27 Costume Jewelry Pieces Dealers Buy on Sight

By Jaycee Gudoy | Published

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Vintage costume jewelry represents one of the most accessible collector markets, with quality pieces selling for $10 to $500 depending on maker and condition. Dealers and experienced pickers immediately recognize valuable maker names and quality craftsmanship, prioritizing signed pieces and prong-set rhinestones over glued alternatives.

The costume jewelry market rewards knowledge of prestigious makers and construction quality recognition.

Weiss Signed Rhinestone Brooches and Sets

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Weiss costume jewelry commands instant recognition and strong collector prices from costume jewelry specialists. A signed Weiss rhinestone brooch typically sells for $50 to $150.

The maker’s mark almost guarantees collector interest regardless of specific design.

Eisenberg Signed Costume Jewelry Pieces

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Eisenberg produced exquisite rhinestone pieces from the 1930s through 1970s in precious metals, commanding strong prices. A signed Eisenberg brooch typically commands $75 to $250.

The use of sterling silver backing elevates Eisenberg pieces above typical costume jewelry.

Regency Costume Jewelry Designer Pieces

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Regency costume jewelry represents quality production attracting serious collectors. A signed Regency brooch or necklace typically sells for $40 to $120.

Designer recognition ensures steady collector demand for signed examples.

Hattie Carnegie Iconic Hollywood Designer

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Hattie Carnegie designed pieces for Hollywood elite, commanding premium prices from Hollywood memorabilia collectors. A Carnegie signed piece typically commands $100 to $300.

The Hollywood connection appeals to costume and film history collectors.

Hobé Signed Rhinestone Jewelry Collectibles

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Hobé costume jewelry commands recognition from serious collectors familiar with quality makers. A signed Hobé brooch typically sells for $60 to $180.

The maker’s mark creates instant appeal to costume jewelry specialists.

Kramer Ornate Rhinestone Bracelets and Brooches

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Kramer produced intricate rhinestone jewelry during the 1950s, commanding strong collector prices. An ornate Kramer rhinestone bracelet typically sells for $100 to $300.

The complexity of designs and the maker’s reputation for quality construction appeals to detail-oriented collectors.

Schreiner Open Work Rhinestone Jewelry

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Schreiner’s distinctive open-work designs with prong-set rhinestones command premium prices. An unsigned piece with definitively Schreiner construction typically sells for $100 to $300.

The distinctive foil-backed stone technique creates instant recognition.

Butler & Wilson Figural Costume Jewelry

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Butler & Wilson created detailed figural brooches depicting cats, top hats, and dancing couples, attracting collectors. A figural brooch typically commands $50 to $150.

The whimsical designs appeal to collectors seeking character jewelry.

Chanel Interlocking C Logo Pieces

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Chanel costume jewelry with the iconic interlocking C logo commands premium prices from fashion collectors. A signed Chanel piece typically sells for $100 to $400.

The fashion brand’s prestige elevates costume jewelry value significantly.

Swarovski Crystal Vintage Pieces

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Swarovski crystal jewelry represents the ultimate in rhinestone quality, commanding premium prices. A vintage Swarovski piece typically sells for $75 to $250.

The brand’s reputation for crystal excellence ensures consistent demand.

Kenneth Jay Lane Designer Costume Jewelry

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Kenneth Jay Lane’s theatrical costume jewelry designed for celebrities commands strong collector prices. A signed KJL piece typically commands $75 to $200.

Celebrity costume history drives decorator and fashion collector interest.

Monet Signed Costume Jewelry Bracelets

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Monet costume jewelry represents accessible quality pieces, with signed examples commanding respect. A Monet bracelet typically sells for $25 to $60.

Brand recognition ensures these move quickly at auctions.

Coro and Cora Costume Jewelry Collectibles

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Coro produced quality costume jewelry at accessible price points, with vintage pieces still collectible. A Coro brooch or necklace typically sells for $20 to $50.

