Vintage Costume Jewelry

Is costume jewelry collectible and can it be expensive

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This is a very common question that arises very often when we discuss the meaning and value of costume jewelry. The term itself is very widely used and there is a very broad definition of what it actually is.

To be honest, we do not consider our particular jewelry to be costume jewelry; however, other people do give it that terminology, we are not so precious to correct them as it really is just a matter of opinion.

Costume Jewelry can be defined as the jewelry worn by actors on stage; it can be defined as the jewelry that is used to go with a particular outfit (as it was defined in the art deco period)

It can also be defined as cheap, junkie or throwaway jewelry and that is sometimes very true also, but it is definitely not the rule.

There is a popular trend to collect vintage costume jewelry, often times these pieces are quite collectible, due to the fact that they may not have been mass produced, or may have been owned by a particular actor or actress. Sometimes just the fact they are vintage is the reason they are collectible.

This does not necessarily mean that it will be expensive though. Often that judgment comes down to the value of the crystal gemstone and the value of the metals in the piece.

There is one last aspect which can have a great deal to do with the value of the piece. This is the manufacturing process.

Cheaper costume jewelry is typically cast made in that process a casting machine churns out the metal blanks , when then have a stone imbedded. Quite often, because this is cheap manufacturing process, cheap metals are used and so too are cheap stones often actually glass or plastics are used.

A true silversmith with high skills will create beautiful quality jewelry. Sometimes this jewelry may be deemed as costume jewelry. If expensive crystal gemstones are used then this piece can range in value from many hundreds to many thousands of dollars.

On the other hand, cheaply made costume jewelry may sell for only a few dollars.

Regardless of whether you choose expensive or cheaper designer costume jewelry whether it is collectible or not is really up to you.

Often in life, the value of collectible pieces go up over time, as what may not be fashionable or popular today, may become very fashionable and collectible in the future.

If you can trace the origin of a piece back to a particular designer, it may become a very valuable piece, especially if it was made early in the designers career and they went on to achieve notable success as a jewelry designer.

by: Andrew Maughan

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