'Faux and Fabulous' costume jewelry exhibit dazzles and delights

BY AMY BATE
SPARTA — The Sparta Historical Society is hosting an exquisite exhibit highlighting costume jewelry and its historical significance.
Guest Curator and Sparta Historical Society Board Member Joyce Zakierski Simmons will provide a powerpoint presentation and lecture reflecting on the current Van Kirk Museum gallery exhibit “Faux & Fabulous-100 Years of Vintage Costume Jewelry” this Thursday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ambulance Squad Building located at 14 Sparta Avenue.
Simmons has been collecting vintage costume jewelry for the past several decades and has 284 pieces including designers such as Miriam Haskell, the “First Lady” of American costume jewelry, as well as Frank Hess, CoCo Chanel and Yves St. Laurent.
Costume jewelry has evolved since the early 1900’s and was used strictly as a fashion accessory. New technology such as faceted glass stones, beads and new forms of plastic allowed designers to make beautiful “faux” jewelry at an affordable price. The decades of the 1900’s brought dramatic change in jewelry design - each era - Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro, Mod and the 1970’s and 80’s created its own fashion statement.
Simmons’ lecture will provide a background on the designers and manufacturers based in the American Northeast. In 1794, Nehemiah Dodge, considered the ‘father of the industry’, developed a revolutionary process of plating base metal with gold in his small Providence shop. Among the products turned out by the factories are earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pins, pendants, rings, chains, cufflinks, and tie tacks.
Most of today’s manufacturers continue to be small, family-owned businesses with 25-100 employees. However no story would be complete regarding Rhode Island’s jewelry business without mentioning brands such as Alex and Ani, Trifari, Monet, Kienofer & Moog, Anson, Bulova, Gorham, Swank and Speidel.
“What I love most about collecting these pieces is their historical significance and how they have survived over time. Each tells a story, reflecting times of war and depression as well renewal and wealth. Each material used, such as pull-chains for toilets in the early 1900’s or an abundance of certain materials at the time dictated the styles of each era.” Simmons said. “It’s the story behind the pieces that is just as intriguing as as the design itself”.
Simmons will repeat this presentation on Tuesday, May 24, at 1 p.m. at the Sparta Library, located at 22 Woodport Road. Following the presentation, refreshments will be served and there will be an open forum for questions.
In addition, Simmons will host two “Hands-On Round Table Seminars” on Saturday, May 21, 9-11 a.m., and on Thursday, June 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Both seminars will be held at the Van Kirk Homestead Museum. The seminars are by reservation and limited to 15 people. Attendees can bring in their own costume jewelry pieces and Simmons can assess their category and style, but will offer no appraisals.
The exhibit itself will run 1-4 p.m. at the Van Kirk Homestead Museum Sunday May 22, Sunday June 12 and will end on Sunday June 26.
The Sparta Historical Society has yet another exciting addition — a cupola from Sparta’s old town hall was recently donated, then renovated and restored onsite. The cupola stands on the front lawn of the Van Kirk Homestead, its new copper finish gleaming rain or shine. There are plans to add a walkway and special plantings which will be undertaken by Sparta’s Eagle Scouts and other volunteers.
The Sparta Historical Society is located at the Van Kirk Homestead Museum and History Education Center at 336 Main Street (Rt. 517).
For reservations or further details call 973-726-0883 or email spartahistoricalsocnj@gmail.com