When it’s about jewelry, not just any jewelry but rare and valuable vintage jewelry, almost everyone you know is interested. Everyone loves jewelry, seeing a rare piece on someone is a lovely sight, whether it’s a necklace, a bracelet, or even a brooch, a valuable piece of jewelry is a possession worth having.
Today, we have highlighted the top 15 most valuable vintage costume jewelry. Hearing the word “Vintage” creates a certain nostalgic feeling, every piece of jewelry that carries history which is more than just another collection, it’s rare and dear to our hearts, whether it was passed down to you from your ancestors, or you purchased it at a certain time, it’s always a classic.
Quality, uniqueness, components, rarity, duration, significance, and even sentimental attachments are key factors in placing a piece of jewelry as a valuable vintage classic. Listed below are some of the world’s most valuable vintage jewelry.
Table of Contents
15 Rare And Most Valuable Vintage Costume Jewelry In The World
No. |
Name |
Year |
Price |
1 |
Antique Russian old Mine diamond Brooch |
1850/1880 C |
$70,422.54 |
2 |
Turquoise Jade Pendant Carved with 4 animals |
1700 |
$72,074.56 |
3 |
Victorian Era Antique diamond and rose gold Tiara |
1880 |
$70,422.54 |
4 |
Green Natural Jade Jadeite Carved Longevity Dragon Pendant |
221 BC |
$72,000.00 |
5 |
Antique Russian Diamond Ring |
1900 |
$50,000.00 |
6 |
Antique Russian Diamond Set |
1899/1910 C |
$50,000.00 |
7 |
M VS2 Old European Cut Diamond |
1920 |
$50,000.00 |
8 |
Byzantine Gold Cross Crucifix Pendant Medieval Jewelry Pre-Georgian |
6th century |
$92,075.67 |
9 |
Pearl Necklace Antique Natural Round Salt Water 10 Diamond |
1800-1900 |
$88,000.00 |
10 |
Antique Old Vintage Diamond 18K Gold and Silver Pin Brooches Victorian Jewelry |
1837-1910 |
$79,996.00 |
11 |
Antique Art Deco Platinum 4.24ctw GIA Emerald Diamond Solitaire |
1915-1935 |
$62,352.00 |
12 |
Vintage Antique 14K Gold Jewelry Diamond Polki Pendant and Earring Pair |
– |
$55,770.00 |
13 |
Chinese Qing Imperial Tibetan Lama Chaozhou |
1700 |
$50,000.00 |
14 |
Antique Solitaire Ruby Diamond Ring |
1900 |
$50,000.00 |
15 |
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Necklace |
1900 |
$50,000.00 |
1. Antique Russian Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch
Year: 1850/1880c
Price: $70,422.54
On our list today, in no order we have this unique piece from the 19th Century, the Antique Russian Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch. Most people are naturally intrigued and fascinated by things that seem somewhat mysterious to their minds, and the more mystery around the thing there is, the higher the curiosity and interest it attracts.
This rare piece weighs 3.5 Karats and is 4cm in length hallmarked, 56 Imperial Russian gold standard and it is marked. The $70,422.54 masterpiece has its material made from gold and gemstone diamond. Looking at this remarkable piece I think we can all agree it is worth it, so stunning.
2. Turquoise Jade Pendant Carved With 4 Animals
Year: 1700
Price: $72,074.56
Talking about the most valuable vintage pieces of jewelry, the Turquoise Jade Pendant is a must-have on this list today. With its distinctive features of 4 unique animals (horse, monkey, dragon, and bird) it makes for an outstanding work of art. The Ancient jade pendant was in the Chinese Quin Dynasty (221 BC), most likely from Shang Dynasty, it is believed that this masterpiece was buried in the ground for hundreds of years.
It is 6.8cm in length, 0.5cm in height, and 6.8cm in width, Gemstone is made of Turquoise and is perfect for a costume jewelry collection.
3. Victorian Era Antique Diamond and Rose Gold Tiara
Year: 1880
Price: $70,422.54
A Tiara with diamonds, a girl’s best friend. It is believed that a Tiara symbolizes social superiority and power. With such a luxurious design and outlook, this stunning piece also has most of its pieces detachable (the main diamond, all three stars, and the large crescent). The largest stone on this beautiful piece measures 8mm, it is a thick old mine cut of roughly 2.00ct.
