When I started to take an interest in vintage jewellery – over 50 years ago – there were very few books on the topic available. When Sibylle Jargstorf’s book ‘Baubles, Buttons and Beads – The Heritage of Bohemia’ was published (Schiffer 1993) I immediately bought a copy. So much information – not only about the metalwork but also about the different sorts of glass stones used – such as saphiret, iris, satin, opalescent and foiled glass. Today I am playing with a box of Czech. brooches – particularly the filigree ones. There is no more room in my shop at Alfies Antiques – so they will have to wait for a space! These filigree brooches were made by craftsmen in Gablonz. These are 20th Century but the tradition goes back much further. The picture shows such a variety of shapes and colours. Of course there were necklaces, buckles, earrings, clips etc. The metals were either gilded or silvered. If any of these beautiful brooches is of interest do email me.
