Question 1

What jewelry is considered vintage?

Accepted Answer

Jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old is considered vintage. Pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. Vintage jewelry includes rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and even hair accessories like combs. Shop a range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Does vintage jewelry have markings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some vintage jewelry has markings. Makers may have stamped pieces with hallmarks to represent the types of metals used in them and/or to signify that they came from certain brands. However, not all vintage jewelry is marked. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of vintage jewelry from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 3

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage, first look for hallmarks that may indicate the maker. Then, consult trusted online resources to research the markings and find out when the jewelry house produced pieces that are similar to yours. Anything made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage. Because there are many contemporary pieces inspired by vintage designs, you may want to consider taking your jewelry to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer who can inspect and date it. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage jewelry.

Question 4

How do you identify vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage jewelry, look for a maker's hallmark. You'll usually find it on a necklace, pin or earring clasp; the back of a pendant or earring or the inside of a bracelet or ring. Try snapping a photo of the hallmark and doing a reverse image search to quickly determine who produced it. If that doesn't work, you can look up the hallmark using trusted online reference resources or have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer assist you. Shop a large collection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How can I tell the difference between vintage glass beads and plastic?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to tell if a bead is glass or plastic is to feel it. Glass beads will be cooler to the touch, whereas plastic beads will be closer to room temperature and warm up quickly in your hands. Another test you can perform is to listen to the sound. Glass has a distinctive ring since it’s harder whereas plastic is softer and has a duller sound. Shop a range of vintage glass bead pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 6

How do I identify vintage Tiffany jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage Tiffany jewelry, see if you can find either a “Tiffany & Co.” or “T&Co.” stamp, as nearly all pieces produced by the luxury jewelry maker will display one or the other. Engagement rings made during the late 1960s and beyond will also usually have a serial number, which you can research. However, it is usually inscribed onto the gemstone's girdle in characters too small to be read with the naked eye. If your piece is a diamond ring, you can take it to an authorized Tiffany & Co. repair center to have the serial number read and researched to learn more about it. For all other types of jewelry, you can either conduct online research to determine if it is between 20 and 99 years old, making it vintage, or you can have a certified appraiser or experienced dealer help you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Question 7

How do I identify vintage rhinestone jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage rhinestone jewelry, look at the back, clasp and other inconspicuous areas in search of a maker's mark. By definition, vintage jewelry is between 20 and 99 years old, so you'll need a rough idea of when the maker produced your item to determine if it is vintage. You can begin the dating process by researching the maker using trusted online resources and looking at images of its pieces from over the years. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you with the process. Shop a large collection of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do you identify vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage costume jewelry, you'll need to determine if your piece is between 20 and 99 years old. To do so, see if you can locate a maker's mark. You're most likely to find it in an inconspicuous area, such as an inner edge or a clasp. Using trusted online resources, search for the mark to learn who the maker is, then read more about it to get an idea of when it produced items similar to yours. Alternatively, you can consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help identify your costume jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage costume jewelry.

Question 9

Is all vintage Tiffany jewelry stamped?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nearly all vintage Tiffany jewelry is stamped. However, the stamp on older pieces may not include the maker's name. You should still find a hallmark that represents the metal’s purity. Examples include 925, AG925 or STER for sterling silver. Find a variety of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What vintage jewelry is worth the most money?

Accepted Answer

It's not possible to say for sure which vintage jewelry is worth the most money. Trends in collecting vary over time, and because the term vintage refers to pieces that are between 20 and 99 years old, what's considered vintage changes each year as well. However, collectors are often on the hunt for vintage jewelry produced by notable makers, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Chanel, Miriam Haskell, David Webb and Georg Jensen. Vintage jewelry may also have value due to its materials, such as gold, platinum and diamonds. To find out how much your vintage pieces may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of vintage jewelry.

Question 11

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage or antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage or antique, first look for any hallmarks that signify its maker. You can use trusted online resources to research when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours to roughly estimate its age. Jewelry is vintage if it's between 20 and 99 years old, and antique if it is 100 years old or more. If you're unable to locate a maker's hallmark, becoming familiar with the materials and other characteristics used during different eras of jewelry can help you date your piece. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage and antique jewelry.

Question 12

How can you tell quality vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To tell quality vintage jewelry, examine its details carefully. Ensure that any clasps or fasteners operate smoothly and stay securely fastened. Quality vintage jewelry will also feature sturdy hardware, such as the posts on a pair of earrings, the prongs securing a gemstone in a ring or the o-rings connecting a pendant to a chain. You can also research the maker to learn about the manufacturer's reputation when evaluating vintage jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage jewelry.

Question 13

How old is vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Vintage costume jewelry refers to costume jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old. Jewelry, costume or otherwise, that is 100 years old is referred to as antique. The big design fair in Paris in 1900 inspired jewelers to work with inexpensive materials, and Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel and others helped popularize costume jewelry during the 1920s. The roots of costume jewelry, however, took shape at least as far back as the 18th century, when paste jewelry that featured hand-cut glass instead of gemstones first emerged. Shop a variety of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do you tell if vintage jewelry is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if vintage jewelry is valuable, consider its maker, age, materials, style, type and condition. Using these criteria, you can identify similar pieces previously sold on trusted online platforms and get a rough idea of your jewelry's value. However, the best way to find out how much vintage jewelry is worth is to seek an expert's opinion, such as a certified appraiser, experienced jeweler or knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage jewelry.