The other parts of the diamonds are closely 15.00cts. This piece has been won by significant people Circa in 1880. I’ll have you know that this vintage diamond antique rose gold Tiara box is signed by the late Victorian era Italian royal Jeweler.
4. Genuine Green Natural Jade Jadeite Carved Longevity Dragon Pendant
Year: 221 BC
Price: $72,000.00
At first glance it doesn’t look like jewelry, but I’ll have you know it’s not just a piece of valuable vintage costume jewelry, but it has a unique form and sure does look as vintage as it gets.
This classic piece is a sure keeper. It is 6.8cm in length, pendant height 0.6cm, pendant width 6.8cm, with its gemstone being Turquoise. This Ancient Qin Dynasty Chinese Natural Jade Jadeite Carved Longevity Dragon Pendant is a real one and is handmade too.
5. Antique Russian Diamond Ring
Year: 1900
Price: $50,000.00
Another all-time favorite piece with a 2 old cut diamond weight of 1-carat clarity, one stone with white inclusion, and rose-cut diamonds of 0.5ct. In addition to that, it marked 56 imperial rose standards, it is from the 19th century and dates to the Russian imperial era.
It was made by an important fabric work-master Henrik Wigstorm. For $50,000 it is worth having. This diamond ring is a sight to see. Its features are stunning with a lovely leaf design that brings out the two natural beauty of the two diamonds at the top.
6. Antique Russian Diamond Set:
Year: 1899/1910 C
Price: $50,000.00
August Holmstrom brings this gold fashion of the 1900s to life with this eye-catching design, with its superb quality, goldsmith work, this antique Russian diamond set of earrings is estimated to be 2-carat diamond weight and 4cm earring length, also marked 56 imperial Russian gold standards.
The style of this masterpiece is indeed fascinating with its decorated locust flower in white oxidized gold and rose gold perfectly crafted in diamonds making this list much more colorful.
7. M VS2 Old European Cut Diamond
Year: 1920
Price: $50,000.00
This elegant looking old European cut diamond is the perfect choice for a vintage costume jewelry collection or even an engagement ring, with its absolute elegance and simplicity. It dates back to the 1920s, its gemstone is a natural diamond.
This stone was cut with a considerable proportion of 46% tiny table and 67.8% great depth. How’s that for a diamond in the rough?
8. Byzantine Gold Cross Crucifix Pendant Medieval Jewelry Pre Georgian Antique 22K
Year: 6th Century AD
Price: $92,075.67
This Byzantine Gold Cross Crucifix Pendant Medieval Jewelry shells some history as far back as the 6th century with 22-carat gold its weighs 5.96grams, its size varying from 29/16’ long and it is 11/16” wide (65mm x 27mm) and to add it is handmade. It is presumed that this piece symbolizes Faith and strength.
During the Roman Empire Split into the Eastern half also known as the Byzantine Empire the practice of Faith was rapidly becoming prominent, it was in this era that the Byzantine Cross was envisioned. This symbol proceeds to this very day, Historic right?
9. Pearl Necklace Antique Natural Round Saltwater 10 Diamond Clasp Gia
Year: 1800 – 1900
Price: $88,000.00
From its name you can tell that it’s very special, pearls hold great value and are believed to symbolize wisdom, the gems depict calmness, loyalty, and purity. The natural round saltwater pearl necklace is extra special because it’s made of 10 diamonds, pearls with diamonds? fascinating.
It’s interesting how this finely crafted masterpiece has its main stone material entirely from animal natural saltwater. This precious stone is untreated with platinum or white Gold as its metal, 7.5mm in length, width, and depth this handmade pearl necklace earned its place as one of the most valuable antique costume pieces of jewelry.
10. Antique Old Vintage Diamond 18K Gold & Silver Pin Brooches Victorian Jewelry.
Year: 1837 – 1910 https://www.ebay.com/itm/383415320343?hash=item5945557f17:g:rT8AAOxyxpxQ6yv-
Price: $79,996.00
Don’t you just love how this Old European Victorian diamond complements this golden masterpiece? With 18k White and Yellow Gold, 8-9 carat diamond vintage weighing 40.2 grams, 180 stone quantity, this $79,996 Antique Jewelry is a fantastic nomination on our list today.
