12 Best Older Costume Jewelry Brands
The best costume jewelry brands from the mid-20th century created pieces that rival fine jewelry in beauty and craftsmanship, all without the hefty price tag or commitment. These costume jewelry brands helped shape the fashion industry, turning accessories into expressive works of art that people could enjoy forever.
This guide explores 12 legendary costume jewelry brands that defined an era, from Trifari's Art Deco elegance to Miriam Haskell's handcrafted romance. You'll learn how to identify authentic vintage jewelry, understand what makes these vintage costume jewelry brands so valuable, and discover where to find these treasured brands today.
1. Trifari
Trifari is one of the most influential names in American costume jewelry, celebrated for elegant designs that combine glamour with everyday wearability. Its iconic “Crown Trifari” line introduced refined silhouettes, sparkling rhinestones, and thoughtful craftsmanship that often rivaled fine jewelry of the era.
While Art Deco–inspired pieces remain highly collectible, Trifari’s coveted “jelly belly” vintage brooches are especially prized for their playful detail and sculptural appeal. With Neo Deco projected as a key fashion influence for 2026, these designs continue to feel strikingly relevant. When authenticating Trifari pieces, look for the crown-over-T stamp and well-secured stone settings.
2. Miriam Haskell
Miriam Haskell’s jewelry was meticulously assembled by hand and never mass-produced, a distinction that set her work apart from other costume jewelry of the era. Her designs are known for their romantic sensibility, featuring baroque pearl clusters, seed beads, and intricate filigree that give each piece a sculptural quality. As a result, Miriam Haskell remains a perennial favorite among collectors, with even understated designs often commanding premium prices due to their craftsmanship and detail.
Floral motifs and layered construction make her pieces instantly recognizable. Early unsigned creations can often be identified by hallmark details such as rose montées—tiny rhinestones wired individually into place—and Russian gold-plated findings that elevate the overall design.
3. Coro
Coro produced an expansive range of costume jewelry, spanning simple everyday pieces to bold, statement-making designs. The brand was known for its innovation, introducing clever elements like trembler pins and convertible brooches that added movement and versatility.
With its wide variety and approachable price points, Coro is often a natural entry point for those beginning to explore vintage costume jewelry. Many pieces strike a balance between durability and creativity, which helps explain the brand’s lasting popularity.
Coro’s markings can offer helpful clues to both quality and era. Pieces stamped Corocraft or Vendome tend to command higher prices, as these names were reserved for the brand’s premium lines made with elevated materials and finishes.
4. Corocraft
Corocraft represented Coro’s high-end line, offering refined designs often comparable to fine jewelry. During World War II, when base metal restrictions were in place, the brand produced a range of collectible sterling silver pieces that remain especially desirable today.
Corocraft designs are frequently recognized by patriotic motifs, graceful floral sprays, and finely detailed figurals. Because these pieces were produced in more limited quantities, they tend to be more valuable than standard Coro designs.
5. Eisenberg
Eisenberg jewelry began as embellishments for couture clothing and quickly became a standalone sensation. The brand’s “Eisenberg Ice” line is known for densely set rhinestones that mimic precious stones in brilliance.
These bold, glamorous designs were made to stun, yet they remain wearable for special moments or standout styling at an event. Eisenberg pieces are a great example of how costume jewelry elevated fashion expression.
6. Weiss
Known as the "rhinestone king," Weiss earned its reputation through exceptional crystal quality and meticulous prong settings that maximized sparkle and durability.
Signature Weiss styles include their:
Aurora borealis stones
Bold cocktail jewelry
Christmas tree brooches.
From cocktail rings to festive brooches, Weiss pieces often feel classic yet playful, perfect for collectors who want reliable, stylish vintage jewelry. Authentication is straightforward; all genuine pieces bear the "Weiss" mark, making them accessible for new collectors.
7. Monet
Founded in the 1930s, Monet became synonymous with classic, affordable daily wear. They perfected lightweight construction in timeless gold-tone and silver finishes.
Chain necklaces, hoop earrings, and charm bracelets define the aesthetic. Quality construction ensures many of these vintage pieces remain perfectly wearable today.
8. Hattie Carnegie
Designer Hattie Carnegie created high-end costume jewelry to complement her couture clothing. These dramatic statement pieces were designed to make bold impressions.
Oversized cocktail rings, sculptural necklaces, and unique materials such as wood and ceramics define the collection. Carnegie's avant-garde sensibility pushed boundaries, creating jewelry that expressed personality.
9. Boucher
Marcel Boucher’s designs are known for detailed figural work: birds, flowers, and animals crafted with precision and care. The brand’s French influence shows in its refined shapes and rich finishes.
Boucher jewelry blends traditional craftsmanship with imaginative design, making it especially appealing to collectors who appreciate realism paired with elegance.
10. Schreiner
Schreiner pieces represent wearable art with intricate rhinestone arrangements. Their signature technique involved setting stones from the back, allowing maximum light and extraordinary sparkle. Over the past few years demand has surged for these exceptional pieces, reflecting growing appreciation for their innovative construction methods.
Each piece was hand-assembled and never mass-produced. Collectors identify unsigned creations by their distinctive layered construction and inverted stone settings that create sculptural depth.
11. Pennino Brothers
The Pennino Brothers brought European metalworking techniques to American costume jewelry. Their designs often feature bows, florals, and articulated elements made from sterling silver and vermeil.
With limited production ending in the 1960s, Pennino pieces feel special and expressive, making them ideal for collectors drawn to detailed craftsmanship and rich materials.
12. Ciner
Operating since the 1890s, Ciner is one of America's oldest manufacturers. They are known for high-quality designs mimicking precious jewelry, making luxury aesthetics accessible.
Faux pearl necklaces, enamel work, and sophisticated styling define Ciner. Pre-1980s pieces are most sought after for their superior enamel quality and stone settings. Many collectors also appreciate how these pieces fit seamlessly into both vintage and modern styling.
Discover Vintage Costume Jewelry on ShopGoodwill.com
ShopGoodwill.com connects you with a range of vintage jewelry styles from Goodwill stores nationwide via an online auction platform. From recognizable names like Trifari, Miriam Haskell, and Monet to unexpected one-of-a-kind pieces, you can bid at price points that fit your budget. When you win an item, you’re also helping support Goodwill’s mission to create job training and employment opportunities in local communities.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to vintage jewelry, ShopGoodwill.com offers the excitement of treasure hunting from home.
Sources:
National Jeweler. Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue. https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/14522-pinterest-2026-trend-report-brooches-bold-gold-cool-blue
Antique Trader. Miriam Haskell: Costume Jewelry of the Stars. https://www.antiquetrader.com/collectibles/miriam-haskell-jewelry
Antique Trader. Schreiner Costume Jewelry Shines. https://www.antiquetrader.com/collectibles/schreiner-costume-jewelry-sees-surge-in-demand-and-rise-in-values