Is My Used Costume Jewelry Worth Anything?

Short answer: Yes it is.

Many times you can get just as much money for your "used" costume jewelry as your "used" fine jewelry.  Typically, a jeweler will only give you the scrap price for your fine jewelry.  Scrap price is a percentage of whatever gold or silver is selling per ounce that day.  For a reasonably heavy mans 14K gold ring today, you might get $100.00 from a jeweler.

For costume jewelry, it is more complex.  The value of costume jewelry is determined by how old it is, whether it is made by a collectible designer (and is signed), and it's condition. Older costume jewelry has more value especially if it is art deco or victorian.  If it is signed, it has more value than an unsigned piece.  And used jewelry that doesn't show much wear to the metal finish, or missing rhinestones, is more valuable than a piece that is discolored.

When someone brings a box of jewelry into my store, I weed out the fine gold and silver pieces.  Then I separate them all into category by decade.  I check each decade group for a makers mark, or whether it is signed.  Then I separate out the damaged pieces.  Then I get my jewelry books out, and start looking up the makers to determine the value of each designer piece.

Older victorian costume jewelry pieces typically sell for more than the 14K gold mens ring at scrap price.  Many signed 40s or 50s rhinestone brooches sell for more than fine gold jewelry at scrap price. There are many collectible 80s pieces of jewelry that sell for over $100.00.  Therefore, it is important that you know something about your old used costume jewelry before you put it in your garage sale, or take it to the church rummage sale.

How do find out about your jewelry?  First, ask around and find a reputable honest jeweler who will tell you which pieces are real gold and silver.  They can also tell you which pieces are older, and might have significant antique value.  Next, go to Barnes & Noble and find a collectible vintage jewelry book. There are many out there, and my personal favorite is  "How to Be A Jewelry Detective" which has all the pertinent information to identify rare pieces of jewelry when you are out there bargain hunting.

Comments

[k lupi]

Hi- I have cases and cases of antique and vintage jewelry that my parents had as part of their inventory when they did flea markets and antique shows- they are in their late 70's/early 80's and are not able to go to these venues- is there any one that you know of that buys quanity? I have some really nice pieces at my house that I am beginning with- a Miriam Haskell ( marked) hair comb with 5 butterflies, a Hamilton diamond women's watch that works, it has the original case number , 2 antique compacts ( one from the rex company in original box), a Marcel Boucher pin in a Lord and taylor NYC box with original tags, some lucite and bakelite- this is just one box! Suggestions?

[kim bitnar]

i found myself in the same position with boxes full of old jewelry.some intact, some missing stones. for me i'm trying to find the missing pieces. whether they are the stones, or a missing earring.i just started comparing prices on ebay, however, some things might be worth taking to auction elsewhere.

[Gucci Outlet]

Each work comes from a long thought process.

[gemologist certification]

That's very true Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry.

[WFG Reviews]

You could just take it to any jewlery store and they could evaluate it for you.?

[Leather Bracelets]

I think its interesting feature is the section showing old jewelry advertisements.

[gemologists]

Reading your blog was fun and it make me think about taking correct decision regarding my old jewelry !