Posted 7 years ago
Huffstutler
(23 items)
Right now I don't have a back photo of this piece being shipped to me. It only said Art Deco and this looks very typical of revival pieces rather than 1920s. Considering what I paid, I am ahead either way. But, I know a company called 1928 made a lot of this type jewelry and wonder, if it may be one? I have not been able to search out another example of this particular piece through Google or eBay. Until I can see the back to see if it has their trademark swirl design, I won't know but thought I would ask in case someone may recognize the brooch/pin? Thanks again!!!
Eric
I found my answer and will share here...
This is a piece that is very unusual. Not by design, which is classic Art Deco, but by how it was made by a company called the "Genuine Article Company" out of Mission, KS. Over 50 years, they purchased "new old stock" from the 1920s-1940s. Never used parts and stones made for the jewelry industry in those years. This brooch was made from a genuine antique (but never used) metal stamping and very rare ruby red Art Deco stones. So, the piece is by age and design is 1920s but by construction 1980s.
So, would you consider this a fake or the real thing since it was made from all new, but all period vintage parts?
There's no definitive proof that genuine "antique" parts were used to construct that brooch. The only thing you can do is wait until it arrives and look it over carefully.
Genuine Article is a wholesale company with two employees and no website. The company was established in 1986.
http://www.usbizs.com/KS/Mission/Genuine_Article_jXa.html
They have an eBay store selling off their vintage inventory... Now under the name RSM Jewels.
http://stores.ebay.com/rsmjewels/
They have a 99.9% feedback rating on eBay so must be legit. And they are now located in Arkansas. Also have a Etsy store.
Their main income is generated by selling their inventory to hobby jewelry makers. They've been on eBay since 1999, so I would imagine they have a consistent supply of these "vintage" parts or they would have been out of business a long time ago. I see similar brand new, straight from Asia jewelry items in the Bijou shops in my area. I looked on their Facebook page (last post was 2014) and found this quote (hmmmm):
https://www.facebook.com/RSM-Jewels-1441487739405173/
RSM --- To get best imitation jewellery at cheapest prices.
To book an order mail us at rsmjewels@gmail.com OR inbox us
Efesgirl, you sure know how to rain on a parade. That "statement" you posted is a matter of interpretation. Sure, they have to list it that way for legal purposes. Just like there are certain restrictions on how costume jewelry has to be listed legally. They are not dealing with rubies, diamonds, and emeralds but glass and plastic but it is "vintage" glass and plastics made between 1915-1940s, so is imitation. And as I was suggesting, they made pieces from these vintage assembly parts and so, an Art Deco piece, like the one I purchased, was not "made" in c.1929 but all of its components were. That is the unique part. I doubt China made their brass stampings or carnelian or city glass from 1930. I doubt they would earn a 99.9% customer rating from 21,000 reviews if they were swindling people with fake materials.
And the owner was honest and told me they once sold at trade shows so hence bookings. They don't do this any longer nor make jewelry but selling off all of their vintage stock so is probably one reason for the lack of posts on Facebook. Their eBay and Etsy shops are active though.
Not raining on your parade - just pointing out the possibilities. You'll know more when the brooch arrives.