***The winners of my Jennifer Locke Designs Giveaway are Pam L. and Tara! Please contact me with your email address so I can pass along to Jennifer and you can start designing your flower pin! Thanks to everyone who entered! ***
I’m not any expert by any means when it comes to consignment shopping but I have done extensive research and wanted to pass it along to my readers. I have been looking and wanting some vintage jewelry to add to my wardrobe because I am sure my flower pins are getting really annoying and boring:)
(cameo brooch- can be worn as a pendant or pin)
First off, let me just fully disclose that I do not and cannot go into thrift or consignment shops only because I am seriously allergic. I have attempted to many times and twice recently and ended up walking out sneezing like mad and welts on my face. Remember my seven confessions I did a while ago and I told you I am allergic to pretty much anything and everything? Yup, not fun. So I have limited myself to online consignment shopping which is much riskier since you can’t see or touch any of the items.
Tips for Thrift Shopping:
If you are going to go into thrift shops, first call and find out what day they are having their specials. Some consignment stores have a certain day where the sale is an extra % off. Usually, jewelry is placed in the glass cases by the register so head straight to that and go early during the day. All the good items will obviously go first.
1.)Price: I always set a limit for myself. Price is important because if it ends up breaking (vintage items are fragile), you are out that money. So that’s why I always give myself a limit so in the event the piece is junkie- then I am only out that money. But if you find something spectacular and love it, then definitely get it because it won’t be there for long!
2.) Condition: This is extremely important! Depending on the item, I look at the finish, the clasp, the gems, and the back of the item. Any green material on gold toned jewelry is NOT good! That green stuff is corrosion and will not come out and cannot be cleaned. If there are stones, wiggle them gently and some may be able to be tighten- check carefully.
3.) Signed Pieces: Look on the back of the brooch, pin, clasp of a necklace, bracelet or even on an earring clip. If you see a stamped name, that is the designer of that piece. Signed pieces are great because you know it’s authentic and not “pretend” vintage. Un-signed pieces are still great and there are some really pretty ones out there but signed pieces are more valuable (if you are buying to re-sell). If you are buying online, they usually disclose if it’s a signed piece or not. If there is a copyright symbol, that means that the piece was made after the year 1955 or so. If no symbol, you may have a real vintage piece that could date back to who knows! For sterling silver, make sure to look for 925 stamp.
4.) Pictures: When shopping online consignment (Ebay, goodwill etc…) always ask for pics of the back if they are not posted. You can really tell if a piece is in good condition from the back. And ask questions!! Ask if the pin or clasp is in good working condition. Pictures can be deceiving so buyer beware!
Some of my favorite online consignment shops include Ebay, Shop Goodwill and The Snob. Since I can’t go into thrift shops, I love that Goodwill is online now but the competition is stiff! There are always bids on the good stuff so make sure to constantly look for goodies!
Do you have any vintage jewelry and if so, where did you find it?
these are some great tips! i never knew about Goodwill's online shop or The Snob so i'm definitely checking them out now. and good tip on calling ahead to get information about when they have extra discount days.
I found that antique stores have great vintage jewelry and there's a much better selection than at thrift stores. I guess that also comes with the price, but it's actually quite affordable. I only found that out when hanging out with a bunch of guys when we were bored and they were the ones oogling the engagement rings! LOL! =)
I'm really glad that you wrote a post on vintage jewelry! I buy all of my jewelry from a collection of antique stores in Coldspring, NY. Antique jewelry seems to fit much better than modern jewelry. I got a beautiful pearl cluster ring that fits my size 4 finger perfectly, and a lovely little gold watch that fits my toddler-sized wrist very well, among many other great and moderately-priced finds.
I'd say going vintage is definitely the best option for petites who want well-fitting jewelry, and I appreciate your tips!
That sucks that you are so allergic…I have food allergies, so I can totally relate!! Oh, and so excited about being the contest winner! You know I will put that pin to good use!!
Oh great tips, Annie. I am now really liking the Cameo pendant necklace. The other piece (the gold leave) is so pretty and I have one piece in my hand now, thanks to you! Love it! I can't go into consignment shops either for a different reason. I have the most sensitive nose in the world and just can't stand the smell. On top of that, I don't like wearing pieces that I have no clue who the previous owner is. This is my pet peeve. A pendant or a necklace though I can handle. 🙂
Such a helpful post. Looks like you picked up some beautiful pieces. And great photos of them too! I haven't bought any actual vintage pieces but I am eying some vintage-looking jewelry on Etsy.
i love this post!! thanks for the tips.. i've always wanted to collect some vintage jewelry pieces.. but i'm so intimidated because i don't know what to do or look for.
