Costume jewelry is a category of jewelry that is designed to mimic the appearance of fine jewelry using inexpensive materials. Glass, plastic, and semi-precious stones are used in place of sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Nickel alloys and stainless steel may also be used to substitute for gold and silver. While costume jewelry is made to be affordable, vintage costume jewelry from bygone eras can be worth decent sums of money. Selling pieces to vintage costume jewelry buyers is one way to make some extra money. Here are some places you can find vintage costume jewelry to sell:

1. Family Members' Wardrobes

Your mother and grandmother likely wore jewelry in their youth. While people can continue enjoying fashionable accessories at any age, people's taste often changes as they mature. Your family members may have costume jewelry that they no longer use, and they may not realize its worth. You can volunteer to clean out your family members' wardrobes to help them declutter. Helping your family members sell their vintage costume jewelry to buyers can help them make the most of the jewelry they already own.

2. Your Own Jewelry Drawer

Costume jewelry doesn't need to be antique in order to be considered vintage. If you have jewelry that is a couple of decades old, it may qualify as vintage. When looking for costume jewelry pieces to sell, don't forget to check your own jewelry drawer. You probably have necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that you no longer wear. Instead of allowing them to collect dust in your closet, you can sell them to a costume jewelry buyer and use the money you gain to invest in new pieces of jewelry instead.

3. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are an excellent source of bargains. You can find housewares, clothing, and many other everyday items at your local thrift store. Most thrift stores also have a jewelry section where you can browse used jewelry from a number of sources. Most of the jewelry found at a thrift store is considered costume jewelry. With a keen eye, you'll be able to identify vintage pieces by their characteristics. Reselling thrifted costume jewelry to vintage costume jewelry buyers is a great way to make some extra income.

4. Estate Sales

Finally, you can find vintage costume jewelry at estate sales. Estate sales are typically held when a person passes away, leaving behind a home filled with possessions. Many estate sales feature fine jewelry, but you may also find vintage and antique costume jewelry that you can resell. 

For more information, contact a local vintage costume jewelry buyer. 

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