5 Simple Steps To Catapult You Into A Savvy Vintage Costume Jewelry Collector

During my last trip to a flea market, my friend Karen asked me what she should look for when buying any vintage costumer jewelry?

I decided to help Karen and shared with her seven tips everyone should look for when buying vintage costume jewelry. And now Karen is a seasoned collector of the vintage costume jewelry.


I know what are you thinking. How can seven tips make anyone a seasoned collector?

You are right. Nobody can make you a seasoned collector. But my seven tips can put you on the proper track to becoming a seasoned vintage costume jewelry collector.

I know your time is very precious, so I am sharing only five tips here. If you like this article and need balance two tips, please go to resource box and grab more than the other two tips and many other articles by subscribing to our newsletter.

If you think that these tips are very basic. Yep, you are right. I believe we can achieve more in life if we focus on basics alone.

Tip#1 - Never buy any vintage costume jewelry without physical inspection.

I know internet merchants will kill me. Buy when you buy from any internet source, you should examine the jewelry very thoroughly once you receive it. If you are not satisfied, immediately return it to the seller. This applies to any type of jewelry. Now you will ask me what should you look for.

I strongly recommend that you should check the metal if there is any discoloring or marks or any damage. You should check for stones if there is any wear damage or marks or clouds. You should also check if any stones are missing. You should check if stones are pronged or pasted. Jewelry with pronged stones is always better.

Tip#2 - Never buy any vintage costume jewelry if it is beyond your budget.

I am a strong believer in setting a budget for the hobby and then stick to your budget. I have seen many novice collectors paying beyond their budget because they fell in love. It's all right if you are buying as a gift for your loved ones. But if you are a vintage costume jewelry collector, you should avoid jumping your budget unless you know that it will appreciate fast.

Tip#3 - Always do your homework before buying any vintage costume jewelry.

Many new collectors ask this question. There is no simple answer to this. I can share with you what I do and what I believe in. I believe ebay is a good source for finding prices of any vintage costume jewelry. I also go to library if required. I think you can form a local club where you can consult your peers and seniors. You can also research on the internet.

You should go to flea market and antique malls more often. This will help you in understanding the key factors which determine the price.

Tip#4 - Buy only if it's a good investment.

As a good rule of thumb, you should buy only that vintage costume jewelry which appreciate over time. Well said, but how do I know that it will appreciate.

Here is the secret.....

My personal favorite is that designer-signed jewelry in a good condition, is always a good investment. If you are a new collector, you should stick to this rule. If you are a seasoned one, you already know that this is a sound advice.

I think novice collectors should be very careful when buying hot fashionable costume jewelry. Fashion industry is very notorious for fast changing trends. What is hot today, may decline over the time. This type of jewelry will loose value if the style is not popular anymore. Savvy collectors know these trends and they encash their investments in time. But novice collectors loose in such a market.

Tip#5 - Look for extras that add value

I prefer buying vintage costume jewelry in full set instead of buying only a necklace or just earrings. I believe that full set of vintage costume jewelry provides a better return to my bucks.

I also look for vintage costume jewelry in their original boxes. I believe this small step increases the value of the investment,

If I am buying directly from the original seller, I also ask them for their anecdotal information about their jewelry.

If you want other two valuable tips, please go to resource box and claim your second part of this article.

Well, now it's time to go to flea markets and antique malls. But before you buy any vintage costume jewelry, don't forget to browse through above checklist. Last but not the least, don't forget to ask for discount.

I wish you success in becoming a seasoned collector of vintage costume jewelry.

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By: Jay Author

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Jay Author makes it easy to learn about various types of jewelry and provides buying tips on how to find value for money jewelry. Visit www.eJewelryMall.com/articles to have your free articles and valuable tips emailed to you.

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