Posted 10 years ago
mikelv85
(1232 items)
While I haven't posted in almost two weeks, which for me is a record of sorts. I have been picking up costume jewelry here and there to make up for the lack of my usual fare. I'll be starting on my seventh jewelry box when I find another nice one. These will make a great start. The large crescent moon and shooting star brooch is signed by Dorothy Bauer. It's full of Swarovski crystals and is also 23 kt gold plated. Volunteer's provided the blue rhinestone brooch. It is unmarked but is the best piece of costume I've found to date. It has a separate layer of five enameled flowers that float above the beautiful blue stones. I'm sure it's a quality piece but there's not a mark to be found. The "Tommy Bahama" ladies watch was a nice find at Salvation Army along with the Bauer piece. I wasn't familiar with the name, but the back tells it all. Swiss made. Waterproof to 165 ft. Steel A.g. 925 silver case and the original calf skin leather band. A very nice watch to say the least. It isn't running at the moment. The stem just sets the hands when pulled out. It doesn't wind.Probably needs a battery, but there is no mention of the size on the case or that it is even battery operated. The back is held in place by four screws so it is easily removable. All and all a very gratifying day. -Mike-
Thanks Ken :).... Yes it's crazy. I really didn't think I had that much. It would be daunting to post it all. Maybe a group shot sometime. The blue one is gorgeous ! Kind of sad no one wants to take the credit. Must have had a tag or something at one time. I'd love to know.
I love the moon and stars =)
Great to hear from you Mike!
That blue brooch is really fabulous...I agree with you!
The watch surely would be auto or winding if it mentions jewels....quick trip to the watchmaker needed ...it looks like such a great watch.
Dorothy Bauer, a jewelry designer and classically trained sculptor of Berkeley, California created the company: A Piece of the Rainbow in 1982, selling hand-blown glass jewelry. That same year, she changed the company’s name to Dorothy Bauer Designs creating jewelry using Swarovski and Austrian crystals and rhinestones. Each piece of jewelry has been beautifully constructed and soldered by hand at the Berkeley site.
Dorothy Bauer continues today to use Swarovski and Austrian crystals and rhinestones in her jewelry creations. These components are secured in place by findings and these findings modify the pieces of jewelry produced into wearable art forms that are very versatile. Dorothy Bauer’s unusual original creation of jewelry designs are made into pins, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hair ornaments, belt buckles and shoe clips using base metals of fine silver, 23k gold, antique silver, and antique brass. Mark: “BAUER” in a plaque on the back of the jewelry pieces.
Bauer’s jewelry designs are outstanding especially her Christmas trees, some made as Limited Editions with hand engraved name and numbered.. Green, multi color and 3-D tree pins with prong or faceted crystals and rhinestones numbering in the thousands highlight the encased colored lights, ornaments, candles, toys, bells, and candy canes of the Christmas trees . Christmas Ornamental pins are created including, to mention a few, the rocking horse, snare drum, Rudolph and sleigh, large Santa face, fireplace, and bulbs. Some of these designs are made not only for pins but also for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Bauer’s other jewelry creations include All Occasional Pieces: hearts, flower baskets, flowers, animals, birds, and Patriotic items. It is said that her creations are something for everyone, are witty, colorful, and a fun collection of wearable sculptures and pictures that express your humor or support your concerns putting sparkle in your day and night by wearing these produced jewelry pieces. Note: Bauer’s newest creation is Dog Jewelry using the same components as in her regular jewelry lines.
Thanks Karen..... I have been lurking in the background and keeping an eye on everyone...lol. I blame the estate and garage sales for the lull but things seem to be picking up again thankfully :)
Thanks for the info Jewels :) You really did your homework ! I did find a site selling her pieces and they think the company is now out of business. They posted this on their website:
ATTENTION DB COLLECTORS: .....While we have not had this confirmed, we have been unable to reach this company for a considerable period of time, and believe them to be out of business. Whatever is left on the website is all that we will probably be able to obtain. This is your opportunity to buy pieces from this wonderful line at reasonable prices, as this company's pieces will surely appreciate in value if no longer available.
http://www.pastandpresentjewelry.com/dbauer.html
I love the blue and green brooch :)
Thanks Elisabethan :) It's my favorite too !
Nice Post Mike, really, all the information for Dorothy Bauer Costume Jewelry, is right here! :^D and this is the first time that I've seen this Post, and it's nine years old! Thanks for Posting! Bill :^)