DEFINING VALUE: ANTIQUE JEWELRY VS. COSTUME JEWELRY – Liberty Coin & Currency

Finding a beautiful piece of jewelry in your attic or at an estate sale can feel like hitting the jackpot. However, many potential sellers misinterpret the age and value of their treasures and may be disappointed when they appraise the piece. Before you run off to the nearest pawn shop or collector, make sure you know whether you’re dealing with antique gems or costume jewelry.

What is ancient?

Although many people might be surprised at the antiquity of a 1940s dress or car, most appraisers classify jewelry a little differently. Generally, a piece can be identified as antique if it dates back to before the 1930s. During the years leading up to the 1930s, jewelry was manufactured differently and was less widely available.

What is a dress?

Costume jewellery, on the other hand, became popular with the advent of a more consumerist society, beginning in the 1930s. Mass consumerism made it necessary for individuals to have the latest and greatest products to demonstrate their status. With many women following fashion trends more closely than ever before, they needed jewelery that matched their latest outfits. As costumes and jewelery went out of fashion, they were discarded or given to children to play with. Because they were expected to be temporary, most jewelry made during this era was made from cheaper materials, and are generally less valuable as a result.

How do I tell the difference?

Even if a piece is considered antique, it doesn’t mean it is more valuable or made of the highest quality materials. Inexpensive jewelry had been made from glass and glue since the 1700s, but costume jewelry grew rapidly just before World War II.

During the 1800s, the class system was expanding and the middle class was born. Due to the increase in wealth available to all members of society, jewelery came to be produced in three levels. On top are fine jewelery made of the most precious gems such as rubies, emeralds or sapphires. The middle class created a second tier of jewelry that used semi-precious stones such as pearls, sapphires, and turquoise, and limited amounts of gold. The lower classes created their own varieties made of base metals and glass to look like gems. No matter the level of craftsmanship, each piece of jewelry was created to become an heirloom to be passed down for generations.

Appraisers look at many factors to determine age and value. The nature and use of a piece can often be told when evaluating its age. For example, some styles of necklaces fell out of fashion, while entire pieces, such as dress clips, were worn for only short periods of time. Materials can also tell about a piece’s age and value. Due to nationwide or global events, certain materials may have been in greater or more limited supply, which may have affected the use and style of that material.

What’s it worth?

Only an experienced appraiser can give an accurate estimate of a piece’s value. They will identify the material, style and technology used in the jewelry, such as a certain clasp design on a brooch, to aid their guess. Often, antique jewelry will be more valuable than costume jewelry. However, you never know what the history of your piece may bring you.

Appraising Your Jewelry with Liberty Coins and Currency

Don’t let that jewelry box go to waste! Liberty Coin & Currency can appraise your pieces and provide a fair value for your treasure. To learn more about identifying types of jewelry, contact us online Or call (360) 852-0643.