Along the Avenues of Networking Vintage

My goodness...it's been a long while since we've blogged...a whole year! Really, we have been very busy. Bear with me as I get back into the hang of using the Blogger features.

Since then ... Facebook, Twitter and many other avenues have opened up for vintage lovers to network their passion. And while we all still have our favorite Yahoo groups and e-mail discussion lists to gather to, there are many more avenues of vintage networking popping up almost everyday. We wanted to share with you some avenues that we have chosen:


VJSE - Vintage Jewelry Sellers Team on Etsy

The Jewelry Ring Mall The JR Mall is a one stop shopping experience and is definitely one to put high on your networking list. You must be a Jewelry Ring member to participate...link to join is below.

Join the Jewelry Ring 600 Members strong - newbies to all levels of expertise. Exclusive feature: "Chat of the Week" but there is plenty more to keep your interest.

The Vintage Village is an excellent networking source. You will be visiting my page but please explore all that is there and what it has to offer. I'm a fairly new member to the Village and do like what I have seen so far. I need to explore this source deeper tho!

Antique Cake FREE Classifieds - It's a piece of cake! Antiques, art, collectibles, cars, jewelry, memorabilia & more.


Every Place I Sell - Merchant Directory. Find and track your favorite sellers to locate all of their products at the best prices! Learn more about sellers by visiting their sites and storefronts. This one is mine ;)


Wall of Jewels ... Jewelry Sellers Showcases and Marketing Co-op.


Trade association representing interests of antique, vintage sellers.
My AVCOSA Page

Follow us on Twitter

Become a Facebook Fan of Eclectic Vintage


These are but a few avenues to network your passion for vintage. We hope you found them useful!

Vintage Costume Jewelry Repair Tips

Costume jewelry was not made to last forever and so often times you will have a piece that has lost a stone or brilliance or perhaps the enamel needs touched up or a broken pin back needs replaced. Simple repairs are expected to be found in vintage costume jewelry. These kinds of repairs do not decrease the value but rather enhance it. The key is to repair the piece correctly using the proper techniques and materials.

Eclectic Vintage belongs to several jewelry discussion groups where repairs are often discussed. Read what our members recommend for simple jewelry repairs.

The #1 recommended glue to use for rhinestone replacement is Hypo Cement used by professional jewelers and watch makers. It has a precision applicator for those tiny rhinestone cups.

Another must have tool is a professional jewelers 10x loupe

The best tool for cleaning out old glue and foil residue in rhinestone cups is a dental pic. These can be found at your local flea markets or online.

Super glue is not recommended for repairs or stone replacements. An experienced eye will easily see an over sized stone or a new stone when it should be old, and sloppy enamel touch ups are worse than leaving the chipped enamel as is.

Know what material it is you are working with. The handy guide "What's It Made Of" will teach you how to test for certain materials and identify them accurately.

When it comes to repairs one other thing to consider is that some collectors prefer that its age remain visible. In their eyes it gives the piece character. Vintage sterling silver jewelry with that wonderful patina is often more desirable than a bright and polished up piece.