This Natural Diamond from the 19th century (1837 – 1910), East European jewelry can never go wrong on any fashion costume.
11. Antique Art Deco Platinum 4.24ctw GIA Emerald Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring.
Year: 1915 – 1935
Price: $62,352.00
Emerald is believed to be “the stone of successful love”, perfect for an engagement ring. This flawlessly crafted Jewellery Ring is “White” can it be any more perfect? Yes, because it’s fine components consist of 9 diamonds, weight ranging from 2.00ctw – 4.99ctw, 5.6mm in-depth, 8.11mm in width & 9.1mm in length, with a Gemstone clarity – Loupe clean, it’s Solitaire with Accents prong setting style makes it irresistible. That’s not all, its metal purity is 900 parts per 1000 with Platinum as its metal.
12. Vintage antique 14K Gold jewelry Diamond Polki Pendant & Earring Pair
Price:$55,770.00
This Yellow Gold Diamond Antique Jewellery stands true in its beauty and class. The design screams royalty and from its title, it has 14k Gold and a perfect seating rose cut diamond Polki attached.
It’s handmade as many others, the pendant weighs – 4.28grams & 3 cm (1.18″)/1.8 cm (0.70”) km size, while the earring is 1.6cm(0.62”) in size & 7.59grams in weight. Truly fascinating if I might add, India delivered this perfect 19ct Diamond remarkably.
13. 1700s Chinese Qing Imperial Tibetan Lama Chaozhou
Year: 1700
Price: 50,000.00
In the 1700s, this Chinese Qing Imperial Tibetan Lama Chaozhou beads necklace was carved with a Shoushan soapstone vessel. With Cinnabar beads, amber, silver, and yes you guessed right, Gold as its make-up.
This beautiful bead collection has three golden crystals and six gold sealants, one silver reeled natural amber talismans, one ruby-red sparkling glass engraved on it has smoky crystal bead, and a-squared bead that is multi-colored; also, a cinnabar bead gourd-shaped figurative coral bead; bringing this piece to completion is its striking square bead called “Five Colors Stone” which is a man-made glass in Chinese. Its total weight is 286 grams and its neck length of 60.
14. Antique Solitaire Ruby Diamond Ring
Year: 1900
Price: $50,000
They say rarity is a characteristic feature in pricing a gem, well you should know that this Solitaire diamond ring embodies a very rare and precious stone – Ruby. August Holmstrom was a skilled faberge workmaster in the imperial era 1900/1907 he crafted this historic piece with old mine diamond cuts and a natural ruby with a pigeon blood color which weighs 8 carats & its diamond estimate weight is 1.5 carats.
15. Antique Rose Cut Diamond Necklace
Year: 1900
Price: $50,000.00
Its name clearly denotes where it’s coming from. This unique piece is from one of the gem baskets in the 1900s. With luminous rose-cut diamonds it has a unique form and sure looks as vintage as it gets. It also has large-sized stones with a total tallied weight of 28 carats, 5 central diamonds (8.50mm 7mm 8.60mm 7mm 8mm), the three stones at its center weigh 6 carats and 16 stones of 12 carat & small-sized stones of 10 carats which is 40cm in length. And yes, it’s made of 10k gold, it’s a valuable piece of jewelry.
The Evolution of Vintage Costume Jewelry
Jewelry is known for its attractive appearance and is mostly used for style and in enhancing makeovers. The idea of jewelry is to improve the appearance of a person, usually made of nonprecious metals jewelry designed for wear with current fashions, and usually made of inexpensive materials (Merriam Webster, 1827). Jewelry was made from shells, stones, and bones from the ancient era.
Vintage jewelry has been a popular trend since the late 1920s, often seen in our modern movies vintage pieces of jewelry were the easiest to wear for any modern woman of any background or style. So why has this become a popular trend in our modern days, surely our taste in fashion has not expired? Between 1920 and 1922 the fashion style for women changed, the waistlines dropped to their hips, the hem of their dresses dropped to just below the calf and hair had gotten shorter. This happened due to the requirement of practically working women in factories and farms, also for the general liberation of fashion.
Understanding the styles, women with shorter hair needed adornment for their ears. Although in the late years’ earrings were considered a taboo or “semi-barbaric” , earrings became a new trend that contributed to the era of the movement of fashion (the popularity of this is clearly seen in the 20th century).
