QuestionHi Lisa,
There are two companies for which I would like to have info. I have searched for info on Google, but have found very little or none.
1. The Greenduck Co. Chicago: A mark on a WWI Navy Honorable Discharge lapel pin I have.
2. I have a Heart pendant marked: Sterling Theda. I found a reference to Theda at Illusion Jewels which connected it to The Ideal MFG. CO. of Providence, RI, in business since May 1921. I would like more info on Ideal like are they still in business.
I am a collector of costume jewelry and have spent countless hours trying to find info on jewelry companies. I am working on a website to sell and would like to give as much info about a piece as I can. Is there a source you could recommend that would assist me and save me from pulling any more hair out of my head when complete frustration and total exasperation overtakes me as a result of searching for hours and finding nothing? (HaHa!)
Thank You, Sherry
AnswerHi Sherry,
I do respond to all questions that are asked of me, even when they are completely outside my area of expertise. Such is the case with costume jewelry. I have managed to answer a few questions by getting some good search result information, but that is about the extent of my skills when it comes to costume jewelry.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=green+duck+company&btnG=Google+Search
This search produced some interesting info on the Green Duck Co., including a lawsuit filed in 1909. To get marking detail, you would have to browse the search listings for them until you find something. In some of my past answers I found and provided a link to markings and to a costume jewelry website and book.
I didn't find anything on Ideal that was different than you already found.
I did find a few links that might help you:
Resource site
http://www.vintagecostumejewelry.com/ref1.htm
An expert with some book suggestions
http://antiques.about.com/od/bookreviews/a/aa082704.htm
Try not to pull out the rest of your hair. Searching can be frustrating, but your customers will love and appreciate your honesty, hard work and full disclosure. As a Gemologist, it was an important lesson to learn when to say, "I don't know". I don't know much about costume jewelry, don't be afraid to let you customers know when you don't know.
I wish you great success with your new venture,
Lisa
