Five Great Vintage Jewelry Brands to Collect

 

5 Great Vintage Jewelry Brands to Look For When You’re Just Starting to Collect

 Beginner’s Guide for Vintage Jewelry Lovers

Are you just starting your journey into the sparkling world of vintage jewelry? Whether you’ve stumbled across a few pieces at a flea market or inherited a jewelry box from a relative, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. One of the best places to start is by learning about some of the most collectible — and accessible — vintage jewelry brands. These makers are beloved by collectors, often easy to find, and known for quality and style.

Here are five vintage costume jewelry companies that are perfect for beginners to start exploring:

1. Trifari 

Why We Love It:
Trifari is one of the most iconic names in vintage costume jewelry. Known for elegant designs and high-quality craftsmanship, Trifari pieces are timeless and highly collectible — but still relatively affordable for beginners.

What to Look For:

• Signed pieces (look for “Trifari” with or without the crown above the “T”)
• Classic motifs like leaves, flowers, and faux pearls
• Pieces designed by Alfred Philippe are especially desirable

Tip: Trifari jewelry from the 1940s–1960s is considered the golden era.

2. Monet

Why We Love It:
Monet jewelry is chic, classic, and often gold-plated — giving you high-end looks without the high-end price. Their bold yet wearable designs make them great for everyday styling.

What to Look For:

• Heavy, high-quality finishes (especially gold-tone pieces)
• Statement necklaces, clip-on earrings, and bangles
• Clean “MONET” signature on the back

Tip: Monet jewelry holds up beautifully over time, making it perfect for vintage wearers, not just display

3. Coro  

Why We Love It:
Coro was one of the largest and most prolific costume jewelry makers in the U.S., which means their pieces are easy to find and come in a wide range of styles — from sweet florals to patriotic pins.

What to Look For:

• Coro, Corocraft, or Vendome signatures
• Duette brooches (a Coro invention – two clips that form one brooch!)
• Colorful rhinestone pieces from the 1930s–50s

Tip: Start by collecting brooches — they’re small, affordable, and full of vintage charm.

4. Sarah Coventry 

Why We Love It:
Known as “Sarah Cov” to collectors, this company offered affordable, stylish jewelry sold at home parties — similar to Tupperware. Many pieces are named, making them fun to collect and research.

What to Look For:

• Lightweight but stylish pieces from the '60s and '70s
• Mod and floral designs
• Clearly marked “Sarah Coventry” or “Sarah Cov”

Tip: Sarah Coventry sets (matching earrings, brooches, and necklaces) are fun to hunt for and easy to wear.

5. Weiss 

Why We Love It:
If you love sparkle, Weiss is your brand! Known for dazzling rhinestones and glamorous designs, Weiss jewelry screams vintage glam.

What to Look For:

• Bright rhinestones (especially aurora borealis!)
• Snowflake-like brooches and clustered earrings
• Pieces signed “WEISS” on the back

Tip: Weiss is perfect for holiday looks or anyone wanting to add a touch of drama to their wardrobe.

 Final Thoughts for New Collectors

Start small, trust your instincts, and most importantly — collect what you love. These brands are a great starting point because they combine beauty, affordability, and history. As you gain experience, you’ll start to recognize styles, signatures, and materials, and before you know it, you’ll have your own curated vintage treasure trove.

Happy hunting!

 Jen and Ida

Western Germany vs. Germany Vintage Jewelry

 

Western Germany vs. Germany Vintage Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve spent time browsing vintage jewelry—whether online, at estate sales, or in grandma’s jewelry box—you might have noticed pieces marked “Western Germany” and others simply marked “Germany.” At first glance, they might seem the same, but those little labels actually tell a fascinating story about history, craftsmanship, and post-war identity.

So what’s the difference? Let’s take a quick, friendly tour through vintage jewelry and European history to find out!

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A Quick History Lesson (Don’t Worry, It’s Fun!)
After World War II, Germany was divided into two separate countries:

West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany)

East Germany (German Democratic Republic)

This division lasted from 1949 to 1990. During that time, most jewelry marked “Western Germany” was made in—you guessed it—West Germany. It was a way to indicate origin, especially for export purposes, as the country was split and needed clear labeling.

So if you see “Western Germany” on a vintage brooch, clip-on earrings, or a beaded necklace, it likely dates from the 1950s to late 1980s—the Cold War era.

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Jewelry Just Marked “Germany”
Pieces marked simply as “Germany” could mean a few different things:

Pre-WWII (Before 1945): Older vintage or antique pieces often just say “Germany,” and may be from the 1920s, 30s, or earlier.

