EBTH Jewelry Expert: Ruby Nassif's
Costume Jewelry History & Collecting Tips
Vintage costume jewelry is timeless, unique, and fun to wear. It is said to have been around for 300 years. It wasn’t until the 1920s that it was popularized by Coco Chanel. There are many reasons for its popularity, including its dramatic style and that it was for all to afford. In the 1940s it was also referred to as cocktail jewelry for the dramatic looks desired by the up and coming middle class as they looked to the motion pictures for the latest designs. As the times and fashion changes so do the trends and styles of costume jewelry.
If you are looking for a few pieces or have a desire to start a collection, here are a few tips to get you started.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Stained Glass Window Panel With Floral Motif
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Offset Lithograph After Claude Monet "Le Bassin des Nympheas"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Luc LeBon Abstract Expressionistic Style Acrylic Painting "Boundary Waters #1"
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Coach Mini Crosby Crossbody Carryall In Silver/Blue Black Badlands Flora
A couple of great first questions are… What is your style and do you have a favorite era? Were you a flapper in a past life? If so, the Art Deco Era may speak to you! Art Deco features white metals with white “paste” or rhinestones imitating platinum and diamonds. The look was designed as long earrings, line or flexible bracelets, long and short necklaces or sautoirs, dress clips and brooches with mostly streamline and geometric shapes.
If you prefer a pop of color, the jewelry of the 50s, 60s and 70s were very expressive with colorful rhinestones and bold enameling. The 1970s in particular will brighten up your collection with Boho, turquoise, and Egyptian revival inspiration.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Derek Jeter Signed Rawlings Official Major League Baseball with Display
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hickory Mfg. Co. French Provincial Style Oak Two-Drawer Bombé Low Chest
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Vintage and Antique Glass Beaded Sautoir Flapper Necklaces
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Tricia Bass Oil Painting of Dog "Bella's Daisies"
If you don’t have a favorite era, just follow a trend! Often, certain designers have a surge in popularity. Crown Trifari “Jelly Bellies” are very hot at the moment, but Miriam Haskell is a designer that has always been highly sought after. Her exquisite handmade pieces are made with materials collected from far-flung places around the world. She traveled throughout Europe and other exotic places looking for extraordinary materials for her elaborate jewelry.
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, make sure to look for quality and condition and avoid damaged and repaired pieces. Whatever your fancy, there is always a bauble to fill your heart and your jewelry box.
A rare and collectible costume jewelry piece gives the ability to create an individual look often rivaling the value of fine jewelry.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Replica Antique Style Telephones
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Scott Addis Large-Scale Abstract Landscape Oil Painting
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Veronica Beard Single-Button Blazer
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Landscape Oil Painting of Countryside Estate, Late 20th Century
Below are some collectible designers and of course there are many more.
Art Deco designers: Coco Chanel and McClelland Barclay
1930 – 40s designers: Miriam Haskell, Elsa Schiaparelli, Crown Trifari, and Eisenberg
1950 – 60s Juliana (DeLizza & Elster), Marcel Boucher, Vendôme, HAR (only in production for 5 years), and Kenneth Jay Lane
1960 – 70s designers: William De Lillo and Christian Dior
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Kathleen Quinn Oil Painting After Carol Rowan of a Still Life with Tulips, 2003
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Men's Filson Quilted Jacket, L.L. Bean Fishing Vest, Orvis Rain Jacket, and More
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Offset Lithograph After Guy Coheleach "Snowy Egret"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Irma Pfannmoeller Portrait Oil Painting of Happy Chandler
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Marc Chagall Color Lithograph Front Cover From "Verve," 1956
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Offset Lithograph After John Butler "Ring True I"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Slatted Teak Garden Bench
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash