January 16, 2017

A Guide to Shopping for Vintage Jewelry

In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?
I have an extensive jewelry collection. From vintage jewelry to costume jewelry to fine pieces and watches. Adding a piece to your outfit instantly takes it up a notch. That’s my belief anyways, it can be such an inexpensive way of updating your look without spending too much.

Besides the usual retail stores and online shopping, I love carousing a vintage store or site for some original pieces. Most recently I bought an 80s piece (the blue and gold necklace above) and it came to me, I should share some tips on shopping for vintage jewelry on the blog!
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

Curating your own vintage jewelry collection is a fun hobby. It should come to reflect your personality and highlight the milestones and celebrations along your journey. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or just life in general, there is something out there for every occasion! A good collection of vintage jewelry grows to feature a mix of statement earrings, pearls, tassels, and brooches galore. The best part about owning a vintage jewelry collection is that it will forever hold its value for you and your family.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

And, in order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage? It’s pretty awesome I have to say. Just don’t get it confused with antique jewelry, that’s a whole other category.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

Vintage vs. Antique vs. Costume

Let’s start with the term vintage, which typically refers to jewelry that is at least 20 years old. Antique jewelry, is defined as at least 100 years old. Many of the styles you’ve probably heard about — Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Retro — originated during the early 1900s and are considered antique. In turn, these early eras inspired the design of vintage costume jewelry from the 1950s-1990s.

As you become more familiar with vintage jewelry, you’ll notice a lot of recurring themes originating in antique designs that are still prominent today. Keep your eyes out for flora, fauna, enamel, kitschy motifs, figurals, and rhinestones.

Often, you may hear vintage jewelry referred to as “costume jewelry.” This usually refers to pieces that make a big style statement, and are not made of real gold and/or precious stones. I would say costume jewelry is also relevant to the new styles found at stores like Forever 21 etc.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

Quality

With vintage jewelry, you can expect quality and craftsmanship that’s far superior to today’s costume jewelry. Primarily American made, most of the pieces were originally produced in the Northeastern United States. Vintage costume jewelry was made using a mixed base metal, and then triple-plated with either gold or silver. The result? Even pieces that are decades old won’t easily tarnish. And, because the base metal is farther away from the skin, people with skin sensitivities are often able to wear vintage jewelry (Note: sterling silver and gold filled pieces are higher quality than plain gold and silver plated pieces; we always note if a piece falls into one of these categories in the product descriptions). Conversely, modern costume jewelry manufacturers only plate costume jewelry one time, so it is more likely to tarnish quickly and cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Other popular materials frequently used in vintage jewelry include glass, shell, wood, Lucite, celluloid, enamel, Bakelite, imitation pearls and stones, tiger’s eye, and opals. Most of the rhinestones and other stones used in the designs are glass and semi-precious, versus in modern costume jewelry, which typically uses acrylic rhinestones.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

All of these high quality standards are good news for you: Your spark will last forever if you care for it properly! Speaking of…

Cleaning, Repair & Care

When it comes to cleaning vintage costume jewelry, the number one rule is not to get rhinestones, pearls, enamel or other delicate designs and details wet. The best way to clean these types of jewelry is to dust with a dry, soft toothbrush or aerosol keyboard spray can. An equal mixture of Windex and water is great for pieces that are gold or silver plated. For sterling silver, I love using sunshine cloths to polish.

Should a stone or pearl come loose, the best way to repair it is by using an epoxy glue.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

Designer Signed

If a piece is signed, it means that somewhere on the actual design, the original designer has signed their name, much like a logo. This usually doesn’t happen on today’s costume jewelry. However, signed pieces do not necessarily indicate higher quality than unsigned pieces — vintage jewelry is often high quality, regardless of who made it! If you are an avid Antiques Roadshow viewer like me (I LOVE that show), you would have heard this before.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

Value & Condition

The value of vintage costume jewelry varies based on the style, designer, how rare it is, and when it was originally manufactured.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

Now, About Clip-ons…

Piercing ears wasn’t popular until the late 70s, so much of vintage earrings were clip-ons. Contrary to popular belief, a clipped backing makes this statement earring look better when worn, and prevents drooping! There are three different styles of clip-on backs, and some are more comfortable than others.

The oldest and most comfortable style is the screw back, which can be adjusted for comfort. Designer signed clip-on backs tended to use the latest technology of the time, and are more comfortable than the standard fold over backs that most tend to think of when they hear “clip-on.”

