“Wearing costume jewelry is like wearing glass slippers. You can feel like you’re going to the ball, even if you’re not.”
Kenneth J. Lane in Faking It
Most vintage fashionistas I know also harbor a deep love for vintage costume jewelry and any vintage costume jewelry lover is bound to adore Judith Miller’s new book, Costume Jewelry.
This dazzling presentation of page after page of full-color pictures of outstanding pieces of costume jewelry will leave you breathless.
But it isn’t just eye-candy!
This title is also a comprehensive guide that covers the history of costume jewelry from ancient times through the 21st century and that highlights major designers (think Haskell, Chanel, Vendome, and Carnegie), classic designers (think Bengel, Ciner, Danecraft), and rising stars (like Alexis Bittar, Mawi and Simon Mower).
You’ll also find information on lesser-known names, a look at the lives of the designers and their inspirations, and a guide to marks you can look for when searching for pieces to add to your own collection.
Judith Miller began collecting in the 1960s and today is considered to be a leading expert on antiques. She has written more than 100 books that are considered top-of-the-line by collectors and dealers around the world and appears regularly on TV and radio.
I am thrilled to have snagged a few minutes of her time for a quick interview with Zuburbia before she hopped on a plane to the US for an appearance in Los Angeles.
Judith, the economy is in its worst state in years. Why a book on vintage costume jewelry now?
Interesting…when you think that costume jewelry, which has been around since we left the caves, had its golden period after the Great Depression. I think maybe we need a little glitter, we need a little dazzle with diamante when all around us people are crying woe and gloom.
I am wearing my Joseff of Hollywood Russian gold Moon God with ruff pin today (p. 98 in the book) and I get so many comments about it.
How is the vintage costume jewelry market different today than it was a decade ago?
When we were shown a piece of costume jewelry on the BBC Antiques Roadshow 10 years ago we would say, “It’s lovely but it’s just glass and rhinestones and has no commercial value.” There was a market for it but it was very small and urban. Dior and Chanel had a following as did top-end Trifari but that was it.
How do you think the vintage costume jewelry market will look a decade from now?
I think that the great name top-quality pieces will be out of the eBay market and into the specialist auction market and very upmarket vintage stores. I think people will look more at the well-designed unsigned pieces which are very affordable now.
What is the one most important piece of advice you can share with someone who is just beginning to collect vintage costume jewelry?
The same advice I would give to any fledgling collector. Do your research and learn how to look. Check for signatures. Look for quality. Is the piece glued or prong set? Are the stones multi-faceted? How good is the selection of stones? How attractive is the overall piece? Is it humorous? It is outrageous? Does it represent a strong collecting area like cats, frogs, dogs?
Do you have a personal favorite piece of vintage costume jewelry highlighted in this book?
That’s like asking me which of my children I prefer!
My poinsettia pin (p. 46), all my Joseff pieces, my Haskell necklace (p.56), my Stanley Hagler earrings (p. 66), my Chanel necklace (p. 105), my Lea Stein airdale terrier (p. 147). I could go on and on.
Also, two days ago Larry Vrba, who had just got a copy of the book, sent me a present of a pin designed for me. It’s so beautiful!
If you could time travel to a 100 years from now, what current jewelry designers do you think you’d be featuring in the revised edition of Costume Jewelry?
I have to say Larry Vrba! But really all the designers I feature from p. 230 on.
Thank you so much, Judith and have a wonderful trip!
I learned so much reading Judith’s book and I know I’ll refer to it again and again in the future as I continue to add to my vintage clothing collection.
Click here to grab your own copy and remember, it would also make a great gift for the vintage fashionistas on your holiday shopping list.
(Disclosures: Zuburbia is an Amazon affiliate and received a complimentary copy of this book for review.)