Great tips! I had no idea Goodwill had an online store. I went to my local Salvation Army a few weeks ago to see if they had any vintage jewelry but to no avail so I'm happy for the online shopping tips!
Oh wow, that sucks that you are allergic, I love going antique shopping for jewelry. I've never even thought about doing it online as I love going in and finding things and touching them and putting them on before I buy them. That being said, I've never shopped at thrift/consignment shops, only at true antique stores so I think there may be a difference as antique dealers are a lot more picky about what they take in.
I really don't follow any rules when buying vintage jewelry which I have quite a collection of. I just buy what I like. I recently bought the most gorgeous bracelet from the 1950's that is so amazing and everyone that sees it wants it. I love finds like that where you know nobody else will have the same one. I feel like I stumble upon treasure whenever I find a beautiful vintage piece!
Thanks for this post! I think you've inspired me to pull out my vintage jewelry collection for a post!
@Mei Hi Mei! I honestly have no tips for shopping for vintage clothing only because I haven't done so myself. Not because I don't want to but can't since I am severely allergic to the stores:( I say it's hit or miss..if you find something you like, a good price and it fits- no brainer:)
@Mei Hi Mei! I honestly have no tips for shopping for vintage clothing only because I haven't done so myself. Not because I don't want to but can't since I am severely allergic to the stores:( I say it's hit or miss..if you find something you like, a good price and it fits- no brainer:)
@Mei Hi Mei! I honestly have no tips for shopping for vintage clothing only because I haven't done so myself. Not because I don't want to but can't since I am severely allergic to the stores:( I say it's hit or miss..if you find something you like, a good price and it fits- no brainer:)
Hi Annie,
I am a new reader and I am enjoying going threw your old posts. Can I ask you what the leaf brooch is called or where I can find it? It is really pretty. Thank you for sharing good tips. I really appreciate it!
Hi Boram! Welcome! The leaf brooch I got on ebay for $5 or $6…just search for vintage leaf brooches/pins and I’m sure you will find some! I’ve seen my exact one many times:)
Hi Annie, I am a new reader and I am enjoying going threw your old posts. Can I ask you what the leaf brooch is called or where I can find it? It is really pretty. Thank you for sharing good tips. I really appreciate it!
Hi Boram! Welcome! The leaf brooch I got on ebay for $5 or $6…just search for vintage leaf brooches/pins and I'm sure you will find some! I've seen my exact one many times:)
these are some great tips! i never knew about Goodwill's online shop or The Snob so i'm definitely checking them out now. and good tip on calling ahead to get information about when they have extra discount days.
cute and little
Great tips. I actually have never thought to shop for jewelry in thrift shops.
OMG! I have a pin very similar to that leaf pin! I should check out the back. I don't really like it so it's stashed away somewhere.
*Kat*
I found that antique stores have great vintage jewelry and there's a much better selection than at thrift stores. I guess that also comes with the price, but it's actually quite affordable. I only found that out when hanging out with a bunch of guys when we were bored and they were the ones oogling the engagement rings! LOL! =)
I'm really glad that you wrote a post on vintage jewelry! I buy all of my jewelry from a collection of antique stores in Coldspring, NY. Antique jewelry seems to fit much better than modern jewelry. I got a beautiful pearl cluster ring that fits my size 4 finger perfectly, and a lovely little gold watch that fits my toddler-sized wrist very well, among many other great and moderately-priced finds.
I'd say going vintage is definitely the best option for petites who want well-fitting jewelry, and I appreciate your tips!
That sucks that you are so allergic…I have food allergies, so I can totally relate!! Oh, and so excited about being the contest winner! You know I will put that pin to good use!!
I love this post! Very informative and I learned a few new things. : ) The jewelry you have posted are gorgeous!
xx The Little Dust Princess
didn't know goodwill is online now, very handy!
I enjoy thrifting as well! Don't usually find a lot in terms of jewelry…but I have found interesting photo frames and such.
@kileen Thanks Kileen! I hope you find some goodies:)
@galpal.hi OMG you do? You have to dig it up! I think it would look lovely with one of your outfits:)
@StylepintLOL, there aren't too many antique stores near me but I would love to go into one!