Question 15

How can you tell if vintage jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

The way to tell if vintage jewelry is real depends first on determining what you mean by "real." If you want to know if a piece is actually made by a particular brand or is a reproduction, you can consult trusted online resources to see what hallmarks and other details are present on genuine pieces. Then, you can examine your jewelry using these criteria. You can also find tests to determine whether precious metals and gemstones are real or not. However, use caution, as some tests can damage jewelry. A simple way to tell if vintage jewelry is an authentic example of a particular maker's work or made of real materials is to take the piece to an experienced appraiser or dealer. Find a large selection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is vintage jewelry making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Many people would argue that vintage jewelry isn't making a comeback because it has never faded in popularity. Although what's considered vintage changes from decade to decade, the demand for jewelry that is between 20 and 99 years old generally remains high. There are collectors who look for pieces featuring specific materials or that were made by certain brands, and many men and women find vintage jewelry appealing because it is unique and has history. Shop a variety of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I find out how much my vintage jewelry is worth?

Accepted Answer

To find out how much your vintage jewelry is worth, you can conduct online research using trusted sources. By seeing what similar pieces have sold for in the past, you can estimate the value of your jewelry. For a more precise valuation, enlist the services of an appraiser or knowledgeable vintage jewelry specialist. Find a wide range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is vintage Tiffany jewelry worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vintage Tiffany jewelry may be worth something. Due to the popularity of the American jewelry maker and the quality of the pieces that Tiffany & Co. produces, accessories often hold or appreciate in value over the years. The house is celebrated for its range of partnerships with the likes of Elsa Peretti, Jean Schlumberger and others, which can also contribute to how collectible a given bracelet or necklace might be. However, the style, type and condition of the jewelry will impact how valuable it is. A certified appraiser or experienced dealer can let you know how much a specific piece is worth. Find a diverse assortment of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.

Plastic Vintage Jewelry

Late 20th Century Brooches

Vintage plastic faux coral brooch

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage figural zebra plastic designer brooch

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage figural fashion plastic designer brooch

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage lady’s head plastic designer brooch

20th Century Unknown Dangle Earrings

Vintage black plastic colorful rhinestones modernist geometric dangle earrings

Vintage 1980s Bangles

Vintage cream color carved hard plastic lions head bangle bracelet

20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Vintage gold silver disco plastic designer runway clip on earrings

Vintage 1970s Modern Beaded Necklaces

Vintage Necklace green Bakelite and white plastic balls from the 1980s USA

Vintage 1960s French Collectible Jewelry

Rare Early Vintage Christian Dior Monogrammed Bowling Bag

Late 20th Century Collectible Jewelry

Vintage KJL Kenneth J. Lane Brooch in Gold-Tone and White Enamel

1990s Swiss Modern Collectible Jewelry

1992 Vintage POP Swatch Watch Special Dots - Op Art - Designed by Vasarely - NOS

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Iconic Orgreen Titanium Frame Sunglasses, Vintage Eyewear Made in Italy

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Bracelets

1940s Turquoise Glass and Black Plastic Vintage Jewellery Set

Vintage 1960s Link Necklaces

Vintage Plastic Necklace with Paillettes

Vintage 1950s German Chain Bracelets

Vintage Fruit Salad Plastic Bracelet

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Heuer Temporado Stainless Steel and Plastic Watch, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Leonidas Easy Rider 1-Register Chronograph with a Plastic Case, 1970s

Early 2000s French Dome Rings

Vintage CHANEL ivory bone, stone design thick plastic ring with engraved CC mark

20th Century French Brooches

Chanel Vintage Multicolor Plastic Camelia Camellia Brooch Pin

Early 2000s French More Bracelets

Chanel Vintage Clear Soft Plastic Wide CC Snaps Bracelet Bangle

20th Century Wrist Watches

Heuer Temporada Vintage Men's Plastic Silver Dial Brass Bezel 733809

Vintage 1960s American Artist Dome Rings

Rare Vintage 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Bakelite Plastic Ring with Brass Studs

Vintage 1960s American Artist Dome Rings

Vintage 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Beige Bakelite Plastic Go Go Ring Brass Studs

Late 20th Century Beaded Bracelets

CHRISTIAN DIOR Fantasy Bracelet in Green and Multicolored Plastic Beads

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Vintage tie / jewelry rack Fratelli Reguitti , 1960’s

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

12 Various Vintage Brooches Different Models, Made in 1960

1990s French Retro Brooches

Vintage Lea Stein ‘Ric the Dog’ Layered Plastic Brooch

Vintage 1980s British Bangles

1980s Vintage Bracelets x 2 - Barbed Wire Detailing - Black Plastic - Rare

Vintage 1960s American Artist Dome Rings

Vintage 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Mauve Bakelite Plastic Go Go Ring Brass Studs

Vintage 1970s French Artisan Dangle Earrings

Unique Vintage Chanel black big ball clip on earrings, plastic 1970s with gold

Late 20th Century French Modern Collectible Jewelry

Pair of New Vintage French 1970s Sunglasses

1990s Japanese Hollywood Regency Collectible Jewelry

Vintage 90's Kieselstein-Cord Sunglasses Black & Gold "African Queen" Alligator

Vintage 1960s French Space Age Collectible Jewelry

Rare Sport Wraparound 1960s Vintage Sunglasses by Sol-Amor France, Green Lenses

Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Collectible Jewelry

Vintage 1960s Glamorous Women's Oversized Tortoise Sunglasses - Made in Italy

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Vintage Plastic Flower Blue Brooch 1960's

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Vintage Yellow Plastic Flower Brooch 1960's

1990s Link Bracelets

Vintage Paco Rabane Plastic Bracelet 1990s

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage 1970s Green Plastic Dangle Earrings

Vintage 1980s Retro Bracelets

Vintage Plastic Blue Navy Coral Bracelet 1980s

Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces