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.