Post-Reunification (After 1990): After East and West Germany reunited in 1990, manufacturers went back to labeling jewelry as “Germany.”

Generic or Unspecified Timeframe: Sometimes manufacturers didn’t distinguish between East or West, especially for domestic sales or before labeling laws became stricter.

Note:
🟡 “Germany” could mean pre-1949 or post-1990.
🟢 “Western Germany” almost always means 1949–1990.

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What About East Germany Jewelry?
East Germany also produced jewelry, but it was often not widely exported, and much of it was mass-produced with more modest materials. If marked at all, it might say “GDR” (German Democratic Republic) or “Made in East Germany.” These are much rarer to find in vintage shops outside of Europe.

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Why Does This Matter for Collectors?
Knowing the difference between these markings helps you:

Date your vintage finds more accurately

Understand the historical context behind the piece

Spot authentic mid-century costume jewelry

Appreciate the craftsmanship typical of West German jewelry (think: high-quality glass beads, creative designs, and meticulous assembly)

Western Germany jewelry, in particular, is known for its colorful, whimsical, and high-quality costume pieces, especially from the 1950s and 60s.

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Things to Remember
Next time you spot a beautiful vintage brooch or a glitzy beaded necklace marked “Western Germany,” know that you’re holding a piece of Cold War history—crafted with care during a unique moment in time. Whether you're a collector, seller, or just someone who loves a good story behind their accessories, these small markings open a fascinating window into the past.

So wear your vintage jewelry with pride—you’re carrying a little bit of European history!

Eisenberg and Eisenberg Ice Vintage Jewelry

 

Eisenberg Vintage Jewelry History

Early Years

Eisenberg & Sons, Inc. was established in 1914 by Jonas Eisenberg. Initially, the company focused on creating dresses, particularly for the growing ready-to-wear market. The exquisite rhinestone embellishments decorating these dresses became so popular that customers began requesting to purchase them separately. Recognizing demand, Eisenberg transitioned into producing costume jewelry in the 1930s.

The earliest Eisenberg jewelry pieces are highly sought after by collectors today. These pieces, often unsigned, are recognizable by their exceptional quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and the use of high-grade Austrian crystals. The designs of this era reflected the Art Deco style, with geometric patterns and bold, symmetrical arrangements. Floral motifs also started to appear, showcasing Eisenberg's dedication to intricate detail.

Notable Designs and Innovations

Eisenberg jewelry is famous for its innovative designs and the use of top-quality materials. Some of the most notable characteristics include:

·       Large, Brilliant Stones: Eisenberg favored sizable, eye-catching rhinestones, often in a variety of cuts and colors, creating a dazzling effect.

·       Intricate Settings: The stones were meticulously set in rhodium-plated base metal, ensuring durability and a luxurious finish.

·       Figural Brooches: Eisenberg produced a wide array of figural brooches depicting animals, flowers, and other whimsical subjects. These brooches are particularly prized for their detail and artistry.

·       Signed Pieces: From the early 1940s onwards, Eisenberg began signing their pieces, initially with "Eisenberg Original" and later simply "Eisenberg". The signatures add to the collectability and value of these pieces.

Eisenberg jewelry pieces were generally larger and of higher quality than many of its competitors. The use of clear rhinestones and sterling silver during wartime was both distinctive and desirable at the time and remains attractive to collectors today. Their designs were sophisticated and reflected popular trends. This helped to cement Eisenberg's reputation as a leader in the costume jewelry industry.

Eisenberg jewelry holds a significant place in the history of costume jewelry for several reasons:

·       Quality and Craftsmanship: Eisenberg consistently used high-quality materials and employed skilled artisans, resulting in pieces that are both beautiful and durable.

·       Design Innovation: The company's designers were always at the forefront of fashion, creating pieces that were both stylish and trendsetting.

·       Enduring Appeal: Eisenberg jewelry has maintained its popularity over the decades, continuing to be highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

·       Collectability: The rarity and quality of vintage Eisenberg jewelry have made it a favorite among collectors. Certain pieces, particularly those from the Art Deco era or signed "Eisenberg Original," can command high prices at auction.

·       Influence: Eisenberg set a high standard for costume jewelry design and quality, influencing countless other manufacturers.

Although the Eisenberg company has undergone changes over the years, its vintage jewelry remains as evidence to its commitment to quality, design, and enduring style. Each piece tells a story of a bygone era, capturing the glamour and elegance of mid-20th-century fashion.

