TREASURE HUNT!
Costume Jewelry

   For over twenty years, Kobey's has been a bargain hunter's paradise. In every Treasure Hunt installment, we feature unique or collectible items with low price tags found at Kobey's garage sales. Usually our treasures are worth much more than you'll pay at the swap.

 "Eisenberg Ice to melt her heart....to enthrall her....to enslave her.... reduce her resistance completely! On Valentine's Day, crystal or colored stones, big and bright as a Sultan's treasure."
"The lavish look...richly designed, brilliant with icy fire, crafted and hand-set like precious gems....to fulfill your love of luxury."
These dramatic descriptions from Eisenberg jewelry ads, a company popular since the 1930's, sum up the excitement and glamour associated with costume jewelry and why women still collect it.
   We found several good sources of costume jewelry at Kobey's in the back section, mostly on R-row.
In general, collectors look for signed designer jewelry like Eisenberg, or a specific material like Bakelite, a synthetic plastic. However, unidentified pieces are also snatched up because of a piece's sparkle, uniqueness, color, stone rarity, style or ability to accessorize a specific wardrobe.
   A signed piece will have the maker's mark stamped somewhere on the back of the piece. Eisenberg is considered one of the most desired designers, but there are many others including Coro, Weiss, Miriam Haskell, Art, Chanel and Monet.
   Just because a piece is unsigned doesn't mean it wasn't made by a popular designer. One can tell by the quality, style, arrangement and materials if a piece is that of a designer.
Many costume jewelry makers, such as Coro and Monet revolutionized jewelry design in terms of novelty and comfort. Jewelry characteristic of these innovations are more collectible.
Unless an item is marked for gold or silver content, it is probably pot metal with gold or silver "tone". Materials include rhinestones, Austrian crystals, aurora borealis, faux pearls and colored glass or plastic beads. It should be noted some costume jewelry is made of precious metals and gemstones (price will reflect it) so if there is a question, have it appraised.
   Other popular collectibles are made of molded vintage plastics made to look like expensive amber or ivory. Bakelite is the most recognized in this category. It was first used in fashion jewelry by Coco Chanel in the 1920's. One can tell it's genuine Bakelite as it has a slightly oily feel and is extremely solid.
   Vendor Joanie Brambora of Joanie's Jewels displays a brilliant collection of various signed and unsigned pieces and sets, Bakelite, celluloid jewelry and lovely rhinestones. Prices are negotiable. Call (619) 218-2932.
   We spoke with Xochitl ("so-chay") Gracia, a long-time collector of costume jewelry and a Kobey's shopper. She told us that a piece's designer and price were mostly unimportant to her; if she likes something, she buys it! One of her favorite pieces is a blue rhinestone necklace purchased from a Kobey's vendor for $50.
   When it comes down to it, what makes a piece valuable, aside from its condition, style and clarity, probably resides in the eye of the beholder.

Do you have a treasure finding story to share with us? Call (619) 523-2700 x318 or write: Kobey's Magazine, Attn: Editor, P. O. Box 81492, San Diego CA 92138 or email: liz@kobeys.com