prices for vintage costume jewelry

Vintage costume jewelry has become increasingly popular due to its unique design, craftsmanship and the interesting stories that often accompany it. The term ‘vintage’ can refer to anything from the few decades ago up to a hundred years or more.

It might be handmade or mass-produced, but the materials used to make vintage costume jewelry are often gold-plated metals like brass and copper, as well as plastic and glass. Typical styles of vintage costume jewelry include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches and cufflinks crafted with intricate designs using gemstones, beads and enamel.

Price Range for Vintage Costume Jewelry

The prices for vintage costume jewelry vary widely depending on condition, rarity of the piece and popularity of the style. Typically, collectors prefer pieces in excellent condition over those items showing signs of wear due to their greater value.



Pieces made with unusual materials, styles or having superb craftsmanship usually fetch a higher price point than other similarly classed items. In comparison to genuine fine jewels, a good quality vintage piece is generally much less expensive but still offers an assorted range of timeless fashion statement pieces at various price points up to hundreds of dollars.

Where You Can Find Vintage Costume Jewelry

There are lots of places you can buy vintage costume jewelry both online and offline including auction sites such as eBay and Katomotive as well as brick-and-mortar establishments such as independent antique dealerships or thrift stores. Many designers have also been inspired by these past fashions when designing modern collections linking the new with the old.

Just like shopping for any item online you should do your research before committing any big purchases; reading reviews and looking out for authenticated certification from respected authorities helps ensure valuables purchased will hold its market worth down the line when price evaluations are made at a later stage.

How to Identify and Date Authentic Vintage Jewelry

Vintage costume jewelry is a popular collectible among enthusiasts. The variety and beauty of the pieces make it a highly desirable type of vintage accessory. Despite the fact that many people seek to purchase this type of jewelry, some buyers are unsure of how to identify and date authentic vintage costume jewelry. In order to help buyers know what they are looking for when it comes to collecting vintage costume jewelry, there are some tips that can be useful.

The first tip for identifying authentic vintage costume jewelry is to learn about the different time periods and styles in which it was made. Many different makers created various popular designs over the decades such as Art Décor, Retro, Retro Modern, Art Nouveau, Victorian Revival and Classical Revival styles. By learning about the common styles of vintage costume jewelry from each period, buyers can easily recognize a genuine piece from a modern replica or knock-off.

When looking for true vintage pieces dated before 1985 buyers should inspect and look out for hallmarks or signatures on the back side or hang tag of any item. These markers are helpful in accurately dating the age of an item in addition to indicating its quality and authenticity by telling who manufactured and sold it or where it was produced if maker’s marks don’t exist.

Another tip is to check if any particular piece has a unique signature design that sets it apart from other similar items. Examine close-ups on websites such as Etsy, eBay or any other online store specializing in selling original vintage pieces; then compare those details with images found through antique book shops, galleries or private collectors of Vintage Costume Jewelry books available online or locally at libraries.

That way, you can confirm an exact time period when something was likely produced so you know if you’re making a true bargain deal. Lastly be aware of current market prices for vintage costume jewelry where knowledge can even help buyers negotiate better deals with sellers.

Common Symbols and Designs Found on Vintage Jewelry

Vintage costume jewelry is becoming increasingly popular with collectors as not only is it visually appealing, but many pieces also carry a certain amount of sentimental value. While the prices for vintage costume jewelry can vary depending on the brand and market demand, it’s possible to find cost effective pieces for those who want to add something unique and fashionable to their wardrobe.

When researching or browsing through pieces of vintage jewelry, there are some common symbols and designs that may be encountered.

One of the most prominent symbols in vintage costume jewelry is rhinestones. Rhinestones have been around since the early 19th century and have been known to mimic diamonds without having to use expensive materials. The twinkle of these brightly coloured stones adds a subtle elegance to any piece, making it perfect for all occasions.

Another popular element used in vintage costume jewelry is enameled metal. This creates an elegant, colorful accent which sets off the vibrant hues of rhinestones set in antique silver and gold accents. Enameled metal is a robust material that resists corrosion over time ensuring that your piece will remain looking beautiful for years to come.

Apart from colourful gemstones and enameling, some vintage pieces also may contain engravings or design motifs applied directly onto the metal by hand in a process called chasing. Design motifs such as filigree, scrolling vines, leaves or ribbons often appear on vintage costume jewelry adding an extra dimension of detail to any piece.



To make them more desirable, some even incorporate semi-precious stones into design motifs giving them an added level of sparkle which is sure to draw attention. These intricately detailed pieces give wearers added confidence when wearing their unique statement clothing items out on the town.

When shopping for vintage costume jewelry you should keep an eye out for whether it features these kinds of elements as they can help determine its worth price-wise when compared to similar pieces being sold in shops currently. Ultimately no matter what type you decide to go with; when purchased carefully these exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces are sure become cherished heirlooms passed down through generations.

