Ruby Lane's Past Times Newsletter for February 2011

In This Issue

• Ruby Plaza Promotion: Sell for Only $9/mo. Through 2011!
  
• Slide Bracelets: A Piece of Wearable History by Baya Gatter of Eternal Fine Jewels
  
• Shop Spotlight: Victorian Dreams
  
• We (heart) these items from the fine shops on Ruby Lane!
  

RUBY PLAZA PROMOTION: SELL FOR ONLY $9/MO. THROUGH 2011!

If you aren't already aware, this promotion has been extended! Are you looking for a venue to sell your home decor items ranging from furniture and accessories to lighting, bedding and window coverings? Or perhaps you, or someone you know sells fashion and accessory items, and/or jewelry. If so, spread the word - as now you can try out our sister site, Ruby Plaza, launched last April - for only $9 a month through 2011 with no set-up fee!

Through December 31st 2011, Ruby Plaza is making it easy and affordable for sellers to join Ruby Plaza. Already over 700 shops have joined us with over 60,000 items added to the site.

There are no contracts, no cancellation fees, and the only expense out of your pocket is $9 a month.

Spread the word!

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

* Please note that items currently offered on Ruby Lane may not be duplicated on Ruby Plaza.

SLIDE BRACELETS: A PIECE OF WEARABLE HISTORY BY BAYA GATTER OF ETERNAL FINE JEWELS

There are specific types of jewelry that have historical significance as well as reflecting your own personal history. As one example, a charm bracelet, with its lifetime collection of charms can reveal quite a bit about you. Another type, which dates as far as the Victorian era, is the slide bracelet.

During the 19th century, women in England wore them as a fashion accessory. Since wrist watches were not created at that time, they wore heavy watches, often referred to as heavy hunting case watches, on a necklace. They added decorative "slides" to their chains which were placed under the watch that allowed them to shorten or lengthen the necklace by moving the slides up or down as well. Also, the slides prevented the watch from twisting and turning on the chain.

Women used to collect a variety of slides to match what they wore. Many of the slides were designed from old watch fobs that were engraved; others were set with gemstones and were very ornate. Other unique slides that were collected included stick pin heads that would be mounted on plain slides. Lucky for these ladies if there were a lot of men in their family who would give them their stick pins!

During the 1930's, after the Victorian period, the watch slide became a very popular family heirloom. The 6-9 slides that were interchanged on a necklace were now being used to create a functional piece of jewelry; firstly as a time piece, but also as a fashionable bracelet. I am sure that most ladies
never forgot to put on their watches, especially such exquisite pieces of wearable art. Very successful business men would reflect their affluence with the amount of jewelry that their wives wore and some ladies also wore slide bracelets on one arm and a watch slide on the other.

A slide bracelet is comprised of a double chain or cable bangle on to which a slide is placed. Slides have four drilled holes (two at both ends) so that the chain or cable can slide through. Many vintage slides had a small piece of cork placed within to hold it in place on the chain. Today, they are held in place with spacers such as beads that are placed between each slide.

While the traditional chain slide bracelet is still a classic today, cable bangle bracelets have also become quite popular. I personally refer to them as do-it-yourself slide bracelets because you do not require a jeweler to assemble or put it together for you. Cable slides are comprised of two stands of twisted wire cable that is flexible. While it is easy to add, rearrange or remove slides because of the detachable clasp, they also have a downside; the end of the wires can fray with frequent wear thus requiring repair or replacement.

The classic chain slide bracelet has a loyal following today and is just as popular. The name is used interchangeably and often referred to as slide charms or slider charms. You may have inherited one or were given one as a gift; or perhaps you have a single slide and
are just beginning to collect them. The elaborateness and detail on slides are breathtaking. They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and gemstones. You can find them at local vintage/antique shops, during your travels abroad, antique shows, auctions, estate sales, and of course on-line. You can also have a few custom made using any odd or unused piece of jewelry that you may have in your jewelry box. As an example, you might have a single odd ½ pair of earrings that can now be incorporated and made into a slide.

Some collectors buy slides randomly, in other words, if they like it, they buy it. Others may have a certain design genre or theme in mind. Such examples could include birthstones of family members, hobbies, religious theme, special occasion, pets, and specific gemstones, to name a few. A slide bracelet reflects the uniqueness of you and that is why they are such one-of-a-kind. Once your slide bracelet is complete, you may consider having a slide earring, ring or pendant made to compliment your bracelet.

Several years ago one of our customers, acquired from us over a two year period, four one-of-a-kind slide bracelets for her four daughters-in-law. She gave them as Christmas gifts "to my daughters" as she referred to them because they always admired hers. The tears flowed that special Christmas day. The love affair with their own bracelets inspired two of them to begin collecting slides for their own daughters which they will give as a
gift to them on their wedding day.

Slide bracelets are indeed a family affair, rich in tradition and an heirloom for the next generation.