Summary

Eisenberg jewelry began as an offshoot of a dressmaking business and quickly became a leading name in costume jewelry due to its quality materials, innovative designs, and enduring appeal. From Art Deco pieces to signed originals, Eisenberg jewelry remains highly collectible and a significant part of costume jewelry history. Its influence on design and commitment to quality continue to be recognized and appreciated by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Additional comments noted by Julia C. Carroll in "Costume Jewelry 101"

In Costume Jewelry 101, Julia C Carroll interviewed Karl Eisenberg, who was Jonas Eisenberg’s grandson. Jonas Eisenberg immigrated to Chicago from Austria in 1885.  He gave a general list of dates and their hallmarks for Eisenberg jewelry.  She explained that Eisenberg jewelry is difficult to precisely date by marks as the company did not necessarily retire one mark in favor of another. 

A few of the dates mentioned are below:

1942-1945 Jewelry marked E in script or black print

1941-1945 Eisenberg Sterling due to war effort or Eisenberg Originals

1945-1958 Eisenberg or Eisenberg Ice

1958-1970s Paper Tag or Eisenberg Ice

Some of the slogans used for advertisements for Eisenberg over the years included:  The glittering generation moves up to Eisenberg Ice, Midas Touch, and Jewelry of the Future. 

 

The History of Juliana Vintage Jewelry

The History of Juliana Vintage Jewelry

The world of vintage jewelry is vast and fascinating, encompassing numerous styles, designers, and eras. Among the most sought-after pieces are those from Juliana Jewelry and other distinct vintage collections. This blog post explores the history of Juliana Jewelry, delves into the realm of D & E Jewelry (the company behind Juliana), and provides insights into the unique characteristics of vintage jewelry in general, with a special focus on identifying unsigned Juliana pieces.

The Origins of D & E Jewelry

D & E Jewelry Company, officially known as DeLizza & Elster, was founded in 1947 by William DeLizza and Harold Elster in New York City. Unlike many jewelry manufacturers, D & E did not sell jewelry under its own brand name for many years. Instead, they designed and manufactured jewelry for other established fashion houses and retailers. This makes tracing their work a challenge, but also adds to the mystique and appeal of their creations.

The Juliana Line: A Revelation

In 1967, D & E launched its own jewelry line named Juliana. This line was produced for only a brief period, ceasing production in 1969, making Juliana pieces relatively scarce and highly desirable among collectors. What set Juliana apart was its distinctive design aesthetic, quality materials, and innovative construction techniques. The brand became known for bold designs, vibrant color combinations, and the use of high-quality rhinestones and art glass stones. Although the Juliana line was only produced for a few years, it had a massive impact on the world of fashion jewelry.

Identifying Unsigned Juliana Jewelry

Because Juliana jewelry was only signed for a short time, many pieces remain unsigned. Identifying these unsigned pieces requires a keen eye and familiarity with D & E's design characteristics. Here are some key features to look for:

·       Construction: o   Open-back settings o   Figure-eight puddling o   Use of rivets ·       Stones: o   High-quality rhinestones o   Unusual color combinations o   Variety of shapes and sizes ·       Design: o   Layered designs o   Intricate metalwork o   Asymmetrical arrangements

Juliana jewelry is known for its distinctive construction. Look for open-back settings, which allow light to pass through the stones, enhancing their brilliance. 'Figure-eight puddling' refers to the unique way the solder is applied to the back of the pieces, forming a figure-eight pattern. D & E often used rivets in their construction, a detail not commonly found in other costume jewelry. Juliana pieces often feature high-quality rhinestones, including chatons, navettes, and pear shapes. A hallmark of Juliana is the use of unusual color combinations. Many designs involved layered designs with intricate metalwork and asymmetrical arrangements of stones.

By familiarizing yourself with these characteristics, you can begin to identify unsigned Juliana pieces with greater confidence. Online resources, books, and jewelry collecting communities can also provide valuable insights and assistance.

The Enduring Appeal of Vintage Jewelry

Vintage jewelry, including Juliana, continues to captivate collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. These pieces offer a glimpse into the past, reflecting the styles, materials, and craftsmanship of bygone eras. Their unique designs and historical significance make them not only beautiful accessories but also cherished heirlooms.

In Summary

We have explored the rich history of Juliana Jewelry, tracing its origins to D & E Jewelry Company. Also sharing the unique characteristics of Juliana's designs, particularly those of these unsigned pieces, and emphasized the enduring appeal of vintage jewelry as a whole. By understanding the history and identifying features of these pieces, collectors can appreciate their beauty and significance for generations to come.

The Top Ten Reasons to Buy Vintage Jewelry

The Top Ten Reasons to Buy Vintage Jewelry
June 23, 2025

Are you looking for a way to add some unique flair to your style? Do you want to make more sustainable fashion choices? Vintage jewelry offers a blend of unique style, historical significance, and sustainable practices that modern jewelry often can’t match. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider buying vintage jewelry.

