Jewelry becomes vintage when is at least be fifty years old and still in prime condition. When a piece of quality vintage jewelry stores over a hundred years old it becomes an antique piece.
Any jewelry collector knows that in order for jewelry to be called vintage it must fit in a certain era (it is an age requirement). It doesn’t really matter if the piece it’s made from rhinestones (imitation of diamond, commonly made from rock crystals, glass, acrylic, or plastic), wooden beads, glass beads, ceramic or porcelain, all that counts is its authenticity and the link to a certain time era. The authenticity is very important when it comes to determine the value of a jewelry item and the characteristics of jewelry pieces of each era will warn collectors against faux-vintage pieces.
December 26th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I’m crazy about vintage costume jewelry! I loved the article, and I’d love to contribute – I’ve written several articles about vintage costume jewelry, and I’d love to re-blog your article. May I have your permission? Please visit my blog at http://www.oakhilljewels.com and see if there are any posts that you would like me to share. Love your blog – so much good info! Happy New Year!