Additional Coverage:
- 8 Types of Vintage Costume Jewelry Worth Reselling (financebuzz.com)
Unearthing Treasure: Making Money with Vintage Costume Jewelry
Looking to boost your income? Forget the stock market, try the flea market!
Hidden among the retro trinkets and forgotten treasures lies a potential goldmine: vintage costume jewelry. While some may dismiss it as cheap and gaudy, savvy collectors know that certain pieces can be worth a pretty penny.
With a keen eye, patience, and access to the right marketplaces, you could turn your love of sparkle into a profitable side hustle.
What is Vintage Costume Jewelry?
Costume jewelry first emerged as a more affordable alternative to fine jewelry, mimicking the styles of the elite. Its popularity soared in the 1920s with the rise of bold, eye-catching designs crafted from less precious materials like crystals and colorful glass. Today, these vintage pieces are highly collectible and sought after by fashion enthusiasts and antique lovers alike.
Top Vintage Costume Jewelry Brands
Certain designers and brands hold particular value in the vintage costume jewelry world. Coco Chanel is a leading name, but be warned: her popularity has led to a proliferation of fakes.
Other notable designers include Yves Saint Laurent, Eisenberg, Miriam Haskell, Trifari, Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, Hobé, and Marcel Boucher. Even non-designer brands like Monet and Napier can command respectable prices.
Identifying Valuable Pieces
So, how do you separate the treasure from the trash? Look for signs of quality craftsmanship and unique design elements.
A maker’s mark or signature can significantly increase a piece’s value. Poured glass, creatively set stones, and the overall condition and weight of the jewelry are also important factors.
Don’t hesitate to use online resources to research different brands and identify their hallmarks.
Examples of Valuable Vintage Costume Jewelry
A few examples illustrate the potential value of these glittering gems:
- Sets: A five-piece Chanel set, including a faux pearl choker, brooch, and two pairs of crystal earrings, recently sold for $2,772. A Miriam Haskell set featuring a ruby-colored crystal necklace and matching earrings fetched $950.
- Necklaces: A vintage Chanel necklace of faux pearls and lucite sold for $875, even without a signature. A Trifari necklace adorned with enamel, crystals, and rhinestones designed to resemble emeralds and diamonds brought in $3,600.
- Bracelets: Three Chanel cuffs crafted from velvet and gilt metal sold for $1,375. A poured glass Trifari bracelet with crystal accents achieved a remarkable $4,200.
- Brooches: A Chanel brooch of gilt metal, glass, and faux pearls sold for $2,142. A Schreiner brooch with a Peking glass center and rhinestone accents reached $3,400.
- Fur Clips: Even vintage fur clips hold value. A silver Eisenberg clip with rhinestones sold for $140, while two Coro fur clips with emerald-green and diamond-like rhinestones fetched $375.
- Earrings: Vintage earrings, particularly for pierced ears, are in high demand. A pair of Chanel enamel and glass earrings set in gilt metal sold for $1,875.
- Other Items: Pendants, hair clips, pins, and dress clips can also be quite valuable. A Coro hair clip shaped like two birds and made of enamel and rhinestones recently sold for $160, while a pair of French art deco insect-inspired dress clips studded with rhinestones brought in $550.
Building Your Vintage Jewelry Business
Finding valuable vintage costume jewelry is just the first step. Building relationships with buyers, jewelers, auction houses, and other industry professionals is crucial for success. Networking and establishing a reputation for expertise will help you navigate the market and maximize your profits.
So, next time you’re browsing a flea market or estate sale, don’t overlook the glittering allure of vintage costume jewelry. With a little knowledge and a lot of hustle, you could unearth a treasure trove of hidden profits.
Read More About This Story:
- 8 Types of Vintage Costume Jewelry Worth Reselling (financebuzz.com)