Costume jewelry is defined as jewelry made from non-precious materials. It was popular throughout the 20th century but its heyday was really in the 1950s and 1960s.
Collecting costume jewelry can be addictive. The styles, colors, and designs are remarkably beautiful and once you start you may not be able to stop. Part of the allure lies in the fact that it harkens back to a time when women really dressed up. Great thought was put into looking polished and put together, and a beautiful piece of costume jewelry was often considered the perfect finishing touch.
History of Vintage Costume Jewelry
Originally costume jewelry was not intended to last. Pieces were inexpensive and were designed to go with each season’s new outfits. The thinking behind this was that women could replace items as often as they replaced their clothes, with few financial repercussions. As a result, vintage costume jewelry is representative of fashion trends throughout the century. Little did anyone know at the time that the quality would hold up and a large number of pieces would survive and become quite collectible.
Jewelry Design
Paste jewelry was often more innovative in design than precious jewelry. Materials were softer and less expensive so it was easier for designers to take risks. As a result, pieces were often opulent, glamorous, and quirky.
Popularity of Paste Jewelry
The popularity of vintage costume jewelry has grown quite a bit over the last fifteen years. This can be seen by the large number of Internet sites that have been popping up. It’s also become popular on fashion runways. In 2004 in particular, vintage brooch sales soared and it seemed as though every fashionista around was sporting one. Wearing vintage costume pieces definitely makes a statement and you’re unlikely to see two people wearing the same piece.
Purchasing Vintage Pieces
If you’re interested in purchasing some pieces there are many places you can look. Auction houses, antique and vintage stores, thrift shops and garage sales are all great places, as are Internet auction sites. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the designer, age, condition, and other such factors, so do a little research before you buy.
Names like Chanel, Dior, Haskell, and Schiaparelli, have always, and probably will always, command high prices. Their quality, design, and craftsmanship are often some of the best. Companies like Coro and Trifari created pieces for both the high and low ends of the market.
While some of their higher-end pieces can still command high prices, many inexpensive pieces can easily be found today. Having said that, it’s not unusual to find broken and damaged pieces as their quality wasn’t as high. Also keep your eyes open for names like Marcel Boucher, Hattie Carnegie, Eisenberg, Hobe, and Kramer. If you know what you’re doing collecting can be turned into a profitable business, but make sure to educate yourself as fakes and copies consistently find their way into the market.
Today’s costume jewelry doesn’t come close to matching vintage in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Nor does it have the sense of history. So do a little research and get out there and find some.
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