Marked Vintage Costume Jewelry
Jewelry marks are signatures used to distinguish one artist from another. Usually, jewels made from precious metal are marked by their creators, with the details of their content. Precious metals are metals with high economic value, examples would include diamond, gold, ruby, silver, platinum, and other exquisite jewels.
Every jewel has an identification mark that is made by its creator. This mark is seen as a distinctive signature to distinguish jewel artists.
Every maker has their mark as an iconic trend to their handiwork, it serves as an ID to tell who the maker of an antique jewel is. Forged marks by some manufacturers will try to copy those marks (in turn if successful will be rewarded richly) but such marks are used by specialized tools which makes it almost impossible to copy.
Unmarked Vintage Costume Jewelry
Not all jewelry is said to be marked as marked jewelry created by the makers themselves. When jewelry is said to be unmarked it usually means that the jewelry is not the original, it’s not real, or typically is said to be “fake”. Unmarked jewelry is somewhat a lower and less valuable version of the original product, as unmarked jewels are not significant to the original creator.
In some cases, detecting if a jewel is unmarked can be tedious with the human eye alone but there are tools used to identify legitimate jewels.
Every designer has a distinctive marking on their product (think of it as a signature), and the artist has a specific marking he/she puts on every single one of their works. They are known for their unique distinction and the inability of it to be forged and recreated by manufacturers.
How To Identify Vintage Costume Jewelry
It’s been an amazing, interesting, and enlightening journey exploring the most valuable vintage costume pieces of jewelry. But here’s another key area that is necessary to explore.
How do you even identify your vintage costume jewelry? Especially when they are unmarked, well, the best option is always to get them appraised by the experts, but here are some quick IIY (Identify It Yourself) tips which will come in handy for you when you need them.
Well, we’ve highlighted key factors to put into consideration when trying to determine the quality of your jewelry, and they are;
The Brand
In today’s world, Branding is a top-notch indicator as to the authenticity of a product, big companies like Nike, has their unique brand on all the products, well once were talking pieces of jewelry and not shoes, the vintage brands that have been around for such a long time and have built credibility over the years are brands like;
- Chanel
- Tiffany
- Bulgari
- Christian Dior
- Hobe Cartier
If your vintage costume jewelry has any of these brand marks, then it most likely is of some high value or will increase in value with time. One thing you want to look out for is if your jewelry has any branded marks.
The Age of The Jewelry
One of the easiest ways to identify vintage costume jewelry is by figuring out how old it is. You can do this by analyzing the piece since every part has a different age.
Unlike cars, and just like landed properties, the value of high-priced jewelry goes up with time. It would be great if you can determine the age of your vintage costume jewelry, how long you’ve had it, how long your forefathers had it, most times, the more classic a jewelry is, the higher its auction value and interest rate.
Wear & Tear
A vintage jewel would probably be about 50-100 years old and obviously won’t look perfect. Blunt edges, cracked diamonds or pearls, and other worn counterparts due to constantly touching the jewelry.
If a piece of vintage jewelry looks completely perfect, you might want to seek help from a professional before buying it because there’s a tendency that it might not be vintage.
Where Can I Sell Vintage Costume Jewelry Near Me?
It’s not just enough to identify that your jewelry is vintage and of high value, that’s a great step, but if you do decide to sell, it’s important to know how and where to sell, because simply passing it on to just anyone willing to pay some appreciable amount for it will most likely turn out to be a bad deal for you.
Depending on your location, in some places like Hong Kong, there are frequent jewelry auctions, but if you stay in a place where auctions are not common, you can still sell your jewelry for a good or even a great deal.
This is the 21st century, and online stores exist. You can put up your jewelry for sale on an online store, below are our top 5 of the most popular and credible online stores where you can sell your vintage high-value costume jewelry. Here are some websites;
- Etsy
- eBay
- Art Fire
- Bonanza
- Zibbet
Last Words
There are many costume jewelries in the world, and many of them have beautiful designs and decorations. However, only certain vintage costume jewelry can be considered valuable; also, they can be recognized as rare simply because they are old, which makes them even more valuable.
As you can see, antique costume jewelry can range in prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. So be sure that you look over your jewelry collection very carefully before throwing anything away. You just never know what you could have lying around in your jewelry box that is worth a lot of money!
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