Types of Vintage Costume Jewelry

Vintage costume jewelry can be found in a variety of materials and styles, making it a great choice for any jewelry collector or fashion enthusiast. There are three main types of vintage costume jewelry that collectors pay attention to: glass/plastic pieces, metal pieces, and rhinestone pieces. Each style has different types of design elements and prices vary accordingly.

READ
natural stone vintage jewelry box

Glass and plastic pieces can be made from a variety of materials including Bakelite, celluloid, Lucite, plastic, resin and glass. Each piece is custom designed with designs that range from the periodical to kitschy. Prices typically vary based on age and condition, but collectors tend to pay more for unusual looks or rare materials.

Metal pieces from the late 1800s to early 1900s usually feature artistic modern styles. Examples include enameled gold-tone mesh purses with floral accents, chrome floral pin sets with nature scenes, sterling silver ring sets with glass stones and cameo pendants which were popular in the 1930s. These all have excellent craftsmanship but can vary widely in price depending on rarity and condition.

Finally, rhinestone pieces dominated the jewelry market in the 1950s through present day. This type consists primarily of Austrian crystal cut gems set into metal forms such as brooches featuring starbursts or flowers motifs constructed of large pink stones encircled by tiny white rhinestones or pearls.

Popular names for these pieces include Capri jewelry or Brigacy’s Beauty Pageant Brooch Set which is believed to have been worn by royalty during coronation processions. For this type prices vary according to quality upstanding vintage specimens can cost hundreds.

No matter what type of vintage costume jewelry you are looking for there are sure to be plenty of beautiful pieces at different prices that fit your budget.

Pricing Factors for Vintage Costume Jewelry

Vintage costume jewelry is sought-after by collectors who value their beauty and craftsmanship. Prices for these pieces can run from under $50 to thousands of dollars, making it difficult to know what they are worth. But there are some prices that guide the market and understanding them can help you determine how much something is worth. Factors that come into play include the age and condition of the piece, materials used, manufacturer or designer, rarity, and intrinsic value.

The age of a piece can definitely affect its value. Antique costume jewelry is typically older than 100 years while vintage pieces may be between 40 and 100 years old.

This can be determined by examining markings on the piece which may include references to specific dates or detailed maker’s marks like signatures or trademarked emblems used by certain companies in decades past. Older pieces in pristine condition tend to garner a higher premium simply due to age alone; therefore condition plays an important role when assessing a price tag for vintage costume jewelry.

Materials such as precious metals, rare gemstones, glass beads, crystal rhinestones displayed on enamel bases add an expensive flair to any piece of vintage costume jewelry – even if not real valuables – causing it to become significantly more valuable than its counterparts made from cheaper materials like plastic or base metals. Thus evaluation of materials used in the creation of a particular item helps assess its monetary worth fairly accurately.

In addition designers carry immense value which explains why certain name brands such as Chanel or Van Cleef & Arpels draw attention of discerning jewelry connoisseurs who happily pay premiums even for replicated finds as they maintain their esteem value irrespective of counterfeiting attempts over time.

Finally rare pieces generally command higher prices regardless other factors such as fading with time or physical deterioration. Similarly intrinsic value must not be overlooked; potential readers looking up prices must consider whether items possess any historical significance or captivating cultural stories associated with those things apart from their aesthetic beauty before giving them an appraised price tag taking all these mentioned components into account.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Quality of Vintage Jewelry

When evaluating the quality of vintage costume jewelry, there are many factors at play. First and foremost is the metal that was used in the pieces. The metal and alloy content will be a major factor in determining not only its aesthetic qualities, but also its durability and longevity. Depending on how well cared for it has been over time, metal can range from fairly tarnished to near-immaculate shiny gold or silver plating.

Additionally, the craftsmanship of vintage jewelry is important to consider when looking at the overall value of a piece. The cutting, detailing, enamel work, settings and finishing will all contribute toward a higher value. If a piece is deemed to have unusual details or exquisitely intricate designs, it has more sales potential than more traditional styles.

Finally, one should consider any precious stones that may adorn the jewelry – including diamonds, sapphires and rubies – as these significantly influence pricing. Stones can range from pristine gems with incredible brilliance to cloudy stones with blemishes or cracks that harm their overall appearance. Further inspecting gems with an eyepiece or microscope allows for further understanding and then pricing depending upon cut quality and clarity versus typical listed prices for such stones on markets today.

Tips for Shopping for Vintage Costume Jewelry

When it comes to finding the perfect vintage costume jewelry, prices can vary – but so can the quality of the item. Vintage costume jewelry can range from incredibly cheap pieces to incredibly expensive pieces and it is important to know how to shop for vintage items if you want the best possible results.

The first tip when shopping for vintage costume jewelry is to research the type of jewelry you are interested in. Knowing what certain metals and stones are worth, as well as what eras they were popular in, will help you determine a reasonable price point when shopping.

It’s also good to be familiar with different item makers and designers which will give you insight into designers who specialize in specific types of markets or designs. Shopping around at local antique stores, flea markets and second hand stores should give you an idea of market prices on certain types of vintage pieces.

