Most people know that fine jewelry is typically worth some value. Pieces that are made of high quality materials (such as silver and gold) or by coveted designers (such as Cartier and Tiffany) are worth much more than something you might buy in the local discount store.
When it comes to costume jewelry, people often assume that it isn’t worth very much, but what you don’t know might surprise you.
Origins
In the beginning, say around the 1930’s, costume jewelry was a rather disposable fashion accessory. It was made to be fashionable for a short period of time and women would buy items to match the fashions of the day. These items were not meant to be handed down through the generations, but to be pushed to the back of the jewelry box once the next fashion came into vogue.
But years and decades even before this came not-so-fine jewelry that was made from glass and semi-precious stones. These were made as replicas for the upper class who wanted to wear something beautiful, but not chance that it could be stolen. The middle-class also enjoyed the use of less-expensive materials to look and feel almost as exquisite as the upper class.
Costume Today
Today, costume jewelry is everywhere. Many pieces that can be picked up for 5-dollars-a- necklace will not fetch you much in a sale. However, items that are older, in good condition, or made by a collectable designer, such as Napier or Henry J. Wilson, do hold some value. If you have an item that is art décor or Victorian, you’ll find that appraisers give it higher value than most other pieces. Items that are signed, show little wear to the metal finished, or have held their color are worth something.
Older Victorian costume jewelry might sell for more than the scrap price of a 14K gold ring. And some rhinestone brooches from the 1940’s or 1950’s signed by the designer can pick up more than fine jewelry. There are even collectables from the 1980’s that have been priced at $100.00. You never know what its worth unless you have it checked out, so don’t throw away something that could be a hidden treasure.
Buy And Sell
A great place to find or sell costume jewelry is at an estate sale. Our recent Encino Estate Sale offered jewelry from antique to costume, as many of our sales typically do. But you’ll never find a great deal unless you get out and look! And if you’re ready to hold a sale of your own, don’t even think about tossing out any costume jewelry that you believe to be worthless! We’ll help determine the best value for all of your pieces; fine to costume, antique to 80’s. Call us; we’ve been in the business for a long time and we’ve seen it all. Don’t let your gold go to waste, even if it no longer glitters.