Made in Japan

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.

Detail

Reverse

Here's an unusual, long necklace, circa 1970, made in Japan. The floral designed 8-sided 2 1/2" pendant and square beads are transfers outlined in gold for the look of cloisonné on glazed ivory porcelain. Other large tube beads are also ceramic glazed turquoise . Other beads are dark blue-gray faux pearls and flat round white acrylic beads. The necklace clasps at 24" with a spring ring, the pendant providing an additional 2" drop. The color combinations would compliment practically an shade of complexion, hair and eyes. The necklace is in Excellent condition. When you see the reverse pictures, you will notice a set of matching earrings, which will be included but not counted in the price due to condition of the backs. Our low price is for the necklace. $38

Reverse

Reverse

Here's another vintage carved cutie from 1950s Japan. Hand painted in bright colors, this carved duck has a spring set head so he can bobble and bounce as you move. He will be a delightful addition to your collection. He measures 2" and is stamped in back JAPAN. Excellent condition. $32

Reverse

On Card

This cute carved soft wood pin seems to have come alive as a bright puppy with orange ears wide open eyes and polka dot clothes. His neck is a spring wire so he can nod to and fro while you walk. These were made in Japan during the 1950s. This 2" dog is stamped JAPAN and is in excellent condition. Enjoy for $32

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

SOLD These old Japanese made ceramic earrings are getting harder to find. Here's a pair of ceramic art glass clip-on earrings with blue and aqua spirals and whirls. These gems have silvertone findings. The small buttons on top lead to dangling larger beads, which dangle merrily. Total length is 1 3/8". Diameter of the larger beads is 15mm. Marked JAPAN on the clips, these beauties are in Excellent condition. 

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