Costume Jewelry Value & Price Guide

Costume jewelry offers a vibrant world of collectible adornments crafted from non-precious materials like glass, enamel, and base metals. These pieces allow collectors to own iconic fashion history from mid-century glamour to bold 1970s statements without the price tag of fine gemstones.

Price Range: $35 - $48 based on recent sales

History of Costume Jewelry

The rise of costume jewelry was propelled by the Great Depression and the rationing of precious metals during World War II, leading designers to innovate with sterling silver (vermeil), plastics, and high-quality crystals. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli revolutionized the industry by making 'fake' jewelry a high-fashion statement rather than a mere substitute for wealth. During the mid-20th century, companies like Trifari and Coro dominated the market, creating intricate floral and figural designs that mirrored the opulence of Hollywood's Golden Age. By the 1960s and 70s, the focus shifted toward bold, geometric styles and the use of textured gold-tone metals, as seen in the popular butterfly and animal motifs of the era.

Value Factors for Costume Jewelry

The typical price range for Costume Jewelry is $35 - $48 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Designer Signature: Pieces marked by prestigious houses like Weiss or Betsey Johnson command a premium over unsigned 'unmarked beauties'.
• Condition of Enamel and Plating: Significant wear to the gold-tone finish or chipped enamel can drastically reduce a piece's desirability.
• Rarity of Motif: Unique figural designs, such as cats, owls, or 'poison' rings, typically outperform standard geometric patterns.
• Era and Style: Art Deco and mid-century modern pieces currently see higher demand than mass-produced items from the late 1990s.

Tips for Buying Costume Jewelry

• Inspect the back of the piece for designer hallmarks like Weiss, Napier, or Juliana, as signed items carry significantly higher market value.
• Check the integrity of the foil backing on rhinestones; 'dead' or darkened stones can be difficult and costly to replace.
• Verify the functionality of clasps and pin mechanisms, ensuring they are original to the piece and not modern replacements.

Items in This Collection

• Bow Brooch Value & Price Guide
• Cheetah Brooch Value & Price Guide
• Multi-stone Brooch Value & Price Guide
• Reindeer Brooch Value & Price Guide
• Juliana Earrings
• Vintage Cocktail Ring
• Filigree Butterfly Brooch
• Vintage Mood Ring
• Vintage Brooch Pin
• Uranium Glass Ring
• Marvella Pearl Necklace
• Trifari Clip-On Earrings
• Juliana Butterfly Brooch
• Vintage Rhinestone Bow Brooch
• Vintage Red Rose Brooch
• Trifari Bracelet
• Kramer Rhinestone Necklace
• Vintage Cat Earrings
• Fleur-de-lis Brooch Pin
• Judy Lee Brooch