Is Vintage Costume Jewelry Worth Anything? A Dealer’s Honest Answer
TLDR:
Is vintage costume jewelry worth anything? Absolutely. Signed pieces from brands like Trifari, Eisenberg, and Miriam Haskell regularly sell for hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars. The value depends on the maker, the era, the materials, and the condition. I see boxes of old costume jewelry come through my shop in Oviedo every week, and more often than people expect, there is real money sitting in those pieces. Below, I break down exactly what to look for, which brands command top dollar, and how to get a fair price if you decide to sell.
Is vintage costume jewelry worth anything? That is one of the most common questions I hear at Busby Antiques, and the short answer is yes. Some of it is worth a lot more than you think.
I’m Chad Busby, and I have been buying and selling antiques and collectibles in Central Florida for over 25 years. Costume jewelry is one of the categories that surprises people the most. They come in thinking that old rhinestone brooch from Grandma’s jewelry box is just a trinket. Then I tell them it is a signed Eisenberg piece from the 1940s worth $300 or more, and their jaw drops.
So let me walk you through what makes vintage costume jewelry valuable, which brands to look for, and what to do if you have a collection you are ready to sell.
What Makes Vintage Costume Jewelry Valuable
Not every piece of old costume jewelry is worth big money. But the pieces that are valuable tend to share a few things in common.
The maker matters most. A signed piece, meaning one with a manufacturer’s mark or designer stamp on the back, almost always sells for more than an unsigned piece. According to Rock & Gem Magazine, jewelry stamped with a known designer’s name can be worth 10 times or more compared to a similar unmarked piece.
Craftsmanship counts. High quality vintage costume jewelry was built to last. We are talking about hand set rhinestones, quality metal alloys, intricate filigree work, and durable clasps. If the piece feels solid in your hand and the details are sharp, that is a good sign.
Condition is everything. Missing stones, broken clasps, heavy tarnish, and chipped enamel all bring the value down. Pieces that have been stored carefully and still look great after 50, 60, or 70 years are the ones that command top dollar.
Rarity drives demand. Limited production runs, unusual color combinations, and pieces tied to specific historical moments (like patriotic jewelry from the World War II era) tend to be more sought after by collectors.
The Most Collectible Vintage Costume Jewelry Brands
When I am evaluating vintage jewelry that comes into my shop, the first thing I look for is the maker’s mark. Here are the brands that consistently bring in the highest prices.
| Brand | Era | Typical Price Range | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trifari | 1930s to 1970s | $50 to $4,200+ | Crown brooches, rhinestone sets, poured glass |
| Eisenberg | 1930s to 1950s | $15 to $500+ | Bold rhinestone brooches, clean Art Deco lines |
| Miriam Haskell | 1924 to present | $100 to $1,000+ | Baroque pearl clusters, intricate beadwork |
| Schiaparelli | 1930s to 1970s | $75 to $800+ | Bold, colorful aurora borealis rhinestones |
| Weiss | 1942 to 1971 | $30 to $400+ | High quality Austrian rhinestones, color variety |
| Coro / Corocraft | 1901 to 1979 | $20 to $500+ | Sterling vermeil, Duette clips, jelly bellies |
| Christian Dior | 1950s to present | $100 to $2,000+ | Haute couture designs, designer prestige |
| Hobé | 1927 to 1990s | $40 to $600+ | Semi precious stones, sterling silver pieces |
According to LiveAuctioneers, a poured glass Trifari bracelet sold for $4,200 in 2023. A brass Miriam Haskell brooch with faux pearls and gold leaf sold for $250 in 2024. These are not fine jewelry prices. These are costume jewelry prices. And that catches a lot of people off guard.
I buy pieces from all of these makers at Busby Antiques. If you have a collection with any of these names on it, it is worth getting a professional opinion before you sell it at a yard sale or donate it.
How to Tell If Your Costume Jewelry Is Valuable
You do not need to be an expert to get a rough idea of whether your vintage costume jewelry might be worth something. Here are the steps I walk customers through when they bring pieces into my Oviedo antique store.
- Flip it over and look for marks. Use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe if you have one. You are looking for a name, initials, or a symbol stamped into the metal. Common marks include Trifari (sometimes with a crown symbol), Eisenberg, Haskell, Weiss, Coro, and many others. If you see a copyright symbol or patent number, that is another good sign.
- Check the clasps. The type of clasp can help you date a piece. According to The Penny Hoarder, box clasps and ring clasps are signs of older, potentially more valuable pieces. The lobster claw clasp that is popular today did not become common until the 1970s. Older clasp styles usually mean an older, and often more valuable, piece.
- Feel the weight. Quality vintage costume jewelry feels heavier than the cheap stuff. If a brooch or bracelet feels substantial and solid, the materials and construction are likely better, which usually means more value.
- Look at the stones. Hand set stones that are prong set (not glued) are a sign of higher quality. Check if the rhinestones are still bright and clear. Foil backed stones, aurora borealis finishes, and genuine Austrian crystal (like Swarovski) all add to the value.
- Bring it to a dealer. If you are not sure, bring it to someone who handles vintage jewelry regularly. I offer honest, no pressure antique appraisals right here in Oviedo. A few minutes with an experienced eye can save you from accidentally giving away a piece worth hundreds.