Find "Jewelry for Every Day" at Eternal Fine Jewels.

SHOP SPOTLIGHT: VICTORIAN DREAMS

Victorian Dreams is a Ruby Lane shop "Where You Will Always Find Exceptional Treasures From the Past."

The shop owner states: "I have been a collector for over 20 years; my first collections were Victorian celluloid pieces, majolica, papier mache & French bedspreads and pillows. Since then, I have collected a little of this and a little of that, making for a very full house!

After being in the music business for many, many years, I decided to try my hand at selling antiques and collectibles. I had a couple showcases at a local antique mall for about 13 years. Three times a year you can find me in Booth # 9 at the Vintage Fashion Expo at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in California.

Many of the items I sell come from my personal collections. There comes a time when things need to find a new home, especially when they have been packed away or not displayed in a while. I have always purchased items in excellent condition, although sometimes one has to make exceptions for antiques that have a little bit of wear or slight imperfections. I will ALWAYS note this in my descriptions. I am a very honest seller, who you can trust.

I look forward to offering you many wonderful items, both from my personal collections and from my travels. I hope you check back often to see what treasures I have listed. I want to thank you for looking at my shop; I look forward to meeting you through Victorian Dreams!"

Some examples of items from the shop include a
Vintage Floral Quilt/Coverlet ($165), a Superb 1920's Matyo Hand Embroidered Pink & Burgundy Floral Pillow or Runner ($245) and a Huge Victorian Celluloid & Velvet Double Photo Album with Lady & 60 Cabinet Card Photos ($395).

We invite you to visit Victorian Dreams.

WE (HEART) THESE ITEMS FROM THE FINE SHOPS ON RUBY LANE!

A Glass Act: Specializing in American Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era

RARE Imperial Candlewick Ruby Heart-Shaped Center Handled Tray

Imperial Candlewick (circa 1937-1941) #400 68D, 11.5 to 12 in diameter pastry tray in Regal Ruby, with a center handle in the shape of a heart. No...

Bellacasa: Estate Items Added Daily from the Heart of California!

Darling 1906 Era Postcard~Boy with Arrow~Girl with Heart

This adorable Valentine postcard is an S. Garre card with embossed design of a little boy with an arrow and a little girl with hearts. It has minor ...

Tanya's Treasures: Genuine Elegance!! Fine Vintage Antique Jewelry ~ Diamonds, Gems, Gold, Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets

~ Be Mine ~ Vintage Pave Set Diamond Ruby 10k Gold Heart Pendant Link Chain

~ Be Mine ~ Valentines Day Sale!! Wow...this heart is absolutely gorgeous! It is packed with 43 stunning 1.5mm red rubies and 36 1mm diamonds ~ the...

Arnold Jewelers: Vintage and antique jewelry at unbelievably low prices

Sterling Vintage Heart Shape Sugar Tongs!!!

ITEM: Vintage Heart Shape Sugar Tongs COMPOSITION: Sterling GEMS: N A CONDITION: Estate Item, excellent WEIGHT: 15 Grams MEASUREMENT: ...

Puckering's: Directly From London, England A Quality Online Collection Of Fine Antique Smalls

Antique English Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Photograph Frame - Edwardian

A very romantic photo frame with embossed and pierced or reticulated English sterling silver mounted to the front. A beautiful floral repousse ...

Rose Hill: Designer Costume Jewelry - Classic to Fabulous

Foltz Signed Bakelite Heart Link Bracelet

Adorable heart bakelite bracelet just in time for Valentine's Day. Hand carved from vintage poker chips. Bought from Jim Foley. 8 by 1 . gold tone ...

Cachet Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art: Offering vintage and antique items and fine art Choice items at incredible prices!

Vintage 14k Gold and Pearl Heart Shaped Cameo Brooch Pendant

Looking for an unusual cameo that has a slightly more contemporary feel? This one is so pretty and so distinctive! The genuine cameo is carved in the ...

Jeri Schwartz Antiques: Specializing in Fine Objects of Vertu, Perfume Bottles Wonderful Victoriana!

Elegant Rare! Pair, Vintage, American, Sterling Silver, Heart Shaped, Knitting Needle Guards

Elegant Rare! Pair, Vintage, American, Sterling Silver, Heart Shaped, Knitting Needle Guards. Knitting needle guards were very important to the 19th...

Kitchengarden Purses?: Original art,paintings, jewelry,china,art,handbags,Judaica,cookbooks,1st editions,

Enamel Donkey Mule Burro Heart Cufflinks

These are adorable goldtone cuff links that are white enamel with black burrros donkeys jack-ass' mules in love denoted by the red heart above ...

LennyFran: Curious Collectables and Antiques for the individual with an exceptional eye!

Pennsbury Pottery Hex Hearts Teapot Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art

Presented for you is a Pennsbury Pottery Hex and Hearts teapot! This item is fairly difficult to find and is a great example of Pennsylvania folk art...