When it comes to jewelry, they are not all created equal. Some are good but they are not always as valuable or long lasting as the others. This is what sets vintage jewelry apart. They can stand the test of time and even become more valuable over time. If you are an avid vintage jewelry collector, then you might want to get hold of one of the most sought after vintage pieces out there – Monet Jewelry.

History 101: Monet Jewelry

When you say Monet Jewelry, it actually refers to a brand of vintage costume jewelry. This brand was synonymous to high-end accessories and at one point was the most sought after jewelry brand in the world. The company was established by two brothers – Jay and Michael Chernow – who named the company ‘Monocraft Products Company’. 

They initially sold handbags with gold- and silver-plated embellishments. They quickly gained the public’s attention because of the quality and design of their bags. By the 1930s, they branched out into making jewelry. Due to the economic crisis at that time, many women couldn’t afford high-end jewelry so they turned to costume jewelry. It was an opportunity that the brothers capitalized on until the company changed its name to Monet. 

During this time, they transformed from making high-quality women’s handbags to high-end jewelry. Their jewelry collection included earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. They became known as the first company to manufacture their own jewelry pieces with their own trademark.  

Evolution of Monet Jewelry

Since it broke out into the industry in the 1930s, Monet Jewelry continues to be highly sought after. Since its heyday in the 1930s to the 1940s, the jewelry designs have greatly evolved. The level of craftsmanship stayed the same but the design approach and materials used have evolved. 

Over the years, they have introduced various jewelry pieces to add to their collection. In the 1950s, they introduced statement bracelets and necklaces. By the 1960s, charm bracelets became famous while Monet made the clip-on earrings trend popular in the 70s. The 1980s marked the arrival of loud and colorful jewelry styles with a heavy focus on metalwork. In the 1990s, Monet continued to evolve with the times. 

Despite the evolution of their jewelry pieces, one thing remains the same: Monet Jewelry exudes that high-end look while keeping their pieces within an affordable price range. 

Current Designs of Monet Jewelry

Since its formation in the 1930s, Monet Jewelry has had various ownerships. These changes in ownership have resulted in a changing approach in terms of design and focus for the jewelry line.

As of 2000, Monet was purchased by Liz Claiborne and she continued the tradition of the brand. It is still one of the most recognized manufacturers of vintage jewelry items in the world. They have also stayed true to the brand’s identity in keeping the prices within accessible range for consumers. They have pieces priced as low as $30 and this can go up depending on the type of material used. 

The company was well known for its excellent metalwork. Therefore, you can find plenty of pieces that exemplify this such as the chunky Monet bracelets that were popular in the 1980s and the gold-tone rings that came with large faux diamond and diamond accents to the sides. Some of the other popular materials used for making Monet vintage jewelry pieces were brass and faux gemstones. 

It is the mark of a vintage piece that the pieces were a product of quality craftsmanship. The excellent triple plating techniques that were used in many of Monet’s pieces was not just for aesthetic value. They were also part of the reason why these pieces are highly durable and can withstand wear and tear. 

Despite the changes in ownership, the commitment to deliver high-end and high-quality jewelry pieces at an affordable price remains. 

Tips for Shopping

If you want to get a piece of Monet Jewelry, you are not alone. As one of the most famous jewelry brands, many are aspiring to have this vintage brand’s jewelry pieces as part of their collection. Due to its popularity, there is a risk of counterfeit items being sold online passing off as the real thing.

To the uninitiated, they won’t be able to tell the authentic Monet from the counterfeit ones. Therefore, it is important to know how to identify this vintage jewelry to avoid buying the fake ones. 

First and foremost, Monet is the first vintage costume jewelry brand that stamped their hallmark on every piece they made. A good way to validate the authenticity of a vintage jewelry piece is to look for that hallmark “Monet” stamp. This is visible in either bold or script letters at an invisible section of the jewelry. 

The next thing you have to know when shopping for this vintage jewelry is to know where to buy, especially online. You need to be extra careful when buying online because you won’t be able to physically examine the item upon purchase. Thus, you need to be extra cautious when choosing where you shop from and ensure their credibility. 

To ensure the authenticity of the Monet vintage jewelry you buy, make sure to get them only from vintage jewelry specialist stores. It is also important to know the average cost of every piece so you can use it as a gauge when comparing prices online. The general rule is that if it is too good to be true, then it probably is. No Monet vintage jewelry should be priced below $30 and the high quality ones can set you back hundreds of dollars. 

The Bottom Line

Monet Jewelry will continue to be one of the most in-demand pieces in the vintage market. If you want to invest in them, you need to be extra cautious because there are many stores that will try to capitalize on their popularity. Make sure you do your research and give it due diligence when buying online. This is to ensure that you can get authentic pieces to add to your collection and make it worth the investment. 

Monet Jewelry on Grandmas Jewelry at Ebay Store