Exploring the world of vintage jewelry is like going on a treasure hunt through time, uncovering pieces that hold stories of elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. From the exquisite charm of Bakelite to the sophisticated charm of Art Deco camphor glass, each piece carries a unique history and character that resonates with women of all ages. Among these treasures, D & E jewelry stands out as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its creators, Frank DeLizza and Harold Elster. Born from the desire to offer glamor to women of modest means, their Juliana line captivates with bold patterns and vibrant colors that evoke an era of sophistication and allure. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to appreciate and seek out these historic gems, they not only celebrate the art of the past but also breathe new life into these timeless treasures for generations to come.
Vintage jewelry, whether it’s bakelite or art deco camphor glass, will appeal to women of all ages. This is especially true for stones.
Their brilliance is on par with, if not better than, some of the finest cut diamonds in the world. While you may not know the name of the company, there’s a good chance that if you’re into this kind of jewelry, you’ve seen (and loved) this jewelry brand from the 1940s and 1960s.
What sets D & E apart from other jewelry stores?
Aimed at women of modest means, the glamor and glamor of the Juliana jewelry line was first offered in department stores in the 1960s. This was a time when women dressed very formally, so in general, the prettier the better. The magic of jewelry is that it easily transforms an ordinary dress into an ensemble suitable for the evening.
The setup that was on offer would be too flamboyant by today’s standards. Few women these days would wear a necklace, bracelet, brooch, or earrings encrusted with dazzlingly colored gemstones, but it would be a beautiful combination.
The business venture of Frank DeLizza and Harold Elster, makers of several small items such as buttons and buckles, produced the wonderful Juliana pieces. Long before they started their own line, they were also hired to make jewelry for a number of well-known brands.
Pieces can be difficult to specifically identify as their only identification is paper tags. However, the Juliana range – named after the two men who created the pieces, D & E – was only produced for a short time. Additionally, the designs were different from other items of the time.
The number of designs produced in this short time was limited and the colors were significantly more saturated than many of the brand’s competitors. You can use these characteristics to determine if a piece is D & E or not. Additionally, there is a helpful website that allows you to search by style, color, and even details on items that D & E has made for other businesses (such as Weiss, Avon, and other brands).
what is their meaning?
These bright little digits can vary greatly in value when it comes to money. When sold individually, the earrings — almost all of which are the less common clip-on style — can range in price from about $1 or $2 to $30 on the higher end.
Brooches can fetch up to $100, well above the average price of many comparable antiques.
Sets in mint condition have the most value, as they can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the right market. Juliana/D & E collectors will pay more for pieces in good condition than those who don’t care as much about the makers of the items in their collection.
Even a necklace that is beautiful in itself can command a high price. The Aurora Borealis “Easter Egg” necklace (above) was valued between $800 and $1000 during the 18th season of the Antiques Roadshow. However, on eBay, the exact same necklace model is listed for just $267. Another site offers the same necklace as part of a set but is asking $1,400. All this just goes to show that the market value of an item depends entirely on where and when it is sold.
Exploring the world of vintage jewelry, particularly the glamor of D & E pieces, offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and design. From the allure of Juliana’s jewelry to the craftsmanship behind each piece, there is a story waiting to be discovered in these historic gems. Fluctuating values ​​and market fluctuations remind us of the subjective nature of valuation and the importance of understanding the context in which these pieces are bought and sold. Whether you collect for investment or just for the joy of wearing these beautiful creations, the appeal of vintage jewelry endures, captivating women of all ages with its timeless charm and elegance.