"Past Times" newsletter for August 2002

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AUGUST HOT SHOP: WELCOME TO JEWELS BY LIZ!

Elizabeth Kepner of Jewels By Liz specializes in unique, vintage
costume jewelry and miscellaneous items. Here you'll find a
wide variety of styles and price ranges. Jewels may be signed
(Haskell, Demario, Weiss, Har, Trifari, Karu, Ledo, DeNicola,
Hollycraft, Florenza, Coro, Hobe' Kramer, Lisner and more) or
unsigned. You'll also find bakelite/plastics, sterling,
wonderful compacts/vanity items, and vintage purses from lucite
to rhinestone. And right now many of Liz's items are on sale!
Examples of such pieces include Miriam Haskell Pink D Parure
(regularly $150 - on sale for $107), a Crown Trifari Topaz Demi
Parure (regularly $85 - on sale for $103) a Penguin Family Pave
Brooch ($35), and a Pearlized Lucite Purse - Unusual Shape -
(regularly $130 - on sale for $84).

And Elizabeth stands behind her product offering. If you are
not happy with a purchase, she is not happy and will do what it
takes to make you a satisfied customer. She allows item return
for refund within 10 days of purchase. All items are shipped by
priority mail. She also has a new Layaway Plan as well as Gift
Certificates. Contact her for details.

We invite you to visit Elizabeth Kepner at Jewels By Liz.

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COLLECTING AMERICAN BRILLIANT PERIOD CUT GLASS BY
ELIZABETH CHANCELLOR OF ANTIQUES UNDERFOOT AND A
PAPER CHASE

I received my first piece of American Brilliant Period Cut Glass
from my mother, who had inherited the piece from her mother. At
25, I wasn't impressed. However, at age 45 I rediscovered the
beauty of ABP when I inherited a number of pieces from my
mother-in-law, and I've been collecting it ever since. ABP was
made between 1875 and 1915 and was highly popular among the
wealthy, as it wasn't something the common man could afford. ABP
was hand blown and hand cut, but toward the end of this era,
labor-saving steps and the onset of WWII resulted in the death
of this incredible art.

Baby-Boomers have rediscovered cut glass with the ultimate
realization that not only is it part of our own parents
heritage, but it could never be made in these times at the
prices we pay for these exquisite pieces of art. Since our
parents' generation is slowly leaving us, it seems we are
striving to preserve some of the beauty produced during their -
and their parents' lifetimes.

The cost to make cut glass comparable to ABP would be
astronomical in this day and age. The hundreds of patterns made
were intricately detailed with the finest craftsmanship
available and a high content of lead, unlike pieces made today.
It only takes a quick turn of an ABP piece under a light or the
sun, to experience the bedazzling qualities each piece
processes. The American Brilliant Period is a moment in our
history that can never be repeated, only appreciated by
collectors, new and old. Unfortunately, most people cannot tell
the difference between cheap pattern glass and ABP cut glass
without a fair amount of study.

Personally, I collect specific pieces to only two different
patterns. So, when I come across pieces in other patterns I
offer them to my customers at reasonable and affordable prices.
Often, it takes months of research to finally determine a
pattern, while other patterns are quickly identified. If you
want to know more about collecting ABP cut glass, then you'll
need to do your homework. In my opinion, 'Evers' Standard Cut
Glass Guide', Warman's 'American Cut Glass', and 'Collecting
American Brilliant Cut Glass' by Bill and Louise Boggess are
several of the best guides, because they have precise, clear
drawings of various patterns shown in numerous different pieces,
as well as detailed explanations about how it was made. However,
there are dozens of other very good guides as well. So, happy
collecting!

We invite you to visit Elizabeth Chancellor at: Antiques Under Foot

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TOP 10 POINTS TO VALUE IN AMERICAN INDIAN ART BY
GREGORY SCHAAF, PH.D. OF THE JOURNAL OF ANTIQUES
& COLLECTIBLES

People often ask, "What should I consider when buying American
Indian art?" My first advice is: "Buy what brings you joy."
Indian art appraisers also consider the following ten points:

1. Who? Is this an authentic, handmade Indian item? Learn the
biographical backgrounds of your favorite artists. Good
reference books are available. Consider the artists' tribal
affiliations, exhibitions, awards and family histories.

2. When? An artist's recent works may be his or her finest
achievements and most valuable. Rare early works also are
prized. For antique Indian art, dating is important and based on
scientific testing or educated opinion.

3. Where? Buying directly from the artist ensures authenticity.
Top galleries and auction houses also offer quality artworks.
Many gallery owners are happy to share their knowledge and
provide books on your favorite subjects.

4. Condition? A damaged object has a lower value. When
considering restoration, add the purchase price plus the cost of
repair, and then compare with fair market value. Perfect
condition often is called "mint."

5. Rarity? Some artists produce few artworks. When the supply is
low, demand may grow. Values rise with competition among
collectors.

6. Popularity? Museum exhibitions, gallery showings, exhibit
catalogs, magazine articles, books, and other media add to
popularity. Some artists become more popular through
demonstrations and exhibitions, including the Eight Northern
Indian Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show.

7. Awards? Competition is strong to win awards at major American
Indian arts and crafts shows. Ribbons are offered for "Best of
Show," as well as in various categories of Indian arts. Special
awards are presented to the children.

8. Technical Fineness? The number of stitches per inch is
measured in weavings. The quality of polish and painted designs
are important in pottery. Jewelry collectors look for refined
finish work and style of construction.

9. Size and Materials? Bigger often is more expensive, except in
miniatures. Manufactured materials generally are discouraged.
Are the gem stones, fibers, paints, clays and dyes natural?

10. Artistic Design and Aesthetic Quality? Quality of design is
a balance between form and content. Compositions may be
symmetrical or counter-balanced. Aesthetics are a matter of
personal taste. Look for special qualities in each work of art.
In time, you'll develop an eye for quality. Trust your judgment
and acquire Indian art that will bring you much personal joy.

We invite you to visit the Journal of Antiques & Collectibles at
Journal of Antiques.

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ABOUT RUBY LANE

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offering antiques, fine art, arts & crafts, and collectibles.
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Visit us at www.rubylane.com

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