@ElizabethThanks Elizabeth! How cool that you have tons of antique stores to go to! Lucky girl! 🙂
@TaraOh Tara- it's awful! Hubby has banned me from going to anymore because I have such a bad attack:(
@The Little Dust PrincessThanks Jessy! And I do love my new/old pieces 🙂
@CarolynDef check it out Carolyn! Glad you found it handy:)
@CallandraOoo I love photo frames! You should do a post on them..hehehe
Oh great tips, Annie. I am now really liking the Cameo pendant necklace. The other piece (the gold leave) is so pretty and I have one piece in my hand now, thanks to you! Love it!
I can't go into consignment shops either for a different reason. I have the most sensitive nose in the world and just can't stand the smell. On top of that, I don't like wearing pieces that I have no clue who the previous owner is. This is my pet peeve. A pendant or a necklace though I can handle. 🙂
Such a helpful post. Looks like you picked up some beautiful pieces. And great photos of them too! I haven't bought any actual vintage pieces but I am eying some vintage-looking jewelry on Etsy.
i love this post!! thanks for the tips.. i've always wanted to collect some vintage jewelry pieces.. but i'm so intimidated because i don't know what to do or look for.
Great tips! I had no idea Goodwill had an online store. I went to my local Salvation Army a few weeks ago to see if they had any vintage jewelry but to no avail so I'm happy for the online shopping tips!
@Vicky Thanks Vicky!!!! You like the cameo pendant…? I love it too and it can be worn as a pin as well:)
So glad you got your leaf pin- can't wait until you get it and see how you style it!
@Vicky Thanks Vicky!!!! You like the cameo pendant…? I love it too and it can be worn as a pin as well:)
So glad you got your leaf pin- can't wait until you get it and see how you style it!
@R.L. I checked on Etsy too..that's a great place to look! Thanks for reminding me!
@lisa Thanks Lisa! That's how I was until I really starting looking- you just gotta find a style that you love and hunt it down:)
@SewPetiteGal I know right? I found it while I was doing my research on vintage jewelry…it's tough competition though! Worse than ebay!
Oh wow, that sucks that you are allergic, I love going antique shopping for jewelry. I've never even thought about doing it online as I love going in and finding things and touching them and putting them on before I buy them. That being said, I've never shopped at thrift/consignment shops, only at true antique stores so I think there may be a difference as antique dealers are a lot more picky about what they take in.
I really don't follow any rules when buying vintage jewelry which I have quite a collection of. I just buy what I like. I recently bought the most gorgeous bracelet from the 1950's that is so amazing and everyone that sees it wants it. I love finds like that where you know nobody else will have the same one. I feel like I stumble upon treasure whenever I find a beautiful vintage piece!
Thanks for this post! I think you've inspired me to pull out my vintage jewelry collection for a post!
Hi Annie,
Do you have any tips for vintage clothing?
Thanks for this post. I also didn't know about goodwill's online store.
@Mei Hi Mei! I honestly have no tips for shopping for vintage clothing only because I haven't done so myself. Not because I don't want to but can't since I am severely allergic to the stores:( I say it's hit or miss..if you find something you like, a good price and it fits- no brainer:)
@Mei Hi Mei! I honestly have no tips for shopping for vintage clothing only because I haven't done so myself. Not because I don't want to but can't since I am severely allergic to the stores:( I say it's hit or miss..if you find something you like, a good price and it fits- no brainer:)
@Mei Hi Mei! I honestly have no tips for shopping for vintage clothing only because I haven't done so myself. Not because I don't want to but can't since I am severely allergic to the stores:( I say it's hit or miss..if you find something you like, a good price and it fits- no brainer:)
Hello, I
Hi Annie,
I am a new reader and I am enjoying going threw your old posts. Can I ask you what the leaf brooch is called or where I can find it? It is really pretty. Thank you for sharing good tips. I really appreciate it!
Hi Boram! Welcome! The leaf brooch I got on ebay for $5 or $6…just search for vintage leaf brooches/pins and I’m sure you will find some! I’ve seen my exact one many times:)
Just sent you an email!!! 🙂
Hi Annie,
I am a new reader and I am enjoying going threw your old posts. Can I ask you what the leaf brooch is called or where I can find it? It is really pretty. Thank you for sharing good tips. I really appreciate it!
Hi Boram! Welcome! The leaf brooch I got on ebay for $5 or $6…just search for vintage leaf brooches/pins and I'm sure you will find some! I've seen my exact one many times:)
Just sent you an email!!! 🙂