A great deal of vintage Japanese costume jewelry is very well made, far better than most contemporary "fashion jewelry," with many pieces on par with Coro , Trifari, Lisner. Some of the designs are often mistaken for Miriam Haskell.

In the past and in some circles, a low regard for Japan jewelry was due to the fact that after WWII labor in Japan was cheap, and so the jewelry was inexpensive and put out in large quantities. But we must realize that most of this jewelry is hand strung in such an array of designs that rarely are two Japan necklaces found exactly alike. In fact, many Coro bead necklaces of the 1940's and 1950's were actually imported from Japan, which may also be true for some of the Lisner bead necklaces.

And why not? The artisans of Japan, as impoverished as they were at the time, were also highly talented. Japan faux peals are the best in the world; Miriam Haskell used them on her jewelry. Also, gorgeous lampwork and other hand painted art glass beads and crystals were used. All these, along with moonglow beads and hand painted plastics, acrylics with foil and aurora borealis coatings can be found in vintage jewelry marked Japan. The fabulous color & shape combinations are now highly sought after.

Reverse

Circa 1930s or 1940s. From Japan we have this lacy display of red-dotted daisies, olivine green leaves and a pink rose against a deep ivory colored celluloid carving. The colors are delicate and wistful and the carving is fairly deep. This pretty thing measures 2" in diameter and closes with an open C-Clasp. It is stamped in back JAPAN.  Excellent condition.  $36

Detail

What a 1950s beauty for a happy springtime! Sling this over a clean white blouse and  circle skirt and you're ready for the hop. Or to rise as Goddess of Spring. Three strands of graduating BIG faux pearls--largest are 7/8" in diameter, or 24mm---are strung with large sized clear crystal glass beads with subtle aurora borealis coating . And look at those fancy goldtone feathered end pieces centered with pale green faux pearls. The pastel faux pearls are a color in between mint and spring green. This necklace clasps with a J-hook at a generous maximum of 18 1/2", with plenty of chain to tighten if desired. Marked JAPAN on the hook. Very Good+ condition, with no visible issues. $48

Beads Detail Findings

More Beads Details

Another View

You can't go wrong to add this unusual all-glass beauty to your costume jewelry treasures. Clear glass barrel shaped crystals in assorted sizes set off the multicolored trail lampwork beads, where colored trails of pink, green, blue and golden applied to clear glass beads. Tiny glass seed beads accent. The effect is delightful, like being wrapped in the fresh colors of springtime. The necklace clasps at a maximum of 18" with adjustable J-hook; matching clip on earrings are 7/8". All are marked JAPAN. Necklace is Excellent, earrings are Very Good with one having visible wear on the clip. Enjoy. $58

Reverse

For a colorful Springtime, this unusual crystal pin will remind you of the sunny days ahead. High quality Aurora Borealis AB crystal rhinestones in green and pink are wired to a light goldtone base. Around the edges, one bicone is stacked upon another. About 2" in diameter, this sparkling jewel is marked Japan on the pin assembly. Very good condition, with wear on the back. Enjoy for $32

Beads Detail

Another View

Reverse

Another View

Unique and rare, this great Victorian Revival bracelet will make wonderful wear for an especially feminine look, with a lawn gown for old fashioned beauty, or to dress up blue jeans and a jacket with a dash of femme! The golden book chain style setting offers elongated porcelain ovals, each hand painted with wild pink roses, blue forget-me-nots and green foliage against a background of pink and yellow glazes. The brush marks and slight differences in each panel, alternating with smaller round coronet set hand painted cabs, shows that each was painstakingly done by an artisan. The findings and overall construction of this beauty appears to date to the 1950s, and I suspect the bracelet is a Japanese import, though there are no markings. But I have seen enough hand painted china from this era out of Japan--usually beads-- to justify my guess. The bracelet is 1 5/8" wide and fastens at 7 1/8" with a wide foldover clasp. Condition is Very Good+. Enjoy this beautiful hand painted porcelain bracelet! $68

On to Designers H-L

Diamante Clear Crystal Rhinestone
Vintage Jewelry

Faux Pearls Vintage Costume Jewelry

Vintage PLASTIC Jewelry

Hand Painted Porcelain Jewelry

Cameos,
Antique & Vintage Cameo Jewelry

Sterling Silver Vintage Jewelry