Table of Contents
Introduction
Vintage costume jewellery refers to decorative items made of non-precious materials designed to complement a particular style or fashion trend of a past era. Unlike fine jewellery, crafted from precious metals and gemstones, costume jewellery is typically made from less expensive materials such as base metals, glass, plastic, and synthetic stones. Despite not being made from precious materials, vintage costume jewellery often exhibits high-quality craftsmanship and intricate designs.
The term “vintage” in this context refers to jewellery that is representative of a specific period in the past, usually from the early 20th century up to around the 1980s. Each era had its distinctive styles and materials that influenced costume jewellery design during that time.
What is vintage Costume jewellery?
It is fashion jewellery made to complete/complement a particular apparel style or matched to designer outfits. They are made with less expensive metals or alloys. They are adorned with coloured glass, crystals or stones, etc., in intricate, modern, traditional, and delicate styles of the particular times.
What is the difference between Vintage Costume Jewellery and Fashion Jewellery?
They both are the same. The difference is that the Vintage itself means old. Any fashion jewellery over 40 to 50 years old is called vintage costume jewellery. They were usually with with fashionable and modern apparel dresses made by designers. These vintage costume jewellery are usually made with metals like Bakelite, silver, brass, nickel, etc., with not very expensive stones like Rhinestones or Lucite, faux pearls, crystals or coloured glass.
How to identify which jewellery is genuine vintage jewellery and which is not?
Vintage jewellery was made by brands that were famous during a particular time and no longer exist. It’s always better to look for a brand name or logo embossed behind the jewellery for such brands. Such jewellery is relatively easy to differentiate then.
But you need to look at the quality of the metal while picking a vintage piece from a non-branded collection. Along with it was the quality of the stones, crystals, faux pearls or glass pieces used to make a jewellery piece.
The vintage jewellery also shows signs of oldness, like slightly tarnished or fading or having some scratches. How these pieces are curated in the metal gives you an idea of whether it’s truly a vintage piece. If they are still firmly holding the stones and are of good quality metal, then most likely, it’s genuine.
Why has costume jewellery become popular?
This style first became popular during the 20th century. Every woman wants to wear stylish jewellery but at the same time looks for affordable pieces. To fulfil the demand and industrial revolution during that time, it became possible to make costume jewellery in different styles and colours that matched the outfits’ style, colour and design. Another reason was that the actresses of those times wore designer jewellery in their movies, which became popular among people.
Is vintage costume jewellery expensive or affordable?
Usually, vintage costume jewellery is at reasonable prices, which can be affordable by many. Still, when it comes to jewellery from a famous brand, the metal used is silver or gold. Those pieces could be in the high range of price. One should have an eye to understand the quality, design and craftsmanship that is gone in making the piece; all this will help to decide whether it’s worth the price.
Some popular brands in vintage costume jewellery
Prominent brands such as Monet, Trifari, Coro, Kramer, WEISS, Napier, Haskell, Vendome, Juliana/D&E, Hobe, Kenneth Jay Lane, Eisenberg, Schiaparelli, Miriam, Chanel, YSL &Dior, Cartier, Bulgari and many more have made their name in the world of vintage costume jewellery.and many more.
The styles of vintage jewellery are defined by the period in which they were formed. Some of the famous styles in vintage jewellery are Art Deco Period, Retro Period, and Modern Period costume jewellery.
What to Look in in the Various Period Styles.
Art Deco Period (1920s-1930s)
The styles to look for in this era should be of geometrical patterns, bold colours, and symmetrical themes like straight lines, arcs, pyramids, etc. These were the key features of creating beautiful, bold statement jewellery pieces during that time. To pick and say that it’s Art Deco era jewellery, you need to see if it has movement like long drop earrings or hanging pendants (dangle movement). White metals like silver, platinum or white gold, geometrical designs, white gemstones, or filigree work (lacy designs like swirls). If you see a jewellery piece in such style, it might be a vintage piece of the Art Deco Period.
Retro Period (1935-1950)
The designs were more inspired by the American style of design and fashion. The changes due to World War II also influenced the designs. People were looking for stylish jewellery but more affordable. Suppose you see a piece of convertible jewellery like a necklace converted to a bracelet. In that case, it’s from the Retro Period. The jewellery from this period was very light with heavy looks. Go-to popular designs were snake chains, bracelets or belts. Crystal-like Citrine, amethyst, topaz, etc., were studded to make costume jewellery. Convertible brooches and bracelets were the most likeable jewels during this era.
Art Modern Period (1945-1960)
Bold and lavish patterns and large and chunky jewellery could identify the jewellery of this era—popular ones like a charm bracelet, crystals studded jewellery, Christmas-inspired pins and other jewels. The designs were more classic and had a traditional style.
Where to buy Authentic Vintage Costume Jewellery and How to Maintain Them.
Estate sales, antique shops, and online platforms like Etsy shop provide platforms to buy vintage jewellery. One should take proper care of these vintage costume jewellery after buying to preserve them for what they are called Vintage. Always store these pieces in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Also, avoid their exposure to harsh liquids like perfumes, which might spoil their shine or texture. Store them in soft fabric pouches or delicate cases, which can help maintain their durability.
As you loved vintage costume jewellery you may also want to find about what fashion trends in fall 2023 are prevailing.
Conclusion
Vintage costume jewellery is not just a piece of old jewellery or a part of a collection. Still, it is a part of history and time. They tell us a story about that era, people’s interest in fashion and how it had been influenced by time and environmental, social and economic conditions. One not only collects the piece of vintage jewellery but also collects and respects the craftsmanship and unique revolutionary designs of those times, which have an extraordinary mark in the mammoth of fashion and love for costume jewellery.
