Jewelry Value. Real Gemstones or Costume?
The advantage of costume jewelry is that it looks like real gemstones yet costs much less. Thats the good news. The bad news is that because it’s designed to look like real gemstones, it can be challenging trying to figure out what is real and what is costume jewelry. The value can be confusing without a trained eye.
There are steps you can take that can help you determine value.
Review The Trademarks
There are some companies that made rhinestone jewelry, that are known for high works of artistic design. Not only are the designs crafted with extraordinary skill, they are works of art. The companies made high quality costume jewelry. Companies like Monet, Trifari and Napier, are known for high value costume jewelry.
Companies like Cartier, Tiffany, and Webb are known for high quality gemstone jewelry.
Gold can look like real gold, yet its plated gold. How can you tell the difference?
Use a Magnet
You can apply a magnet for an initial test to evaluate if you are looking at real gold. If the magnet attracts to the gold jewelry piece, it is not gold. A non-precious metal was used for the base metal.
Silver is marked 925, or sterling in the United States. Some countries use an emblem to mark silver. Like gold, there are encyclopedias showing the varying marks for silver, used in countries throughout the world. And like Gold, if a magnet attracts to the silver jewelry, it is not silver. If it looks like silver, but the magnet attracts to the silver, it is a silver plate or another metal.
After you have evaluated whether or not the gold or silver jewelry is a precious metal or not, look at the gemstones.
Is the Gemstone Cold to the Touch
While it takes sophisticated knowledge beyond the scope of this article, an initial test for looking at whether a stone is rhinestone, or a precious gemstone, is to touch the stone. If it feels cold to the touch, you are looking at a real gemstone. Consult books, and experts to determine the gemstone.
The more you handle vintage jewelry the more experienced you will become in reviewing what is a real gemstone and what is glass.
Identify Trademarks on the Jewelry
Many companies making costumes and fine jewelry, use trademarks identifying the brand of the company or designer. After you have identified the trademark, study the company history of using the trademark. This can help you identify the age of the vintage jewelry and the country, that the jewelry piece was made.
Examine the clasp
One of the best indicators of the age of vintage jewelry is to study the clasp. While the clasp won’t tell you whether or not the gemstones are real, the clasp can indicate the quality of the jewelry, as well as the age of the piece. A better quality clasp can indicate that real gemstones were used. The clasp is an indicator.
The earliest jewelry pieces used a C clasp on brooches and pins. The pin extended beyond the edge of the brooch, because women’s fabric was heavier, and a longer pin was needed to attach to the fabric. C Clasps were produced before 1910.
There are many resources online that can show you pictures of clasps during different decades. Consult them when reviewing antique and vintage jewelry.
Related: How much my Costume Rhinestone Jewelry is Worth?
Review Market Demand
Consult price guides of the manufacturer’s jewelry. These are books that are in print, and print can soon be outdated with the internet. Look at places like Etsy, eBay, Craigslist, First Dibbs, to tell you how much jewelry is listed for. Then review what jewelry has sold for. This is the best indicator of the value. Everybody hopes their jewelry is worth a million bucks, and people can ask that much, but the best guide is what somebody will actually pay.
Also read: How do I know how much my jewelry is worth -Article
How much is your vintage jewelry worth, that you inherited from Grandma? Remember evaluating it takes time and patience. Consult with experts, review metals and gemstones, and look at trademarks and clasps. Follow these steps and you will discover the value of the vintage jewelry you have inherited from Grandma.
These are just a few tips to help you evaluate how much your vintage jewelry is worth.
#1 Question: Costume Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry. Determining Value
Costume and Gemstone Jewelry at Grandmas Jewelry on Ebay
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