Popularized by Coco Chanel in Paris during the 1920s, costume jewelry -- from the inexpensive to the extravagant -- has come into its own, creating a skyrocketing market for both investors and collectors. This guide covers it all, from Coro, Eisenberg, and Trifari to Miriam Haskell and Joseff. Complete with the latest prices, descriptions, and fascinating histories of the most famous manufacturers, it provides new and essential information for every collector: Listings for every major designerThe most current prices availableDetailed descriptions and photos for easy identificationTips on buying and sellingHow to spot fakes and forgeriesDetailed bibliographyPredictions about hot trends of the future

The Napier Jewelry book is a visual encyclopedia of Napier Costume Jewelry. It tells the heretofore untold and phenomenal story of The Napier Co. inception, development, flowering, and ultimate success. It chronicles the history of its management, manufacturing, marketing, and most importantly, the unparalleled beauty of Napier fashion jewelry. With approximately 4000 pictures of Napier jewelry history and over 250,000 words of text and descriptions, you will be taken step-by-step, decade by decade, through the development of the Napier style. As a collector, you will learn to recognize the findings, materials, and designs to appropriately circa-date the Napier jewelry in which you are investing. As a lover of vintage costume jewelry, you will enjoy the drama and excitement of the trials, tribulations, and breakthroughs at each stage of the Napier journey. In the end, you will have a deep and lasting appreciation of the romantic story infused into the metal, gemstones, crystals, cabochons, and elegance of each piece of Napier jewelry that you own or are considering owning

This sumptuously illustrated book surveys the exquisite range of costume jewelry produced by haute couture fashion houses, a subject until now overlooked by historians and fashion cognoscenti alike. The term “costume jewelry” was coined in the twentieth century for the use of non-precious metals and jewels for human adornment. This book showcases the extraordinary diversity and exceptional craftsmanship of this jewelry in hundreds of beautifully reproduced pieces from such fashion houses as Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Schiaparelli, and Givenchy. “A time capsule of creativity.” ~ Dallas Morning News

Beginning and experienced collectors and even dealers sometimes have difficulty distinguishing a valuable piece of costume jewelry from less valuable jewelry. Two brooches, both signed by the same designer, can have vastly different values. This book provides beginning collectors with friendly one-on-one advice on how to begin a collection and how to recognize good quality costume jewelry. Background information for almost 130 different manufacturers, including the author s recommendations on which pieces from each designer are the most collectible, are provided. Over 200 new photos have been added to this edition, bringing the total to around 900 full-color photographs. A new section on miscellaneous makers is featured, and additional, up-to-date information about selling jewelry on eBay is provided. Once again, tips on how to upgrade a collection by selling to dealers and trading with friends; tips on how to catalog a collection; and tips on repairing, storing, and cleaning jewelry are included. A glossary of jewelry terms, complete bibliography, and an index of patent design numbers round out the book. 2008 values.

Co-written by antiques expert, Judith Miller and costume jewelry specialist, John Wainwright, DK Collector's Guides: Costume Jewelry traces the history of costume jewelry from ancient times to the present day. It also explains how social and economic developments, changing fashions, new materials, and manufacturing techniques, as well as the haute couture houses of the 1940s and '50s have influenced and inspired the industry. Over 1,500 collectible pieces are presented in full-color, in a catalog-style layout, with prices and sizes clearly displayed below each one. There are profiles of 20 major international designers and factories, including Joseff of Hollywood, Trifari, Miriam Haskell, and Christian Dior. In addition, pieces by 80 lesser-known names are displayed and priced, and there is a gallery of unsigned collectible pieces. Contextual notes explain the features that make the pieces desirable, and there are tips on what to look out for when buying. "Hot" collecting fields, such as Bakelite and Christmas Tree pins, are featured throughout. The book also includes a glossary of materials, a list of designer's and maker's marks, and a directory of specialized dealers. Book jacket.

Figural jewelry, a fashion forward choice, and popular item featured at top auction houses, represents about 75% of the costume jewelry market.

The ultimate vintage costume jewellery collectors' guide, written by the ultimate collector.