1. Unique Style and Character
   Vintage jewelry offers one-of-a-kind designs that you simply won’t find in contemporary stores. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the craftsmanship and aesthetic of a bygone era. Wearing vintage jewelry allows you to stand out from the crowd with pieces that exude character and individuality.

2. Higher Quality Craftsmanship
   Many vintage jewelry pieces were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and superior materials. Before mass production became the norm, jewelers often used higher quality metals and stones, resulting in durable, well-made pieces. When you buy vintage, you are investing in jewelry built to last.

3. Sustainability and Ethical Consumption
   Choosing vintage jewelry is an environmentally friendly choice. By purchasing pre-owned pieces, you reduce the demand for newly mined materials, which can have significant environmental and social impacts. Vintage jewelry supports sustainable fashion and encourages more responsible consumption.

4. A Piece of History
   Vintage jewelry is more than simple adornment; it is a tangible link to the past. Each piece carries the history of the era in which it was created and often the stories of its previous owners. Owning vintage jewelry allows you to connect with history in a personal and meaningful way.

5. Investment Potential
   Certain vintage jewelry pieces can appreciate in value over time, especially those created by well-known designers or from rare periods. While not every piece is a guaranteed investment, carefully chosen vintage jewelry can become a valuable asset. Research and buying from reputable vintage dealers can help guide smart purchases.

6. Conversation Starters
   Wearing vintage jewelry is a natural conversation starter. Unique designs often draw attention and spark curiosity, giving you the opportunity to share the history and story behind your piece. Vintage jewelry allows you to express your personality while sharing your passion for timeless style.

7. Affordability
   Although some rare vintage pieces can be expensive, many vintage jewelry items are surprisingly affordable. You can often find beautifully crafted pieces at a fraction of the cost of comparable new jewelry. Antique shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces are excellent places to uncover hidden treasures.

8. Wide Variety of Styles
   Vintage jewelry spans a wide range of styles and eras, from Victorian romance and Art Nouveau elegance to Art Deco glamour and mid-century modern designs. Whether your taste is bold and geometric or delicate and ornate, there is vintage jewelry to suit every style preference.

9. Heirloom Potential
   Vintage jewelry makes meaningful heirlooms to pass down through generations. By preserving and sharing these pieces, you are not only keeping history alive but also creating a lasting legacy for your family. Each piece can carry stories and memories far into the future.

10. Supporting Small Businesses and Collectors
    Buying vintage jewelry often means supporting small businesses, independent dealers, and dedicated collectors. Your purchase helps sustain a vibrant community of vintage enthusiasts and promotes the preservation of historical pieces. It is a purchase you can feel good about on many levels.

Vendoo for your Reselling Inventory

 

As you may have noticed from some of my previous posts, I am so happy with the program Vendoo.  During the last few months, I have discovered that it is the perfect tool for me to use for tracking inventory of my online reselling items.  Originally, I purchased Vendoo so that I could list items on eBay and Poshmark and Vendoo would mark the item as sold and you didn't have to worry about an item being left online for sale after it has been purchased on another platform.  This was great and I appreciated this feature for much.  Unfortunately, Poshmark made a new rule starting in May preventing you from not delisting and relisting items unless it met specific criteria.  If I only had a few items, probably it wouldn't be a big deal but since I had over 2,000 items listed on Poshmark, I wanted to go in and adjust my prices when I thought it was necessary and I did it on Vendoo where my inventory is kept, which meant I delisted and relisted several hundred items in a few hours.  Poshmark flagged my account and suspended my listing on their platform.  They said it was against their new rule.  On the other hand, eBay actually encourages you to relist items once a month and make new listings.  So, we decided to remove all listings from Poshmark to solve this issue that they called a listing problem. Using Vendoo, I can move items between Etsy and eBay, with no problems.  I realized that using Vendoo has given me an amazing inventory program so that every item I have listed, is on Vendoo.  I have presently around 4, 400 items listed on eBay or Etsy and I am able to track which items are on which platform easily with the cost of goods recorded.  It is a game changer for me. 

So if you have been looking for a great inventory program for your online items, please give Vendoo a look.  Again, I am not sponsored by Vendoo in any way and am a paid customer.  I am just very happy with their services.  Plus, their customer service is great, too!

