| Vintage costume jewelry can be instantly identified by | | | | How much a vintage designer jewelry piece |
| the keen eye that understands the huge difference | | | | appreciates depends on who the designer was, what |
| between costume jewelry of the past and the cheap, | | | | the design was, the condition of the piece, the |
| machine made, mass produced fashion jewelry of the | | | | availability of the piece and the demand for that piece. |
| present found in department stores and malls. | | | | Not everyone is seeking the same designer or the |
| While today's fashion jewelry certainly has a place in | | | | same piece. In fact not everyone even likes the same |
| the market and many woman like what it has to offer, | | | | pieces. You might be surprised to learn that it doesn't |
| it is no where near the quality of the vintage costume | | | | always matter if the piece is signed. Companies like |
| jewelry that was once produced by designers that are | | | | Bergere and Hollycraft made many unsigned pieces |
| world renowned for their beautiful designs that were | | | | and that certainly hasn't depreciated their value. |
| unique and not mass produced. | | | | There are many stunning designs made by these |
| Originally vintage costume jewelry like earrings, | | | | infamous designers. Choosing designs that you fall in |
| bracelets, and necklaces were purchased in French | | | | love with is important. Don't just choose a piece |
| boutiques by American soldiers who wanted to bring | | | | because you think it might become worth more. Sure |
| something beautiful home to their sweethearts, after | | | | that would be nice but you should be choosing pieces |
| WWI. | | | | you will wear and enjoy. Don't be surprised if you |
| There were many American manufacturers that | | | | suddenly find yourself falling for many pieces by many |
| produced beautiful designs. Trifari and Coro are just | | | | designers. |
| two. Many of these vintage designs have become | | | | Check the condition before buying. Pieces that have |
| highly collectible and for some you can expect to pay | | | | discolored or lost part of their finish will be worth less |
| more. They are certainly worth it. | | | | than those that are in pristine condition. Of course you |
| The fashion jewelry of today is mass produced using | | | | can wear both. In fact, some of the worn pieces look |
| the cheapest materials available, and will never go up in | | | | wonderful as a shabby chic look with your favorite pair |
| value. It will also never last long enough to appreciate in | | | | of jeans. Don't not buy a piece because it is worn, |
| value. Vintage costume jewelry is quite the opposite. It | | | | after all that can be part of its true beauty. |
| was not mass produced and it used some of the best | | | | Today's run of the mill fashion jewelry that's mass |
| materials available. As a result it has become highly | | | | produced cannot compete with the uniqueness, |
| collectible and not only did it hold its value it continues | | | | individuality, and quality of the vintage costume jewelry. |
| to appreciate in value. You get a beautiful piece of | | | | It really was another era but you can still enjoy it. |
| jewelry and an investment all in one. | | | | |