posted 04-14-2002 04:49 PM            

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STAGE JEWELRY

On Fifth Avenue, in the vicinity of Fourteenth Street, is a noted "stage jeweler." He attributes his title to the fact that he has repeatedly quoted the phrase, "I deal only in jewels for stage attire." In conversation, he said that a complete set of brilliants, including three rings, earrings, a breastpin and hairpin, will cost $24. Necklaces cost a trifle over that sum, because they require more "backing," which means more quicksilver and point shaped glass."You would be surprised to know how much of this jewelry I sell. See, here is an order from a well-known star. She says she will pay for the jewelry out of her salary, by giving me an order on her backer, payment to be made after they are out two weeks. Of course I pay no attention to such orders; but here is another from a lady who is to play in 'Forget Me Not.' She requires two classes. One for a black lace costume, which I call class one, for which pure white pastes answer best, In class two, I will give her a variety of glass emerald, backed with green tinfoil, and a ruby surrounded by sapphires. This will go well with any gown of light fabric. That's where my success comes in. I make the jewels to suit the costume, and the footlights add splendor to my hopes." How about real jewelry? was asked. "Oh, that is seldom worn. Stars like Mary Anderson, Modjeska, Genevieve Ward and Janauchek possess considerable jewelry, but they buy it for an investment or for personal gratification, but they never wear it on the stage. There is too much risk, and actresses are not over particular in changing costumes in such short time as the waits allow, as they scatter hither and thither and allow their maids to look after their wardrobe and paste jewelry, which could not be done with genuine goods. I sell over $25,000 worth of goods a year. As a sale never amounts to over $200, you can imagine how many customers I must have. It's the best business I have ever been in, and it is all deception, my boy, all deception. The eye must be gratified, and we comply; only we fake and we substitute." -
N. Y. Dramatic News.

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