Continue to Enjoy Vendoo for New Perks

 As with any software program, you learn about the special features as you use the product and as time passes.  This is what happened to me with Vendoo. My latest discovery using Vendoo is that when you sell an item, if you complete the selling fees and cost of goods sold and any additional shipping costs that you paid for, and list these details on Vendoo, it will track your analytics.  By filling out this information, you have your own analytics on the items you have sold which you can sort by day, month, year, etc.   For me, I just started completing these details but I'm trying to go back and fill them in, at least through January 1st so that I will have them completed for taxes next year.  You are able to see what platform you preformed best on and lots of other details.  

I have now uploaded all of my items for sale on Etsy, Poshmark, and eBay to Vendoo.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, it continues to take the item down from other platforms when it sells within about five minutes or so and I love that.  

Today, I went through some stale inventory on Etsy and moved it over to Poshmark and Ebay which I have also done in reverse if the items fit Etsy's categories.  

I am not sponsored by Vendoo and paid for all of their services from my own pocket.  I just like to find honest feedback on programs out there that are not swayed by sponsorships.  Sponsorships are fine as I watch them consistently on artists I follow but in this case, I want to read an unbiased review. 

Another reason I am excited to find Vendoo keeping track of sales and details is that I had been paying for Quickbooks Self-Employed for a whole year and when taxes were due this year and I was ready to use Quickbooks Self-Employed, and I can't get into my account, even though they had taken my monthly $25 every month, and I find out they discontinued this product and never notified me of it.  What a shock!  However, the good news is that I learned from doing my taxes this year that their product was not needed.  I was able to download all of the information I needed from my selling platforms to complete my tax information. I was not happy that I was out the monthly money which served me NONE.  Quickbooks self employed never tracked inventory and it was one of the areas that I found lacking.  In any event, I have moved on from that product and am even more excited about Vendoo.  

All in all, I hope me sharing this information with you about my small business will help you in some small way with yours.  

Take care!  

Vendoo - Cross Sharing Platform

 If you have never tried a cross sharing program, you may like to try Vendoo.  They offer five free posts to see how you like their platform.  

Here is my referral link for Vendoo:

Vendoo Referral Link

I have an Etsy store which I do not plan to cross-list most of my items, however, I have a Poshmark store and decided it would be a good idea to add Ebay to future items posted on Poshmark. I tried adding Ebay in the past but the program I was using did not have the capacity to take down the item sold from the other apps.  Now, Vendoo offers this feature. I'm thrilled. I started using Vendoo for the items I sell on Poshmark and Ebay in the middle of December.  In the past, I tried selling duplicate items on several platforms but never gave it long enough to work.  This time, I have committed to giving this app a fair chance for success.  In the last few days, I have sold two items on two different platforms and without any problems, Vendoo removed the items from the other platforms where I had the items for sale within minutes.  It is working seamlessly. 

If you would like to sell the same items on multiple platforms, please give Vendoo a try. I believe you will like it!

**** Update: February 20, 2025

I love Vendoo! I have updated the app to a year's subscription.  There are several reasons why I love it.

The first reason is that when I add inventory in Vendoo, I can decide where I want to post it or I can leave it in Drafts.  They keep your inventory forever so if you purchase a subscription for listing 250 items and you have over 1,000 in your inventory, those items remain.  You are only charged for the newly added items that month.  As I mentioned before, I rarely crosslist my Etsy items.  There are several reasons for that which I won't go into now but occasionally I will take an item off of Etsy and move it to eBay.  It gives it new life and I can reword the original listing.  

So, the second reason I love Vendoo is that I have removed about a hundred listings off of Etsy and relisted them on eBay with new description and sometimes, a new price.  These items were easily uploaded to my inventory and each one counts as a new item. With Vendoo unlimited, I can upload my whole 2500 items from Etsy to eBay if I wanted to do so, which I do not.  I love the ability to add inventory as needed.  If you do not have a big shop then you might not want the unlimited subscription but you can still save money with the yearly subscription in various numbers added to inventory.  

The third reason I love the unlimited Vendoo subscription is that I have a very large inventory.  My original thought was that I would list about three or four items a day but then realized I would never reach the end of my inventory in my life time so I added the eBay store and began listing about 8 to 10 items a day.  I crosslist these items to Poshmark and Mercari.  I sell regularly on Poshmark and eBay but have yet to sell on Mercari.  So, I decided to remove all of my listings from Mercari because in three months, I did not sell one item on Mercari.  I did receive likes.  Several years ago I had listings on Mercari and sold several here and there but for the last few months, all I hear is crickets. I'm not sure what happened but it isn't worth my time to add listings for no results.  Even though it is crosslisting, there are still things that each individual platform requires you to complete with information so for now I am not using Mercari. I'm busy with Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark so I'm super happy and again, love Vendoo!