Antiques and Collectibles Study Group with Brenda Harvie.

In the past these faux diamonds - made to imitate real and very expensive diamonds - have been known at strass or paste. Wealthy people copied their jewels as highway robbery was very common. After Daniel Swarovski’s electric cutting machine allowed mass production, rhinestones were used on many items: costume jewelry, clothing, purses, perfume atomizers, etc. Brenda will also talk briefly about a few of the over 900 costume jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. in the mid-century period and display a few of the rhinestone-studded items. Please bring some of your own rhinestone things for show and tell.

No charge; public welcome; refreshments will be served. Meet at the museum downstairs in Anderson Hall.

Call Penny at (805) 495-3297; pen1@verizon.net; for more information.