Some costume jewelry can be worth a lot
Q: I have a small collection of rhinestone costume jewelry. I have often wondered what some of the pieces might be worth. My brother claims that since the pieces are not made of gold or precious stones they are probably worthless. What do you think? — Karen, Tucson, Ariz.
A: Costume jewelry that glitters may not be gold or diamonds, but some of it could still be worth a king’s ransom. The glitz and glamour of rhinestone jewelry has attracted the attention of collectors worldwide. Most costume jewelry was affordable and readily accessible, but that didn’t prevent craftsmen from designing pieces that were both elegant and sophisticated.
Before we explore values in the marketplace, a brief history lesson is in order. Rhinestone glass had its beginning in the 13th and 14th centuries in Bohemia, a part of the Czech Republic. Lead compounds were used to produce clarity and brilliance of the glass.
During the early 1900s, rhinestone jewelry became extremely popular in America, peaking during the 1930s and ‘40s. Collectors are especially attracted to pieces made by top designers such as Coco Chanel, Hattie Carnegie and Adele Simpson.
There are two guidebooks I especially like:
•”Rhinestone Jewelry: A Price and Identification Guide,” by Leigh Leshner (Krause Publications, $24.99) features more than 500 full-color photographs and is written by a dealer who has monitored the marketplace for more than a decade. In addition to identifying costume jewelry, the author includes helpful tips about the cleaning and care of rhinestones and how to start a collection.
•The sixth edition of “Old Jewelry — 1840-1950: Identification and Price Guide,” by C. Jeanenne Bell (Krause Publications, $27.99) is more comprehensive. It explains how to determine the age of jewelry and where to find the various maker’s marks so that you can date signed pieces. This excellent book contains an overview that includes valuable information about Bakelite and vintage Mexican pieces. Both books may be ordered from Krause Publications by calling 1-800-258-0929.
Values are Tricky
A check of the Internet revealed a Chanel butterfly brooch, $850; a pin and earrings signed by Schiaparelli, $75; a Miriam Haskell necklace with two matching bracelets, $1,250; a Trifari crown pin, $150; and a Mexican necklace made during the 1950s of sterling beads, $350.
Linda Richard is a member of the International Society of Appraisers and specializes in costume jewelry. Her address is Cajun Collection, 3308 White Oak, Temple, TX 76502.