Figural jewelry is fun to collect because it is such a great conversation starter. I cannot tell you how many times I have been stopped in the street by someone who wanted to know where I got such a fascinating vintage brooch. What makes figural jewelry collections so fascinating is that each one will be unique and reflect the personality and whimsy of each collector. I would have gotten along so well with the lovely jewelry lady on the left.
Common Motifs:
- insects,
- animals,
- birds,
- people
- floral
- objects
- celestial
Materials:
Vintage and antique figural jewelry pieces can be of any material that jewelry is made including:
- base metals
- gold and silver
- vintage plastics
- glass
- wood
- gemstones
- beads
- rhinestones
- enamels
Cost The amount you spend on your collection will depend entirely on your preference as a collector. If you are collecting with investment in mind you will seek out book piece collectible items, but be prepared to pay a substantial sum for certain pieces.
Don’t despair. If a fun and fanciful collection is what you seek, there are still tons of fantastic figural jewelry pieces available for a few dollars. It is also still possible to find some amazing pieces by poking around church, garage and estate sales.
Bakelite
Also highly sought after by today’s collector are figural Bakelite pins and brooches (1920’s and 30’s). Collectors love Bakelite figural jewelry and will often spend thousands of dollars to get a piece of it.
Designer Figural Jewelry
Some early designer Figural jewelry pieces created by Eisenberg, Trifari and Boucher have become incredibly collectible and rare finds, commanding at times a five figure sale price. It is important to do your homework before outlaying any large sum of cash, as some of these prized pieces have been reproduced. You want to be sure that your piece is authentic and warrants the asking price.
Whatever type of figural jewelry you choose to collect; it seems the possibilities are endless and you will have the most interesting accessories to wear for work and play.
Vintage and Antique Jewelry Research Information
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