When examining any potential pieces that catch your eye, always check for things like lam̩, gilt, silver-plating or other signs of wear and tear that may not be visible but cause problems down the line. Be sure to open all clasps and examine hinges Рthese common components of most jewelry items usually reflect their level of quality.

READ
Lane Bryant Vintage Jewelry

It is also wise to check marks that denote metal purity – many lower-quality items are made with metals that will tarnish quickly, so knowing this ahead of time can save you from buying anything subpar if this is a concern for your collection. Furthermore, there are some sellers who offer authentication services for more valuable pieces which can provide peace-of-mind before making a purchase.

Finally, don’t forget about online sources. Many online platforms such as ebay provide buyers with a huge selection of both modern and vintage pieces at much lower prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. There are lots of reliable retailers on these sites that have been certified by organizations like Jewelers Vigilance Committee so you can be sure that you’re dealing with trustworthy vendors from whom you can buy reputable items at a fair price point.

Where to Shop for Vintage Costume Jewelry

Vintage costume jewelry is popular with collectors and fashionistas alike, making it a great item to include in the wardrobe. As vintage items become harder to find, the prices for vintage costume jewelry can vary widely. Those looking for a piece of unique vintage style can hunt down their own treasures, or look to specialty collectors who purchase and resell vintage pieces from remote places around the world.

For those who want to purchase vintage costume jewelry but are not sure how much to pay for it, there are various websites and stores that specialize in vintage pieces. The cost of the items can vary significantly depending on the design, materials used and quality of craftsmanship.

Popular old-fashioned brands like Coro and Trifari often command higher prices than lesser-known makers or knockoffs as they usually have high demand among collectors. It is also important to note that certain motifs such as birds or butterflies increase the value of a piece while others may decrease its worth.

Another factor that affects the price of any type of vintage jewelry is the condition. While a piece may have sentimental value, if it’s broken or shows signs of wear it will cost much less than a piece of equal age in perfect condition.

Furthermore, it’s emotionally important for some purchasers to select an unaltered original item; thusmaking altered pieces generally less desirable than originals no matter what condition they are in. Finally, sometimes even small details such as luminescent stones or rhinestones add significant monetary value so be sure to closely inspect any purchases before buying them.

Caring for Vintage Jewelry

Collecting and caring for vintage costume jewelry can be an exciting hobby. Not only can you create a stunning collection of pieces, but the prices associated with vintage costume jewelry tend to be much lower than fine pieces. This allows more budget conscious buyers to make beautiful jewelry choices without breaking the bank.

When caring for your vintage costume jewelry items, it is important to take preventative measures that will protect it from elements such as dust and humidity. The best way to do this is through proper storage that keeps the pieces clean and free of wear and tear. A lint-free pouch or sealed container helps keep the items away from dirt and oils that could damage them over time.

Avoid storing or displaying them where humidity is high, as this can quickly cause tarnishing and discoloration on certain metals such as silver or gold plating. Take care to avoid applying lotions, powders or other cosmetics near your collection, as these materials are known to contain ingredients that can ruin even the most well protected pieces.

In addition, should you find yourself needing to give your vintage costume jewelry a good polishing, consider using a soft cloth with gentle dish soap mixed in warm water as opposed to commercial jewellery cleaning products. These solutions are mild enough so as not to cause any damage while effectively removing surface grime and oxidation buildup on metal surfaces.

For large-scale cleaning needs like gems and complicated chains, take extra precautions by seeking professional services at a reputable jeweler near you. Proper maintenance is vital to making sure your vintage costume jewelry remains in its best condition possible.

Conclusion Wearing and Enjoying Vintage Jewelry in Style and Fashion

The cost of Vintage costume jewelry may seem high but in reality it can be attainable to find quality vintage pieces. With proper research and possibly hunting at thrift stores, it is possible to acquire reasonably priced vintage costume jewelry. Start by doing some research to identify what kind of jewelry pieces have great potential for value appreciation and your own personal satisfaction.

Knowing the signatures and makers of higher-end designers can help you determine if an item would be a good purchase. As with all jewelry, condition will change its worth so items that have been preserved in their original box are likely to have more worth than a piece that has been abused or damaged over time.

Experience is key when searching for quality vintage items so don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something instantly. Be open to seeing what the market offers regrdless of the store or seller’s reputation or integrity as there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. After acquiring the piece, wear it with confidence knowing that you found something unique, special and most likely rare in today’s market – paying homage to fashion from decades past.

Vintage costume jewelry is meant to be enjoyed so express yourself through different looks through various decades with each being just as stylish as the one before. Whether it’s art deco from the 1920s, retro inspired styles of the 1940s, flipping through paper catalogs studying designs from the 1950s or fun mod trends look from 1960s; rock these looks while adding your own modern twist – creating an original look just for you.

Enjoying Vintage Costume Jewelry can bring life into history by allowing us to connect back in time showcasing our great appreciation for classic fashion.



Send this to a friend