Professional Gemologist Appraiser

The roaring 20’s saw the birth of costume jewelry in the United States. Fabulous Fakes is a term used for Antique American Costume Jewelry. It is generally fashioned of sterling silver, gold plated metals, colorful glass stone as well as stunning rhinestones. Many designers such as Miriam Haskell began producing their lines of jewelry styles near the mid-twenties. Meanwhile during the 20’s and 30’s, many immigrants from Europe began producing their own lines of superb jewelry styles in places such as New York, Chicago and Providence, Rhode Island.

In the 1940’s Hollywood celebrities began wearing costume jewelry in films as well as in their everyday lives, this helped increase the popularity of this type of jewelry. Joseff of Hollywood is one of the most well know designers of such items, while other popular designers include, Nettie Rosenstein, Eisenberg Originals, Hattie Carnegie as well as Napier and Ciner. The most difficult to find are pieces that date from the 1930’s and into the mid-fifties. While the most desirable of all, are pieces that are signed by the designer or bear hallmarks as they are the most valuable to possess.

Today collecting vintage costume jewelry is very trendy and popular. It is possible for various antique pieces to sell for more than a few thousand dollars. One of the boldest of fashion statements is wearing classic costume jewelry. Today you will find that many celebrities enjoy wearing their favorite costume jewelry, such as Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Nicolette Sheridan and of course, Madonna. With all those bright, bold and vibrant colors on a larger than life scale, who can blame them for showing off their antique costume jewelry? Vintage pieces are extremely stunning and original owing to their thoughtful craftsmanship.

Costume Jewelry Collector Tips

While searching for precious antique pieces, you should keep these tips in mind, since they can be difficult to fix, make sure the pin clasps function properly and avoid pieces that are turning green. You should also avoid pieces that are missing their stones, since they are not easily replaceable. Some of the best places to look for vintage costume jewelry include flea markets and antique fairs and garage sales, since they generally turn up some very interesting pieces at good prices, sometimes even unbelievable deals. Another interesting place to find great deals on such pieces include rummaging through church bazaars, since you may be able to find jewelry that has been packed away by someone’s dear old aunt or grandmother.

You can build your own memorable family heirlooms by purchasing discount costume jewelry. Besides you can build your own personal collection of breathtaking modern pieces, and possibly have in your collection something as desirable and valuable as those sought by collectors of antique pieces today. For instance, if its affordable it would be beneficial to you to purchase several pieces from designers such as, Prada and Armani, especially considering their couture collections. Especially since these pieces are genuinely original and made only in very small quantities.

Identifying Jewelry Question: Do you know the value and any info on the maker / stone / age, please?

They have the following marks: PR.ST. CO 1-20 12K GF Demi

This is a necklace and bracelet set.

2 of the stones are turned so you can see the back.

Notice the scrolls, front and back.

Thank you for your time.

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Subject: found a brass pendant with a shave pearl in it on back says western Germany

Tsars' White Gold. (text in German)

Price: $45.28

Question: how much is this worth or any relate item to it thank you

Terry

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Vintage jade and 14k set Question: Greetings Mr. Foard!

I just discovered this site, but have been wondering about my set for a while.

Jade (Fred Ward Gem Book)

Price: $14.95

Please bare with me for a moment as I hope you find it a wonderful story!

I attended an estate auction about 15 years ago, and it was getting to the end when they get rid of the lesser desirables. The auctioneer said that the item was "costume" jewelry.

My mother and I were so far back that I could not even see the box he was holding let alone its contents.

The starting bid was $2 and no one was bidding so my mother nudged me and said "I see green so whatever it is would look nice with your red hair for 2 bucks!"

Young and impressionable, I raised my number and bought it.

When I got home, I looked at my mystery purchase to discover that a pair of earrings and a ring set in rich 14k (stamped) yellow gold and amazing green jade lay in my box! The 3 stones are identical, measuring about an inch long with a dark emerald green color - not the light, hazy, waxy green jade that some sell today.

The stones are in wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scuffs, etc.

When my husband told my tale to a jeweler friend right after my discovery, he offered $200 for it.

I am not ready to part with it, but I am wondering does older fine jewelry appraise higher than today's makes or is it normally based on commodity values, market, etc. to estimate its worth?

Thank you much for your time and assistance, and I will be happy to leave a rating for you!

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birthday necklace Question: Hi David, I had a question regarding the value of a necklace I recently received from my boyfriend of 1 year for my birthday.

Glamorous Beaded Jewelry: Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, and Rings

Price: $10.00

The necklace is a little tennis charm with a small pearl on the racquet.

Because I was a little disappointed and nosy I went online and looked up the item.

One website had a sterling sliver version that was really cheap.. but there was also a real silver version that looks a lot similar.

I was wondering if there was any way to distinguish the two? The only marking is a SN on the clasp.

Thanks for the help.

Hana

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Security Advice For Your Jewelry...

For you to enjoy your treasures, they need to be somewhere close and accessible, but NOT in the Bedside Jewelry Box.

Bead Jewelry for Family & Friends

Price: $8.00

if it looks like gold, it must be gold... Right?

This myth can work in OUR Favor, so we should think about the following advice and ACT on it...

As mentioned - your treasures need to be somewhere close and accessible, but NOT in the Bedside Jewelry Box.

Although we DO advise a Jewelry Box on the Dresser and easily seen, BUT CONTAINING SEVERAL PIECES OF JUNK JEWELRY.

It is a well documented fact that Burglars nearly ALWAYS check the Bedroom First knowing that people hide things there.

In general terms we have discovered, through HUGE amounts of research, that your average Crim or Thug, doesn't know the difference between Gold or Gold Plated items. Diamonds look like Shiny pebbles of Glass.

In the dimly lit beam of a torch, a handful of Jewelry, stuffed into a pocket, stops them searching any further, and they leave without any more damage.

So if it looks like gold, it must be gold... Right?

See how this works in OUR Favor?

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