Exploring a Vintage Jewelry Warehouse

www.cjssales.com

International fashion & style; mining Inspiration .. History & Treasure by Jeffrey Felner, International Fashion Examiner

[rebloged from examiner.com]

There is a secret child within all of us and one of the things that seems to be a common thread amongst all kids, of any age, and that is we all love a treasure hunt. Then if you add the unexpected pleasure of being in the presence of one of the great unsung heroes of the fashion jewelry business ... well then …. This was an experience that needed to be recorded in words. The hours spent at CJS will interest those who have more than just a superficial interest in fashion. By this, I mean for those who have a great respect for fashion and design as well as those who possess a deep seated interest about the history of fashion including the pioneers who were the foundation of what it is today.

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From Wikipedia... With the advent of the Mod period (1960’s) came "Body Jewelry". Carl Schimel of Kim Craftsmen Jewelry was at the forefront of this style. The Boston Museum Of Fine Art recently displayed Carl Schimel's "Chastity Belt" created in 1969 in their "When High Fashion Inhaled The '60s—'Hippie Chic'

Carl Schimel and his brother Marty spearheaded, if not discovered or possibly invented, the contemporary or fashion jewelry customer. Rather than appeal to the burgeoning disposable income housewife, these guys broke ground for the future and possibly seeded an entire industry with their originality, creativity and vision. The brothers were responsible for such innovations as wrapped/caged in wire stones and body jewelry. They were indie creators who were prescient some 50 years ago and whose influence is still felt on an international basis.

So that being said, let’s fast forward to present times and we find Carl Schimel and his daughter Elyse literally buried in history with a business that defies any present day business model. Carl and his daughter have created a haven/goldmine for fledgling and seasoned designers where one can wallow in the history of what was and test their creative limits once through their doors. Imaginations are de rigeur here and making dreams come true are possible here by literally rolling up your sleeves and digging through a treasure trove of materials. You will find beads that boggle the mind, chains, and stones of every conceivable size, shape and color, and finished jewelry and parts that span half a century. You might find “blanks” used for Judith Leiber minaudieres as well as the contents of those precious evening bags and yes they are bona fide “real.” You might find pearls of any size and color or seamless beads or those hand blown beads from Venice! This is visual overload!

Their business is structured as a “go to” destination in a way that allows for literal and total immersion and exploration of materials. Imagine in this day and age being able to buy raw materials or even ready-made items that are sold by the pound. Please keep in mind that this is not a tourist or entertainment destination but literally a hidden treasure buried in a nondescript building on one of the many streets that were once part of the millinery/garment center of NYC. They cater to “the trade” as it is aptly named!

The father and daughter team have cultivated a devoted coterie of international designers, creative directors and historians who can surround themselves in a world that once was as well as a future of what might be. The Schimel’s are wildly knowledgeable and welcoming so not only do they grant you access into their inner sanctum but they will also share their philosophies and experiences. For me, it was a coming home of sorts, as it reminded me of my times at Miriam Haskell when I could just “get lost” in the inventory/history of times gone by.

Big thanks to CJS Sales, Carl and Elyse, for welcoming me into your amazing world….

A CJS Sales Vintage Wedding

A CJS Sales Vintage Wedding [below reblogged from Grace Ormonde Wedding Style]

DR. ELYSE SCHIMEL & DR. ADAM MUES September 11, 2014 In New York, New York

 

 

 

 

Elyse Schimel and Adam Mues met through an online dating service in January of 2013. Their first date was dinner at an Italian restaurant in New York City followed by drinks and dancing at a nearby sports bar and club. Although the outline of the date was standard, they both felt a strong early connection with one another. 

Judith Leiber purse part and stones from www.cjssales.com. Refurbished by Christopher Crouch of moanscouture.com

Vintage 1920's ring from J S Fearnley http://www.jsfearnley.com

 

Adam began courting Elyse over the next several months with frequent dinners, movies, brunch, sporting event dates and whatever he could think of in order to spend time with her. Four months later they took a vacation to San Francisco and had many exciting adventures including the idea that they wanted to move in together when they returned to New York City. Adam quickly realized that she was a wonderful supportive person that he would be lucky to spend the rest of his life with. 

Rhinestone parts from www.cjssales.com made into studs and boutonniere by the brilliant Larry Vrba! Tux, bow tie, shirt custom made by Tom Barnett http://tombarnettcustom.com/

 

After about a year of living together, Adam proposed to Elyse at his childhood home in Nebraska while the two were visiting for his high school class reunion. Although Elyse had been waiting for some time for this news, the proposal was a surprise to her and she was very excited to share the news with family and to introduce herself as Adam’s fiancé.

