A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry

 

      The following two paragraphs were copied from the blog No Signposts in the Sea. A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry was written in 2011 and all the tips about vintage jewelry are relevant today.  If you are interested in buying vintage jewelry to wear or collect, this is a must read.  The post is packed full of useful information and written in a manner that everyone will understand.  The pictures are vivid and show excellent detail to go along with the information given.  Here are some links to the resources listed in the post.
  
  Illusion Jewels   Ruby Lane  Etsy   Ebay

     Sometimes valuable information is missed because we neglect to read the comments made to a post.  The following was copied from the comments section of  "A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry" and is the reply given by the host, aka The Waves.
  
  "You pretty much have to rely on small details. The overall style of the piece can give you some indication - large, rhinestone/crystal pieces were big in the 50s ad 60s, for example. Really simple and a little rougher looking brooch closures (just the pin and a simple hook) usually mean the piece is older, pre-1950s. Necklace clasps and clip earring closures are typically patented, so if there is a patent number on the clasp, you can google the number and you'll find when it was patented. The more complicated the necklace clasp, the more likely it is that the piece is old and of some value. Screw back earrings are always older than typical clip earrings.

Value is tough to estimate. When I find something interesting, I try to look for similar pieces on eBay, Etsy or Ruby Lane, and go with what they typically sell for. There are also a lot of costume jewelry books out there, but sometimes the value estimates are dated in those. Basically you need to do a lot of research! :)"

     This reply is dated April, 2013.  The last post on her blog is from 2014, but I hope this is just a break.  Maybe she would be willing to bring us up to date on her jewelry findings in a guest post on this blog.  Stay tuned.  The author goes by the name "The Waves."  Very cute theme and I am looking forward to reading more of her posts, No Signposts in the Sea.

Gemstone Websites Reviews

     Some would say it isn't a fine piece of jewelry unless there is a gemstone present.  I guess I would agree with that statement for the most part.  Although there are some beautiful examples of jewelry that is made from gold only or silver or platinum.  And considering bone or ivory and what about feathers, pine cones and shells, you get the idea.  But yeah, nothing compares to the sparkle of a gemstone.  I have discovered some websites that will be valuable resources for all things gemstones.

Gemselect  - Buying loose gemstones from this website is not a problem.  Positive customer feedback is abundant.  A brief in-depth history plus description of a very lengthy list of gemstones is at your fingertips.  They know there stuff!  Whether for research or purchase, this site is a must.

Geology -  This might not be a route you have considered before.  Sure there is information on other subjects relating to geology but that doesn't over shadow the gemstone information.  The scientific approach is a given but they include the more mainstream information as well.  The links are abundant.  They include teacher resources and provide free printable maps.  They have a store as well and that's where you will find gold mining equipment and a lot more.  Trust me, you will love it!

 

Gemstones Advisor - This website is stuffed with information about gemstones, not unlike the sites above.  But this website goes a little bit farther.  A lengthy history and proper description are well written.  They also focus on current trends and values.  You'll find jewelry tutorials.  And the illustrations are incredible. 

I'll let you know when I stumble onto any more.  But what about your favorite websites for jewelry.  I would love to know about them.  Leave this information in a comment and I will be sure to visit all of them asap.

More About Dating Costume Jewelry

Dating Your Costume Jewelry

Electroplating was developed in 1840's.

Aurora borealis rhinestones were first introduced in the mid 50's.

Older jewelry has substantial heft for the most part.

Copyright symbols first appeared on jewelry made in 1955 to present.

Quality vintage rhinestone pieces are usually set in prongs.

Authentic vintage jewelry most likely will show signs of wear, particularly in the clasp area

Older brooches have smooth backs, not those patterned ridges that are common.

Old mine cut -  19th century method of faceting gemstones, usually diamonds, up until early 1900.   Fewer facets means a different twinkle.  Subtle sparker, not a fiery flash.

 Cabochon - a gem that has a smooth rounded surface instead of facets and lays flat.  Gleams instead of sparkles.

 Paste - pieces of glass cut and colored to look like a gem.  A form of imitation that dates back to the 17th century.  Many paste pieces were often made and set into precious metals.

Millegrain - metal setting for stones decorated with tiny raised beads.  Popular in the early 20th century and often used to day to give jewelry an antique look.


Parure or Suite - necklace, two bracelets, ring, earrings, brooch and sometimes tiara or other hair piece.

Demi-parure - necklace, earrings and brooch

Today three or more coordinating pieces, designed to be worn together as a set are often referred to as a parure.