These 9 tips will help you distinguish between the old and new costume jewelry pieces out there for sale. A hands-on approach is the best way to learn. Don't you agree? Don't forget to take your magnifier when you go out treasure hunting. I have a little black light that I take along with me. This trick will bring to light glue spots, repairs, cracks and even help when you are trying to figure out if it includes a real semi-precious stone.
I am assuming that you already know to look for a maker's mark, hallmark, metal mark of any kind. These can be your best clue. But you know that already, right? Unsigned pieces are collectible too. It has not always been a requirement for jewelry to be stamped with the gold, silver or platinum content like it is today. And it is still not a requirement that the maker sign each piece of jewelry. Learning and discovering the details is part of the fun when collecting vintage costume jewelry.
- Prong-set rhinestones represents quality in vintage jewelry.
- Authentic vintage jewelry most likely will show signs of wear especially on the clasp.
- 1955 is when copyright symbols first appear on jewelry.
- Aurora Borealis rhinestones were not introduced until after the war in the mid 1950's.
- The textured metal on the back of vintage jewelry is not as old as the smooth surface.
- The sharp end of the pin stem that secures a brooch is longer on older pieces of jewelry.
- Older jewelry will be heavier and the construction more solid.
- Something I have noticed is that newer jewelry is more likely to have sharper edges.
- When a "plastic" piece of jewelry is in question, a mold line can be a clue.
Love to Know has a lot of good info about collecting vintage costume jewelry.
The Spruce is another great resource for info. Don't forget to check out the links.
Invaluable is a recent discovery but I can tell it's going to be useful
Really digging these rings! Leave a comment with your tips!
