Germany has a long and rich history of jewellery making, primarily centred around the town of Pforzheim. Located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Pforzheim's thriving jewellery and watchmaking industry has earned the town its nickname "Goldstadt" or Golden City.

The tradition harks back to 1767 when the town's overlord set up a watch and jewellery factory in the local orphanage. Today, Pforzheim is home to the world's only museum devoted to the history of jewellery with exhibits that span over 5,000 years, as well as the internationally renowned School of Design and the Institute of Jewellery Technology at Pforzheim University. (source: thejewelleryeditor.com)

The marking, "Germany" indicates the piece was made before World War II because afterward, it would have been marked, first "western Zone Germany, American Zone Germany, etc., and after that, "Western Germany, West Germany, etc. If it's marked "Germany" is pre-World War II. In 1946 or '47, when Germany was split, items made in either West or East Germany were marked "West Germany" or "German Democratic Republic" (that was East Germany, which was neither democratic nor a republic). Items simply marked "Germany" I would say are almost certain to be pre-WWII (unless they are new, of course, after the reunification). (source: collectiblejewels.com)

There are multiple marks used for vintage jewelry made in Germany.

Illusion Jewels, which is a great resourceful website for jewelry collectors; shows us some of these marks as you can see here:

 Although most jewelry marked "Germany" has manufactured pre-World War II, you can find some new creations from after West and East Germany reunited in 1989, like this one here: https://talkingfashion.myshopify.com/products/silver-chain-necklace-vintage-jewelry-made-in-germany?variant=31127286980

I first run into her designs from a beautiful gift received, so I went to investigate more about the designer, materials used, etcetera. The more I learned, the more I loved it.

Here you will find a sum up of what you can read on her official website. There, you can access her full history and also shop her designs online.

About the designer

Jan Michaels has over 30 years of designing eclectic bohemian and modern vintage jewelry, all pieces are handcrafted in her San Francisco Bay Area studio.

Starting as a young girl in Pittsburgh hunting for stones and tiny treasures, Jan's eye for ornamentation grew into a full-fledged jewelry business. Her signature ability to invoke the spirit of a people, a tribe or civilization in her jewelry never fails to ignite our imagination and further our quest for living life to its fullest.

Antiqued brass
Jan designed her first accessories using leather and rubber materials. She later studied metal working and silversmithing, and fell in love with brass, which provided the perfect contrast to the lush colors and textures of semi-precious stones used in her designs.

Brass is an ancient alloy, a mix of copper and zinc that has a honey glow similar to 12k gold - brass is a nice complement to most complexions and is surprisingly lightweight. Used for coins, beads, vases, and instruments in the days of ancient Rome to modern-day West Africa, brass is so versatile.

Jan creates antique brass using an environment-friendly metal finishing process. The brass is tumbled to create a deep gold patina. Jan also offers a silver finish, which is electroplated onto the brass and resembles antique sterling silver. Jan rivets or fastens layers of brass together, which serves as an empty canvas in which she then adds from a staggering array of raw materials including beads, bone, shells, filigree, fossils, stampings, chains, pearls, gemstones, colored glass and more.

Making a difference in the world thru Holding Hands for the Earth Foundation

According to their website, Jan Michaels helps to ensure that women's and children's rights are honored here in the U.S. and across the world. 

Last year, Jan Michaels donated up to $12,000 to activist groups who are working towards protecting these rights. Purchasing and wearing jewelry provides meaningful help in furthering women's rights. By shopping Jan Michaels you are helping, too. On her website, they asked the public to let them know about an organization to consider for their donations.

Bottom-line is, Jane Michaels has the full package mix of quality design beauty and history of doing it right, all together. Here you can find one of my favorite sets from her: 

J.J. is the registered trademark of Jonette Jewelry Co. located in East Providence, RI. The company was founded in 1935 as Providence Jewelry Company by Abraham Lisker and later changed names to Lisker and Lisker Inc. During WWII the firm discontinued production due to the metal shortages that were brought on by the war and government restrictions. The company changed its name to "Lisker & Lisker" when Abraham's brother Nathan joined him in the business. Production ceased temporarily during World War II. After the war, the company reemerged as "Jonette Jewelry" in honor of the Abraham and Nathan's parents -- "John" and "Etta." Since the 1970's, Gordon Lisker has been manufacturing jewelry though some of the work is farmed out to other companies. In 1970, the company began marking its jewelry with the distinctive "JJ" trademark on all pieces. In 1986 they registered the popular "Artifacts" mark. Additionally, the company marketed a pewter line of animals of the American west under the "Santa Fe" mark. Due to international competition, they announced business closure in 2006. Of course, that made their fun novelty jewelry even more collectible. 

Here you can see one of my favorite J.J. pins: https://talkingfashion.myshopify.com/admin/products/9231833924

All my excitement and expectations over this exhibit were a spot on match: Rich, wonderful and all the good things in between!!

Granted yes, I'm a bit bias, as I have admired their work for a long time...

It all started with Ruben's fascinating and so very unique illustrations for Nordstrom. They were published in Vogue around the late 90s/early 2000s.

Back then I had the pleasure to meet him while representing Nordstrom during a private dinner party in Columbus, OH. The night was a delight... Cuba - Colors - Fashion - Texture - Design - Drawing - Style and so much more interesting conversations..

They did a terrific job putting this together! Great work! If you are in town, make sure to go see it. Happening now thru 6.18.2017

Be Bold. Be fearless. Be gorgeous. Be talented. Be Kind. 

See you next time!

Priscila, talkingfashion founder