Recognizing Vintage "Costume" Jewelry

Looking at the back of the jewelry piece is a real plus.  I would say that of all of the characteristics that you can look for to recognize vintage jewelry would be to inspect the back of the piece.

In the title, I clarified my post to further narrow the vintage jewelry area to vintage "costume" jewelry.  I am by far no jewelry expert but by researching, reading reference books, and pouring over web sites on vintage jewelry, I have come up with a pointer or two.

As you look at the back of the piece, keep track of how the back looks as it is a true clue to the age of the piece.  Reference books on Costume Jewelry are invaluable as they give you details on how the majority of jewelry backs will look during a particular time period.  

My next suggestion would be to look for a signature or mark which is usually on the back of the jewelry.  This is also referred to as a makers mark.  I used this example because the particular piece has a stamped MONET mark on the back of the brooch which is easy to read and identify.  When you are just beginning to collect vintage jewelry, I would try and pick as many signed pieces as possible.  There are quite a few of signed Sarah Coventry, Monet, and Trifari.  All three of these companies have new items that carry new hallmarks so be on the lookout for these newer items as they will not fall into the vintage category.  

Speaking of Monet, there is a reference book that I own, that is specifically about the history of Monet jewelry.  It is not my most used reference book but it is one that I'm happy to have in my Costume Jewelry reference collection.  Here is the information below:

Monet: The Master Jewelers

Alice Vega , with Photography by Terry Niefield