Wedding was at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City

 

After a whirlwind engagement and planning period of 3 months, Elyse and Adam decided to have their wedding at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. They chose the location for its classy Art Deco period style and elegance. Extended family and friends traveled to New York City for the event and for mini-vacations. The wedding had an Art Deco theme highlighting Elyse’s business (and her own personal style) that included unusual jewelry and stones used in the couple’s clothing, accessories, wedding cake, and in the ceremony itself. This included rhinestone embellishments to Elyse’s dress and Adam’s cuff links, tuxedo set and cummerbund were all custom made with rhinestones and other jewels from Elyse’s company. 

Floralia Decorators www.floraliadecorators.com put CJS Sales Vintage Jewelry on the backs of wedding chairs as decoration. Chris Crouch of Moans Couture http://moanscouture.com cleaned and reworked vintage necklaces and belts to get them wedding ready!

 

Although everyone was trying to absorb all of the beauty, style and emotions surrounding the occasion, both Elyse and Adam admit that the event was difficult to remember in totality. The wedding day was filled with excitement and chaos, but everything went according to plan and was considered by everyone to be an enormous success.

Larry Vrba (head designer Miriam Haskell 1960's/1970's) designed my headpiece and the top of my dress from CJS Sales vintage rhinestone parts! He also did my cuff and my husband's: studs, boutonniere, cufflinks, and cummerbund!

 

Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav www.galialahav.com

 

 

My dad, Carl Schimel, walking me down the aisle!

 

Reception Dress by Naeem Khan http://naeemkhan.com

 

The flower girl wanted a train, so Floralia Decorators attached a Ranjana Khan blusher to the back of her dress

Vintage Rhinestone and jewelry parts from CJS Sales used by Floralia Decorators to decorate wedding

 

 

Floralia Decorators hung vintage chandelier parts from CJS Sales off of the flower arrangements and used vintage rhinestone and jewelry parts to decorate the tables and chairs!

 

Cake base designed by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel New York

Cake topper designed by Kate Sullivan of Cake Power http://www.cakepower.com

 

 

My cousin Sabrina Kuratana of Art Gallery Cookies design these cookies for me to give as wedding favors to my guests! http://www.artgallerycookies.com

 

The fabric trim on the bottom of my dress was designed by Ranjana Khan

 

The photographer was Brian Dorsey of Brian Dorsey Studios http://www.briandorseystudios.com

 

Dress was purchased from the fabulous Cristina of Bridal Reflections http://www.bridalreflections.com

 

 

Floralia Decorators used CJS vintage brooches on ribbon as napkin rings! Chris Crouch of Moans Couture cleaned and refurbished brooches to make them wedding ready

Make Up Artist Tamara Dominguez, Managing Head Make-up Artist/ Regional artist at Trish McEvoy   tamarad14@gmail.com

Hair Devi Shrestha of Louis Licari Work 212 758 2090

Favors vintage broaches from CJS Sales (www.cjssales.com), vintage cufflinks from Kim Craftsmen designed by Carl Schimel in 1960’s, Cookies picturing invitation picture from http://www.artgallerycookies.com/

And of course, all vintage parts used for decoration were from CJS Sales www.cjssales.com!!!! 

Becky Pancake Bead Designs: I am participating in the Bead Peeps Blog Hop. Th...

Becky Pancake Bead Designs: I am participating in  the Bead Peeps Blog Hop. Th...: I am participating in  the Bead Peeps Blog Hop. This is what I sent my partner Kathleen Breeding. I bead embroidered the pendant. My frien...

Digging Through the Jewels of the Past [at CJS] to Bring Customers a Morsel of Nostalgia by JANE MARGOLIES

Buy a copy of this Sunday’s The New York Times!  Libby Diament ofDiament Jewelry is featured shopping for inspiration at CJS Sales Ltd: Crafts, Jewelry, Supplies (Specializing In Vintage)!  Click below to read article 
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/15/fashion/digging-through-the-jewels-of-the-past-to-bring-customers-a-morsel-of-nostalgia.html?ref=fashion&_r=0

Finally got a copy of the episode: CNN The Next List Films Project Runway’s Diana Eng Design Studio Shopping For Inspiration CJS Sales Ltd: Crafts, Jewelry, Supplies (Specializing In Vintage) Check it out!

Finally got a copy of the episode: CNN The Next List Films Project Runway’s Diana Eng Design Studio Shopping For Inspiration CJS Sales Ltd: Crafts, Jewelry, Supplies (Specializing In Vintage)  Check it out!

How many tons of beads, Swarovski and jewelry parts came in @cjs_sales ? About three to five tons! www.cjssales.com