Accessibility combined with quality construction creates steady collector interest.

Trifari Signed Costume Jewelry Collectibles

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Trifari costume jewelry represents mid-century American production, commanding collector prices. A signed Trifari piece typically sells for $30 to $100.

The brand’s recognition ensures steady collector demand.

Vintage Rhinestone Brooches Unsigned Quality Construction

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Unsigned but exceptionally crafted brooches attract collectors valuing quality over signatures. A high-quality prong-set unsigned brooch typically sells for $30 to $80.

Craftsmanship recognition appeals to serious collectors.

Bakelite Costume Jewelry Rare Colors

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Bakelite jewelry in unusual colors commands strong prices from vintage plastic collectors. A bakelite bracelet in scarce color typically sells for $40 to $120.

Rarity of intact examples drives collector interest.

Lucite Costume Jewelry Clear and Colored

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Lucite jewelry from the 1950s-1960s, particularly with embedded designs, commands collector interest. A Lucite bracelet or brooch typically sells for $20 to $60.

Retro aesthetic appeal drives contemporary collector demand.

Plastic Vintage Jewelry Colorful Designs

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Colorful molded plastic jewelry from the 1950s-1960s attracts retro and nostalgic collectors. A plastic brooch or clip typically sells for $10 to $40.

The colorful aesthetic appeals to interior decorators.

Vintage Rhinestone Necklace Sets Complete

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Complete vintage necklace sets with matching bracelet and earrings command premium prices. A complete signed set typically commands $75 to $250.

The coordination appeal attracts costume jewelry enthusiasts seeking wearable collections.

Pave Set Rhinestone Costume Jewelry

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Densely pave-set rhinestone pieces demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, commanding strong prices. A pave-set brooch typically sells for $50 to $150.

The sparkle and density of stones appeals to decorative appeal.

Faux Pearl Vintage Costume Jewelry

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Vintage costume jewelry featuring faux pearl accents represent popular mid-century designs. A pearl and rhinestone piece typically sells for $25 to $75.

The elegant pearl aesthetic appeals to traditional decorators.

Enamel Painted Costume Jewelry Figurals

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Hand-painted enamel costume jewelry depicting birds, insects, and flowers command collector interest. An enamel piece typically sells for $25 to $80.

The artistic hand-painting appeals to art and design collectors.

Aurora Borealis Crystal Costume Pieces

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Iridescent aurora borealis rhinestones create striking visual effects in vintage costume jewelry. A brooch featuring AB crystals typically sells for $40 to $120.

The rainbow sparkle effect appeals to decorators and visual enthusiasts.

Vintage Rhinestone Hair Combs and Clips

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Decorative rhinestone hair combs and clips represent glamorous costume accessories. A comb or clip typically sells for $20 to $60.

Hair accessory collectors pursue these fashion history pieces.

Vintage Rhinestone Dress Clips and Fur Clips

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Art Deco dress clips and fur clips represent earlier costume jewelry periods. A quality clip typically sells for $30 to $100.

The art deco appeal attracts decorative and design history collectors.

Costume Jewelry Bracelets Expandable Styles

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Vintage expandable bracelets in rhinestone or colored stone styles appeal to collectors. An expandable bracelet typically sells for $20 to $60.

The flexibility and colorful designs appeal to nostalgic buyers.

Vintage Rhinestone Earrings Clip and Pierced

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Matching vintage earring sets command strong prices from jewelry enthusiasts. A matched pair typically sells for $15 to $50.

The personal adornment purpose ensures consistent collector interest.

Quality Construction Determines Value Above Design

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A well-constructed piece with prong-set rhinestones and quality metal backing commands 50 to 200 percent premium over glued alternatives. Makers’ marks elevate value from decorative curiosity to documented collectible.

Serious costume jewelry dealers immediately recognize signed pieces and avoid glued rhinestones, understanding that construction quality and maker reputation drive resale potential more than contemporary fashion appeal.

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