Best tips for shopping for vintage jewelry at flea markets, thrift stores and estate sales

Okay vintage jewelry fans, here are my best tips for shopping for vintage jewelry at flea markets and thrift stores!

1. Ask if they have more jewelry -broken or mismatched – many pieces dropped off at the Thrift Stores, just need a simple repair; be it a new clasp, or replacing a stone. Assess what you are comfortable doing regarding repairs. Also, the creative minded will be able to see how to change a piece up or repurpose. Likewise, at the flea market, sometimes people have a tray of mismatched or broken pieces. Often they won’t put these out assuming that people are only interested is pieces in good working order. I have found some of my best pieces in these kinds of boxes and bins. For example, I bought a gorgeous, gold tone St. John collar necklace (signed), for $ 5.00 a few years ago, that somehow ended up in a large bin of broken pieces!
Look for signatures – 1980s and 90s names are very hot right now. These include Karl Lagerfeld, St. John, Christian Dior, Ann Klein, Oscar de la Renta, etc. I am loving all the big bold pieces from the early 90’s and am thrilled I kept all of my jewelry from this time period! As with all fashion, trends always come back around!

2. Good design -Even if there no signature, if the piece is of good design, or good colors, or beautifully composed it can still be a great piece. Use your gut instinct here, if you like the piece and are attracted to it, and if is fairly priced, buy it!

3. Signs of good quality: Always look for prong set rhinestones- denotes good quality and look for a nice clasp -again, indicative of good quality.

4. Bring your own baggies and tissue to properly wrap any pieces you purchase and I like to shop with a backpack so that I can have both hands free to shop. Also, carry a handi-wipe or hand sanitizer because most of the time vintage jewelry is a little dirty and your hands will get soiled going through large batches of jewelry.

5. Bring a loupe, reading glasses or magnifying glass to best inspect jewelry and look for a signature.
Always ask if the price is negotiable or if you buy several pieces, can a multiple piece purchase discount apply.

6. Use your smart phone to quickly look up prices of like items on eBay to check asking prices, rarity, etc.
Pack a small cooler with lunch and beverages. If I am going to the flea market, I like to pack my own lunch with an iced tea. It’s nice to spend the morning shopping and then take a break back at the car with a nice lunch or snack! And I like to save my money so I can spend more on jewelry and other fun vintage merchandise!

7. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt! This is one of my favorite parts of flea marketing and thrifting – finding fabulous, cool jewels!

Like these tips? Think your friends will too? Feel free to share them!