It is difficult to properly convert clip-on earrings to pierced backs with soldering, because in order to attach a post, the metal needs to be heated and it can damage stones and details on the earrings.
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?
Well I hope this inspires you to try the fun world of vintage jewelry shopping!

P.S. Another bonus: Buying a piece from a vacation spot is also a nice way to bring home a souvenir that you can wear and enjoy!
In order to curate your own vintage jewelry collection, there are a few things you need to know. Ready to experience the magic of vintage?

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30 responses on "A Guide to Shopping for Vintage Jewelry"

  1. This is interesting. I like vintage jewelry. Their history makes them more valuable.

  2. Vintage jewelry is really fascinating!! Your guide to shopping for vintage jewelry is really informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing your valuable tips and insights on this timeless topic.

  3. Wow that Owl necklace is just gorgeous 🙂

    1. Leslie says:

      Thanks so much!

  4. Aren’t vintage pieces the loveliest! I really appreciate these tips that you’ve shared with us. I will get to use them the next time I go looking for vintage jewelry!

  5. Excellent! Didn’t even know half of what you’ve shared here. Love vintage pieces as well. That owl necklace is just too cute!

  6. Chrissy says:

    I just love anything vintage! This jewelry looks so gorgeous!

  7. CourtneyLynne says:

    Omg just love the tips!!! Vintage jewelry and handbags are my favorite vintage things to shop for!!!

  8. AMANDA says:

    Those are all such beautiful pieces! I especially love the owl necklace!

  9. ohmummymia says:

    I love that owl! vintage jewelry is really lovely

  10. stacey says:

    Adding a piece of jewelry can be inexpensive. And its also a way of telling people a little about you without uttering a word.

  11. Divya says:

    I have little to no jewelry! These are all great items. 🙂

  12. This was such an interesting read since I’ve always loved vintage jewelry, but never knew much about specifics of it. The pieces you have are absolutely beautiful!

  13. Elizabeth O. says:

    I never knew so much about shopping for vintage jewelry. I think it’s nice to have a collection like this. Thanks for all the cool tips!

  14. Robin Rue says:

    Vintage jewelry is some of my favorite! Thanks so much for sharing how I can keep a look out for the best pieces.

  15. Oh, I love the owl! My bestfriend would absolutely adore it! You have a great eye for these pieces!

  16. Kaitlyn says:

    I really enjoyed your post. I love vintage jewelry but don’t have really any because I have no idea what to look for. Great tips and post!

    Kaitlyn
    http://www.mypostpartumlife.com

  17. Heidi says:

    Those pieces are so beautiful. You have quite the eye for finding great vintage pieces. That owl is definitely my favorite!

  18. A very useful tip for everyone especially for the jewelry lovers. My mom used to buy a piece of jewelry for souvenir whenever we are in a vacation or out-of-the-country.

  19. Chloe says:

    I’m in love with vintage pieces! I think they radiate a level of class and sophistication that we don’t see much anymore.

  20. Hannah Green says:

    I love the owl necklace and I love the fact that more vintage shops are popping up everywhere! It’s always nice to find a piece that no one else will have so you can be unique!

  21. mira pstr says:

    I love all those jewelry especially the Blue necklace …

  22. Yep, I am one of those people that can tell if an alloy has been mixed improperly with jewelry so, am quick to tell if vintage, antique or just straight up fake. I am allergic to impure alloy mixtures and my skin breaks out in tiny itchy blisters when it comes in contact.

    These are all gorgeous pieces by the way; wonderfully written also with how you define all the differences.

  23. I love the little owl necklace the most.

  24. Samahria Richie says:

    I love the owl piece. You have beautiful pieces.

  25. This was a great post – I hadn’t realized there was a difference between vintage jewelry and antique. These photos are lovely, too – if they are of pieces from your personal collection, then you are a lucky girl indeed!

  26. Robin says:

    I love all vintage Kenneth Jay Lane pieces, I have several. You are so right about the workmanship and quality of the pieces, but it does make me wonder what will be ‘vintage’ finds some 25 years from now? Maybe I can corner the market now…… hmmmm… LOL xoxo Robin

  27. Amber Myers says:

    Everything is so pretty. I love vintage stuff so much.

  28. Loved the post. I’m crazy about vintage jwellery

  29. Cute finds and great advice!