by the artist from a limited ...

Kitsch Couture: Specializing in 20th Century Fine Art Eclectic Vintage

Lady with Red Hair Oil on Board Vintage Painting - Listed Artist Carolus Verhaeren

Lady with Red Hair Oil on Board Vintage Painting by Listed Artist Carolus Verhaeren. Circa 1940 50s. This lovely work of art was painted by early ...

Juliet Jones Vintage: Vintage Lighting, Collectibles and Books with Famous Illustrators

Interesting Chinese Print with Boy and Unique Frame

This print is one of a pair. The other print is of a girl. I was told by a Chinese teacher that the writing is a poem about war. The teacher did not ...

Collette's Collectibles Antiques: Eclectic Quality Antiques Collectibles Something for Everyone!!!

ORIGINAL Joe Ruiz Grandee Oil On Canvas Painting White Shield Cheyenne

A beautiful and detailed original oil on canvas portrait of White Shield S. Cheyenne American Indian by Joe Ruiz Grandee. This original painting was ...

Dollmary: Antique Dolls Other Antiques!!!

Lovely Painted Papier Mache Plate with beautiful girl

Lovely papier mache plate with painting of a girl. It is unmarked and is 10 inches in diameter. It appears to be an oil painting and has a little ...

Retro Deluxe: BIG SALE! * All Jewelry is Discounted 30%! * FREE Domestic Shipping!

Original Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting of Vintage Snuff Bottle Chinese Lanterns by Artist and Shop Owner, Judy Jones Fine Art

I found this wonderful little 1930s snuff bottle (I know – kind of ick, but it was so cute!) in an antique shop and had to have it. I loved its color ...