Leigh Lesher - Warmans vintage jewelry: identification and price guide

The jewelry is at times rich and elegant and at other times ornate yet simple. The pieces range in size and vary from delicate to bold. Whether you are looking for elaborate pieces or simple beauty, you are able to find it in the jewelry made during this time period. As a collector, dealer, or someone who has inherited a piece of old jewelry, you may have several questions that you want answered. What it is made of, what is the history behind the piece, how old is it, and the most common question what is it worth? By providing examples and historical information, this book will answer these often asked questions. Double bird brooch, pot metal and clear and pink rhinestones, faux pearls, enameling, $185. Double bird brooch, pot metal and clear rhinestones, faux pearls, enameling, $165. Double bird brooch, pot metal and clear rhinestones, faux pearls, enameling, $165.

When you are collecting vintage jewelry, you need to focus on several things: condition, price, quality, scarcity/rarity, age, and design. Is the piece well made? Is it missing any stones or pieces? Can the piece be repaired, and how much will the repair cost? Are the stones hand set? Is the piece stamped or cast? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself when you are purchasing a piece of jewelry. To do this, one of the most important tools that you need is a loupe. A loupe is an instrument that allows you to see detail in the jewelry. It magnifies the object that you are looking at. Loupes come in varying sizes and magnifications.

The average magnification level that most people use is a 10X, which means that the magnification will be ten times the actual size. To use the loupe, hold it about an inch away from your eye, and then bring the object that you want to look at up to the loupe until you see it in focus. Be sure to keep both eyes open to view the item.

• Condition is first and foremost. Don't overlook this.
• Price is always a consideration, but the first rule of collecting is to collect what you like! Don't worry about trends or what's the hot new collectible.
• Price is always a consideration, but the first rule of collecting is to collect what you like! Don't worry about trends or what's the hot new collectible.

  Focus on amassing a collection that makes you smile, that intrigues you, that inspires you. Whatever type of jewelry you buy, buy what you like, and buy the best examples of what you like that you can afford.

• The quality of the piece is also important. Look at the design of the piece. Is it intricate and ornate? Is it handmade or machine made? How is the finish on the piece? The more detail that is involved and the more handwork that is involved will generally make a piece of jewelry more valuable.
• The factor of the design of the piece is a more subjective personal evaluation.
• The factor of the design of the piece is a more subjective personal evaluation.

  It has more to do with your own personal taste. However, the design of the piece can help you determine its age and identify the period and style.

• Scarcity and rarity play a role in the price of a piece. Obviously, if a piece of jewelry is rare and hard to find, the price will reflect it. But if a dealer has multiples of the same piece, be wary. These items can be old store stock or reproductions.

  In either case, when multiples are available, the price should not be high.

It was thought of as expendable a cheap throwaway to dress up an outfit. Costume jewelry became so popular that it was sold in upscale stores as well as the five-and-dime. Even though the cost was relatively low, each piece brought pleasure to its wearer. The designs had an intrinsic beauty that made them unique and special. The designs ranged from the subtle to the outrageous. Because of the relatively inexpensive production costs, designers were able to unleash their creativity while at the same time maintain high production standards.