How to Collect Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry

Purchase at least one comprehensive book about vintage rhinestone jewelry and learn all you can about the look and manufacturing techniques. Modern designers make reproductions of famous earlier rhinestone jewelry pieces. It is crucial that you be able to tell the difference between a vintage piece and a new one. If you are drawn to a particular rhinestone jewelry designer from the past, look for vintage magazine advertisements and books covering that particular jewelry.

Examine the piece with a jeweler's loupe before buying. Corrosion, missing stones and repairs are not always obvious to the naked eye. Always buy rhinestone jewelry in the best condition you can afford. Skip pieces with verdigris (green corrosion), missing stones and obvious or sloppy repairs. Even a piece that contains all white rhinestones may be difficult to find replacement stones for. Modern replacement rhinestones might look too shiny and new.

Test the piece's hardware. Make sure pin clasps and stems close properly. Make sure clip earring mechanisms snap closed and fit snugly on the ear. Make sure necklace and bracelet clasps close properly. Make sure none of the metal components have green corrosion or rust. While there are ways to remove some rust and corrosion, glue-set rhinestones in vintage pieces can easily become dislodged during scrubbing and cleaning.

Purchase pieces because they appeal to you, not because they are listed in a book to be extremely valuable or rare. One of the best perks of collecting vintage rhinestone jewelry is the fact that you can wear your collection. If you buy what you love, this will be an easy way for you to enjoy your collection as it grows.