My Cheap Vintage Finds [& What They’re Worth] #183
Hi there! Hope you had a great weekend. I’ve got some vintage jewelry to share with you today. Do you love hunting down good jewelry deals like I do? Nothing excites me more than a small box or tray of jewels at a garage sale, especially when they have signs reading something like, “Earrings 50¢, Necklaces $1.00.” I always take the time to give these displays a good look, keeping my eyes peeled for anything that looks and/or feels like sterling or solid gold. Both metals tend to be lighter than the metal used for costume jewelry and the color has a softer look than gold or silver-toned pieces. And of course, when you suspect a piece to be “real,” look for a “sterling,” “.925,” or “14 K” (or 9, 10, or 18 K) mark.
Scoring low-priced jewelry means you get to build your own personal collection for a fraction of the cost of new. This rhinestone watch, not particularly old, but with a great vintage-y look cost just 50¢ and went right into my jewelry box.
You can find this rhinestone bracelet, however, in my Vintage Shop (cost: $1.00, value $10-12.00).
An almost matching pair of rhinestone screw back earrings (cost: 50¢, value: $5-8.00).
A rhinestone bangle (cost: 50¢, value: $8-10.00).
A sterling silver bangle with flower design (cost: $1.00, value: $12-15.00), marked “Sterling” on the inside. Available.
An interesting piece–sterling silver wrapped around a bangle form (cost: 50¢, value: $12-15.00). It has several silver marks on the inside that I’m not familiar with.
This pretty pearl necklace by Monet also entered my jewelry box (cost: $1.00, value: $12-15.00)
Monet, one of several higher quality manufacturers of costume jewelry, has been in business since 1937. Vintage & Pre-Loved Jewelry: Monet.
I am absolutely in love with this type of accordion bracelet (cost: $1.00, value: $15-20.00), but unfortunately, I can’t seem to wear bracelets that cling to my wrist. Poor me. Available.
The design of this accordion example is pretty spectacular (cost: $1.00, value: $25-35.00). Available.
Final Fabulous Find: Did you know that vintage jewelry presentation cases like this amazing aqua one are highly collectible? I once sold a small velvet ring case (c.1900’s, with a brass button latch) for $18.00, almost as soon as I listed it on Etsy. I believe this nice large one dates to about the 1950’s (cost: $1.00, value: $$25-30.00).
I hope you’re having a successful season of vintage shopping and are scoring some fabulous finds of your own 🙂 Happy hunting!
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Always adding new merchandise!
I am amazed that you found these gorgeous rhinestone pieces at garage sales, I did not know that the boxes were collectible. I just learn something new each time I visit you! I don’t always look at the jewelry at a garage sale, mostly because I would only buy it for myself! And anyone who knows me knows I do not need more jewelry…vintage or not!!
That makes me so happy, AnnMarie!! That’s kind of the “heart” of Adirondack Girl @ Heart–to pass on info that helps others with their collecting and buying 🙂 Ha ha–I hear you about the jewelry…
I agree with the lady above, I love jewelry and feel “naked” without earrings…:) You have some interesting finds and it was good to hear about the boxes. Thanks for sharing, very enjoyable!
I love vintage jewelry. And it’s value has gone up; its a huge want right now. But getting what it’s worth is a lot harder then you think. People won’t pay the value of these treasures. Been selling costume vintage for a while now, and rhinestones are hard to get the value for. They are wonderful pieces of our past, and there is so much still so much out there and occasionally, those rare expensive finds.
You’re right, it can be a slow seller. I only sell it from my blog shop right now, but am going to investigate selling some on eBay. But I will never stop enjoying wearing it! Thanks for chatting, Lynne 🙂
Your welcome, Karen–glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Hi Diana!
I loved this post and all the others too!! I have not been doing any garage sales in my area, mainly because all the homes are less that 15 years old and I thought that meant nothing would be old. I think I should take a drive next time toward Dallas and older sections of town next time I take off! Thanks for sharing! I love all your treasures!!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Jan! While I much prefer to shop older neighborhoods, I have nonetheless made some pretty good finds in new ones, too. Sometimes grandma is selling along side her daughter or daughter is selling off the excess from what she’s inherited, that sort of thing. Happy hunting!
Beautiful finds, Diana! Have a lovely week!
Thanks Linda!
Fun jewelry! I have some of my Mom’s rhinestone pieces from the 50’s and 60’s!
Precious memories for you Linda! Thanks for popping in–hope you are well 🙂
Diana, these are beautiful, even though I’m not much of a jewelry wearer. I can still appreciate it. Love that watch, especially. Glad to know how you price things. I need to take another look at some of my inventory.
I’m so glad my posts are helpful to you Florence 🙂 Hope you’re having a great summer–
That watch! Oh, that watch! Sigh…..
🙂
After looking at this post I think I am regreting tearing up my aunt’s jewelry for craft projects. I did save one set though. This was very informative.
Oh no! I bet the projects are beautiful, though, Debra, and lovely reminders of your aunt 🙂 Glad you found the post helpful–
Oooh! Some nice, sparkly pieces of jewelry! I love vintage jewelry. In fact I’m so old I used to wear some of that vintage stuff in my youth! I still have some of it, but I don’t know if I could part with it for any amount of money. I am crazy about rhinestone jewelry and that watch you are keeping is beautiful. All in all, a nice collection. Your statement about the jewelry presentation boxes being popular surprised me. I wonder if I have any of those!
Thanks for a fun peek at the jewels!
Ha ha, Naomi–it all comes back around right? Glad I could teach you something new 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the jewels!
I love all these pieces! I also own a ton of vintage/antique jewelry… I wish I was more of a jewelry wearer instead of an admirer! 😉
I used to wear it more, but I notice that things clinging to me, especially in the heat, are starting to bother me. I guess I’ll just have to sell it when I find it! I’ve been admiring your amazing haul from Route 127(?) via Instagram. You are the vintage shopping Queen!!!
I once got a string of broken pearls for 75 cents at a yard sale. Felt like a fool trying to rub them on my front teeth. and not have anyone see. Took them to the local jeweler (who said you rub them on the edge of your teeth and they feel gritty). I had them restrung and a short closure chain added ($80 to match missing pearls to lengthen the string!); gave them to my light complected blue-eyed blonde daughter for graduation; she doesn’t like pearls! Heft some real cultured pearls to understand the weight and feel of them and then pick up pretty fakes. Old ones will have chippy “nacre” and cheap clasps. Glass ones are heavy. I love pretty fakes, too. When my grandmother died, my mom gave that 4 year old daughter a choice of some of Babci’s “jewels”, she unerringly picked a 4* diameter rhinestone pin (only 1 r. missing!). The bling-lover gene has successfully been passed on! I love the rhinestone pins for dollhouse ceiling light fixtures!
Great inside info for testing pearls for “realness,” Kathy! My sweet husband gave me a set of pearls for our 5th anniversary–such a special gift. It does make me a special kind of happy when one or both of my kids love something that I do (like your daughter and the “bling-lover gene”) 🙂
That watch is a great find, Diana!
Thanks for sharing your fabulous jewelry finds at Vintage Charm–pinned!
Thanks for the pin, Cecilia 🙂
I would love a book on the fifty items (overlooked & general info) on vintage & antiques. That’s a great suggestion! Recently have found your website & look forward every week to reading the creative & interesting posts!
Thanks so much for letting me know, Lynn!! You put a big smile on my face today, Lynn–so glad you’ve been enjoying my blog 🙂