Which Eras of Costume Jewelry Are Worth the Most
The age of a piece plays a big role in its value, but not every old piece is automatically worth a fortune. Certain eras produced higher quality costume jewelry that collectors are willing to pay top dollar for today.
Art Deco (1920s to 1930s): Geometric designs, bold lines, and high contrast colors define this era. Art Deco costume jewelry is extremely collectible right now. According to Athlon Sports, Art Deco is one of the top antiques and collectibles trends for 2026, and Pinterest reports that searches for “art deco vintage” are skyrocketing among Gen Z buyers.
Retro Period (1940s): World War II era jewelry used creative materials because metals were rationed for the war effort. Sterling silver vermeil, Bakelite, and Lucite became popular. Patriotic themes with red, white, and blue stones are highly sought after. This era produced some of the most unique and collectible costume pieces ever made.
Mid Century (1950s to 1960s): This was the golden age of American costume jewelry. Brands like Trifari, Weiss, and Eisenberg were at the peak of their craft. Rhinestone sets, aurora borealis stones, and big, bold brooches from this period remain bestsellers in the collector market.
Designer Era (1970s to 1980s): Fashion houses like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel produced costume jewelry lines that are now worth serious money. A signed Chanel brooch from the 1980s can easily sell for over $1,000.
Where to Sell Vintage Costume Jewelry in Florida
If you have a jewelry box, an inherited estate, or a collection that has been sitting in a drawer for years, you have options for selling. But not all options are equal.
Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy can get good prices for individual signed pieces, but you need to know what you have, photograph it well, write accurate descriptions, and deal with shipping, returns, and fees. For someone with a large collection, this can take weeks or months.
Auction houses are another choice for high end pieces, but they take a commission (usually 15 to 25 percent), and you may wait months for your consignment to come up for sale.
Local antique dealers who specialize in jewelry are your best bet for a fast, fair deal on a full collection. That is what I do at Busby Antiques in Oviedo, Florida. I buy single pieces and entire estates. I will go through every piece, identify the makers, assess the condition, and give you an honest quote on the spot.
I have been doing this for over 25 years. I know the difference between a $10 unsigned pin and a $500 Eisenberg brooch, and I price my offers fairly because my business runs on repeat customers and referrals, not one time deals.
If you are anywhere in Central Florida, including Orlando, Casselberry, Apopka, Winter Park, or the surrounding areas, I would love to take a look at what you have. Text me at (407) 529-6952 or email me at busbyantiques@gmail.com to set up a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Costume Jewelry Value
How do I know if my old costume jewelry is worth money?
Start by flipping the piece over and looking for a maker’s mark or designer stamp. Signed pieces from recognized brands like Trifari, Eisenberg, Miriam Haskell, or Weiss are almost always worth more than unsigned ones. Check the clasps, weight, and stone quality. When in doubt, bring it to a dealer who specializes in vintage jewelry for a professional opinion.
What is the most valuable costume jewelry brand?
Trifari is one of the most consistently valuable brands, with rare pieces selling for over $4,000 at auction. Miriam Haskell, Eisenberg, Schiaparelli, and designer brands like Chanel and Dior also command high prices. The value depends on the specific piece, its rarity, and its condition.
Is unsigned vintage costume jewelry worth anything?
It can be, but typically less than signed pieces. Unsigned jewelry that features exceptional craftsmanship, unusual materials like Bakelite, or ties to a specific era (such as Art Deco) can still be valuable. Some unsigned pieces were actually made by known designers who did not always mark their work.
Where is the best place to sell vintage costume jewelry near Orlando?
Busby Antiques in Oviedo, FL is one of the top rated antique buyers in Central Florida. Chad Busby has over 25 years of experience and buys individual pieces and full collections. Text (407) 529-6952 to set up an appointment.
Should I clean my vintage costume jewelry before selling it?
Be very careful. A gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth is fine, but do not use harsh chemicals, jewelry cleaner, or water on vintage costume pieces. These can damage plating, loosen stones, and strip patina that collectors actually prefer. Let a professional handle any cleaning beyond the basics.
Can I sell my grandmother’s costume jewelry collection all at once?
Yes. At Busby Antiques, I buy full collections and entire estates. I will sort through everything, identify the valuable pieces, and make you a fair offer for the whole lot. It is the fastest and easiest way to handle a large collection.
Ready to Find Out What Your Vintage Costume Jewelry Is Worth?
If you have inherited jewelry, cleaned out a relative’s estate, or have a collection you have been holding onto for years, I would love to take a look. I buy vintage costume jewelry from brands like Trifari, Eisenberg, Miriam Haskell, Weiss, Coro, Dior, Haskell, and many more. I also buy gold jewelry, sterling silver, fine china, vintage toys, comic books, and coins.
Text or call Chad at (407) 529-6952 or email busbyantiques@gmail.com to set up an appointment. I am always happy to give you an honest answer on what your pieces are worth, and there is never any pressure to sell. Is vintage costume jewelry worth anything? Bring yours to Busby Antiques in Oviedo and let’s find out together.
Busby Antiques
838 Eyrie Drive, Suite 1060, Oviedo, Florida 32765
(407) 529-6952 | busbyantiques@gmail.com
busbyantiques.com
