Many readers tell me they love the treasures featured here but often ask if there are collectible categories that won’t break the bank. One of the most stylish and accessible answers is costume jewelry.
Costume jewelry enjoyed two major golden ages. The first, from the 1930s through the 1950s, produced some of the most imaginative and glamorous pieces ever made. During the Depression and wartime years, designers used rhinestones, glass, and gilt metals to dazzling effect, often creating jewels so convincing they’re still mistaken for fine jewelry today.
A second boom came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when collectors rediscovered these pieces. At the peak, standout examples routinely sold for $1,000–$2,000 or more. The market has since cooled, but top-quality costume jewelry remains highly collectible, and unassuming pieces can still bring surprising prices.
There is, however, a downside. Because many were made from inexpensive materials, condition is everything. Bent frames, darkened plating, missing stones, and amateur repairs are common and can severely impact value.
At their best, costume jewels are awesome. Pieces by famous makers are still sought after and admired for their craftsmanship, bold design, and for offering a touch of vintage glamour at prices that remain within reach. Look for Alfred Philippe, Miriam Haskell, Baucher, Eisenberg, Chanel, Crown Trifari and Schiaparelli.
