How To Identify Collectible Vintage Jewelry
Lately, it seems as if everyone is obsessed with all things vintage. In particular, vintage jewelry seems to be the latest fashion trend. Thrift stores, garage or estate sales, some even raid their parents and grandparents jewelry box looking for collectible vintage jewelry. With a few tips, you will be able to spot true collectibe vintage jewelry.
Instructions:
- Take a magnifying glass and inspect the jewelry. You should check to see if the jewelry has any markings.
- Check the back of the jewelry to see if it is smooth. Before the 1970's, jewelry always had a smooth surface. In present day, jewelry is now rougher.
- Inspect the fastener if you are looking at pins. If the fastener is the shape of a “v” this is something that was made in the 50's and 60's. They will also be soldered in two places. You should check for any repairs, like bulky soldering or an extremely long pin.
- Look to see if the rhinestones are glued in or being held with prongs. Usually, rhinestones that are glued in tend to have little value, and sometimes plastic.
- Check for a slide or hook fastener on necklaces. Most likely this is where the mark will be located if it’s not authentic. If it is a slide fastener, check to see if there are knots on the strings holding it to the necklace. The hook fastener should have an extension of beads so you can make the necklace longer or shorter.
- Look for the hook and eye closure on older pieces.
- Look for screw backs. Screw backs were used on earrings until the 1950's, after that everything changed to clips. Screw backs typically have no markers on them, while clips do.