Does That Really Sell? Vintage Costume Jewelry Edition

When families inherit a home, one of the most commonly overlooked items are found in dressers, old shoe boxes, and jewelry boxes. The costume jewelry.

The tangled necklaces. The clip-on earrings. The rhinestone brooches. The chunky plastic bangles. The pieces that look outdated.

We hear it all the time:

“Nobody wants this stuff anymore, right?”

You’d be surprised…Vintage costume jewelry is one of the most shopped categories at our estate sales — and some pieces can be surprisingly valuable.

Brooches Are Back

For years, brooches had a reputation for feeling “old fashioned.” Now? They’re making a major comeback.

Shoppers of all generations are styling vintage brooches on denim jackets, hats, handbags, sweaters, and even wedding outfits. Maximalism is back in fashion, and people are gravitating toward unique accessories that tell a story.

At estate sales, we regularly see shoppers dig through jewelry boxes searching specifically for:

• Rhinestone brooches

• Floral pins

• Mid-century statement pieces

• Holiday brooch collections

• Gold-tone costume jewelry

Even pieces that aren’t worth a fortune still hold value because they’re distinctive, collectible, and impossible to replicate with modern fast fashion.

Costume Jewelry Can Be Worth Serious Money

One of the biggest surprises for families is learning that old plastic jewelry and unassuming clip-on earrings can be valuable. Certain vintage manufacturers like Bakelite and designers like Hattie Carnegie and Elsa Schiaparelli are highly collectible.

To the untrained eye, it often just looks like old plastic or throw-away jewelry.

To collectors? It’s treasure.

This is one of the reasons we always encourage families not to donate or toss any "worthless jewelry" before having someone knowledgeable look through it.

People Want Jewelry From The Past

There’s something deeply personal about vintage jewelry. Unlike modern mass-produced accessories, older jewelry often has character. It reflects a specific era, trend, or memory. Shoppers are drawn to pieces that feel unique and lived-in.

Some buyers collect certain decades. Some repurpose pieces into art. Some wear them every day. Some simply enjoy the nostalgia. Some are digging for the excitement of finding something special.

Our jewelry tables are always crowded.

Even Broken Jewelry Sells

This part surprises people the most. Even broken costume jewelry usually goes home with someone.

Why? Because shoppers and artists use broken pieces for:

• Crafts

• Mixed media art

• Mosaics

• Jewelry repair

• Upcycling

• Fashion projects

We’ve sold jars of single earrings, tangled necklaces, loose beads, and broken brooches more times than we can count.

One person’s “junk jewelry” is another person’s creative goldmine.

My Best Advice

Don't assume something has no value just because it feels outdated. The vintage market has changed dramatically over the last decade. Our shoppers, especially the younger generations, are embracing old costume jewelry with personality and history in a huge way.

Looking for guidance as you plan for an estate sale? Feel free to contact me anytime.

-Lizzy Doe, Founder

Soulshine Estate Sale Co.