Vintage Jewelry and “Oops”
I was a beader before getting into costume jewelry. (Actually, I still am a beader, in addition to the vintage costume jewelry). Anyway, here's a story, and I wonder if it's happened to you as well.
About 4 years ago, I stopped by a flea market, to see what was available -- more or less just looking. At one of the tables, I spied a bunch of beads, so naturally I had to go and take a look.
There were the standard not-quite-vintage necklaces, none of which impressed me enough to check on the prices. Then I saw it; a beautiful triple-strand aurora borealis necklace. Even in the shadow of the tent it was in, it sparkled and shone. Hmm, what would it be like in the sunlight?
The woman selling the necklace told me that it had originally belonged to her mother, and it had been purchased in the late 50s. And amazing, there was a set of earrings to match!
Now I was looking to take that necklace apart, and use those beautiful aurora borealis crystal beads. (Are you cringing yet?) And that I did. And made them into some pretty jewelry.
But now when I think about the set itself, I wonder who made it. I've certainly seen similar sets that were signed. Some that went for more than I paid for the set, certainly.
Needless to say, I don't generally go looking for necklaces to pull apart for their beads anymore. At least, not without checking first to see if they are signed... 
I figure it's safer to just buy my beads from my regular beading sources these days.
Hopefully you haven't had a vintage jewelry "oops"! Meanwhile, here are some unsigned beaded necklaces that you can take apart.
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US $228.25
I had a different kind of vintage jewelry “oops” where I bought this vintage broach that had pearls and rhinestones. Over time I lost one of the pearls and some of the rhinestones. I didn’t bother to find matching pearls and rhinestones to replace the missing ones, although it was one of my favorite pins that I wore in the 1980’s.
Yes, I can’t count the pieces of jewelry I tossed because a stone had fallen out, or a pearl come off. We probably all have had that happen at some point or another.
But knowing what you do now, you can keep an eye out for other jewelry with missing pieces that match something you have, and be used for repairs. Sometimes you can get these “repair pieces” for a tiny sum, and use thir parts to fix a piece that’s more valuable.
I was wondering – beeing a starter collector and reseller – whether it ’s aloud to repair jewelry and resell the piece later with a good to excellent condition or not. I mean what do I have to say to somebody who is interested and what not? When I do not see any difference, can I I still sell it as having an exellent condition? What do you think? Thank you,
Marjolijn
Hi Marjolijn — thanks for the question! When it comes to costume jewelry, some collectors value the piece in its original condition, which includes patina and possibly some weak spots.
I think it’s certainly legitimate to fix a piece of jewelry so it’s “like new”. Replacing small chatons that have fallen out is a great example. And if you have replaced them with vintage chatons that are an exact match, and your resetting/glueing job is perfect, I don’t see a need to mention it.
However, if it was a main stone (especially if it was large and/or unusual), then that is something to let the buyer know.
Similarly, if you have made a repair, it’s only fair to let the buyer know. In most cases, they will be happy. But if someone is really hoping for an old, unaltered piece, it’s something they need to know.
So the best policy is to let the buyer know if you have made any repairs, excellent or not.
Hope this helps!
Gail