8 Pieces of Vintage Costume Jewelry That Are Actually Valuable

It’s never too late to start building wealth, and there is no shortage of strategies to get the job done. One way to accomplish your goal is to hit estate sales, thrift stores, and flea markets to look for hidden gems — literally.

While many write off costume jewelry as cheap, chintzy, and gauche, some pieces can make you money in the secondhand market.

As long as you are patient, have a discerning eye, and have access to good stock, you can make good money.

Editor’s Note: Vintage products’ availability and price are subject to change.

When it was first introduced, costume jewelry mimicked fine jewelry. Beginning in the 1920s, the popularity of costume jewelry really began to take off.

Eye-catching jewelry made from lower-value materials during that era — think crystals instead of diamonds, for example — was big, bold, and elegantly crafted.

Today, vintage costume jewelry can be highly collectible and a great way to make extra money.

The biggest name in valuable vintage costume jewelry is Coco Chanel, a pioneer. Because of this, there are a ton of fakes out there, so be careful when scouting for this brand.

Other notable designers include Yves Saint Laurent, Eisenberg, Miriam Haskell, Trifari, Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, Hobé, Marcel Boucher, and more.

Some non-designer brands sell, too, such as Monet and Napier.

Look for both elegant craftsmanship and the signature of the jewelry maker. Or there might be a maker’s mark, which is some kind of identifying symbol. Google is your friend.

You should also look for hallmarks such as poured glass or stones set in a creative manner — artists enjoy experimenting, after all. Condition and weight matter, too.

Some sets have fetched impressive prices at auction. For example, a five-piece Chanel set with a fake pearl choker and brooch with two pairs of crystal earrings sold for $2,772 in 2024.

A Miriam Haskell set containing a ruby-colored crystal and diamond-like rhinestone necklace with earrings sold for $950 in 2024.

In 2023, another Miriam Haskell set with a colorful beaded necklace and matching earrings snagged $2,400.

Some vintage costume necklaces certainly have value. In 2021, a Chanel necklace made of fake pearls and lucite sold for $875. It was unsigned, too.

In 2024, a Tifari necklace designed with enamel, crystals, and rhinestones made to look like emeralds and diamonds fetched $3,600.

That same year, a Christian Dior necklace made of red glass beads and designed by John Galliano went for $4,400.

Cuffs and bracelets also make their way onto the auction circuit. For example, a set of three Chanel cuffs made of velvet and gilt metal went for $1,375 in 2021.

In 2023, a poured glass Trifari bracelet accented with crystal stones sold for $4,200.

Meanwhile in 2024, a Christian Lacroix cuff made of gilt metal and enamel sold for $700.

Brooches can fetch serious cash, like a Chanel gilt metal and glass brooch with fake pearls that sold for $2,142 in 2023.

This year, a Schreiner brooch with a Peking glass center accented with rhinestones and crystals made $3,400.

A more modest find is a brass Miriam Haskell brooch with fake pearls, poured glass, and gold leaf that fetched $250 in 2024.

Vintage costume earrings — especially for pierced ears — are a hot commodity. In 2021, an enamel and glass pair from Chanel set in gilt metal sold for $1,875.

A year later, a pair of gold-tone Miriam Haskell earrings accented with fake pearls and rhinestones sold for $160.

In 2023, a pair of rhinestone and base metal clip-ons designed by Yves Saint Laurent fetched $2,772.

Fur may be controversial, but vintage costume fur clips aren’t, and they still sell at auction. In 2023, a silver Eisenberg clip decorated with rhinestones sold for $140. Not too shabby.

At the same auction, two complementing Coro fur clips decorated with emerald-green and diamond-like rhinestones went for $375.

Another Eisenberg fur clip with a large blue crystal and accents snagged $375 in 2020.

Vintage dress clips can make you money, like a pair of French art deco insect-inspired dress clips studded in rhinestones. The clips sold for $550 in 2023.

A solo Eisenberg dress clip made with glittering blue and teardrop-shaped crystals fetched $500 in 2022.

A second Eisenberg dress clip featuring red, ruby-cut crystals left the block at $225 in 2021.

Pendants, hair clips, pins, and other miscellaneous pieces also pop up on the auction block.

A Coro hair clip in the shape of two birds and made of enamel and rhinestones recently fetched $160. A Marcel Boucher pin set featuring emerald-cut crystals sold for $225 in 2023.

Lots are also a common sight and often can be worth hundreds.

We all want to eliminate some money stress, and plenty of us are willing to get creative to do so. Jumping into the vintage costume jewelry market can be one way to accomplish that, especially if you have a good eye.

You also should be good at building relationships with buyers, jewelers, auction houses, and anyone else who can help you get your venture going strong.