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Discovering Vintage Costume Jewelry
How it Begins:
As with most collections, the most fabulous vintage costume jewelry caches begin with one or two amazing pieces. Sometimes it is an inherited pieces of heirloom jewelry or perhaps a necklace, brooch, bracelet or ring received as a thoughtful gift from a loved one.
The Lightbulb Moment:
A little research reveals that these tiny pieces, from another era, are not only beautiful keepsakes but indeed have value as a collectible. Many pieces of vintage costume jewelry with little or no intrinsic value, are valued at equal to and sometimes more that than that of gemstone and gold jewelry.
Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that there is indeed a higher level of quality and uniqueness of design in some of these early pieces that is unparalleled by today’s mass produced costume jewelry. This is especially true of the designer signed jewelry from the 1920's to 1960's. Highly collectible pieces of jewelry produced by Miriam Haskell, Stanley Hagler, Marcel Boucher, Gustave Sherman, Coro, Trifari, Delizza and Elster and many others, have commanded high prices with some Haskell sets selling in the many thousand dollars.
With expert craftsmanship, rich traceable histories, and the sheer quality and beauty of design, vintage costume jewelry has captured a loyal market. Currently, vintage costume jewelry is being worn more than ever. These wonderful treasures from the past also makes beautiful wedding, bridal, bridesmaid, prom and pageant jewelry.
Let the Hunt Begin:
Budding collectors will find that there are still many of these lovely treasures to be found. The great news about collecting vintage costume jewelry is that there are still many price levels in which to participate. The not so good news is that many of the rarer pieces are being snapped up by savvy collectors. These most rare and valuable pieces of vintage costume jewelry are being purchased as investment pieces and for good reason.
Collection Grows:
Through trial and error and plenty of jewelry research new collectors usually become more and more astute about their purchases . They begin to recognize and look for the design attributes, materials, periods, and designers that command the best values.
Every collection will always reflect the individual tastes and desires of each collector and that is exactly as it should be!
Vintage and Antique Jewelry Research Information
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