The 1950s Costume Jewelry Boom: Why 2025 Collectors Are Obsessed
A 1957 Trifari “Crown” parure sold for $18,750 at Sotheby’s 2024 auction – 400% above estimate. As Gen Z rediscovers mid-century glamour, 1950s costume jewelry has become the vintage market’s fastest-growing sector. This guide reveals which brands and designs are skyrocketing in value.
2025 Market Snapshot
- Trifari prices ↑ 62% since 2022 (Antique Trader Index)
- Demand for “atomic era” designs up 110%
Top 5 Collectible 1950s Brands
| Brand | Hallmark | 2025 Avg. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Trifari | Crown + T | $150-$5k+ |
| Coro | Pat. Pend or © | $75-$1.2k |
| Eisenberg | Ice/Snowflake | $300-$8k |
| Monet | M inside circle | $50-$600 |
| DeLizza & Elster (Juliana) | D&E or unsigned | $200-$4k |
1. Trifari: The Crown Jewel of 1950s
Key 1950s Collections
- Crown Trifari (1951-55): Regal motifs, soldered prongs
- Trifanium (1955+): Tarnish-resistant alloy
Value Drivers
- ✅ Aurora Borealis rhinestones (+300% value)
- ✅ Alfred Philippe designs (ex-Cartier designer)
- ✅ Complete parures (necklace + earrings + bracelet)
2. Coro’s 1950s Innovations
Look for these 1950s signatures:
- Duettes: Convertible brooch-pendants
- Jet-Age: Futuristic chrome + crystal designs
Spotting Fakes in 2025’s Market
Authentic 1950s Markers
- Materials: Rhinestones with foil backing (pre-1960)
- Clasps: C-clasps vs modern lobster claws
- Weight: Heavier base metals vs modern alloys
Red Flags
- “TRIFARI” in script (1950s used block letters)
- Glue residue (stones were prong-set pre-1965)
2025 Value Guide: What’s Hot
| Style | Brand | 2023 Avg. | 2025 Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floral Bouquet Brooches | Trifari | $450 | $1,100 |
| Atomic Starburst Necklaces | Coro | $200 | $550 |
| Eisenberg Ice Buckle Sets | Eisenberg | $1,800 | $4,200 |
Case Study: The $22k Trifari “Crown” Coup
A 1953 Trifari Crown necklace with original box:
- Bought for $300 at flea market
- Sold at Heritage Auctions for $22k in 2024
- Key factors: Mint condition, AB stones, Philippe design
Care & Preservation Tips
From our Jewelry Care Guide:
- Clean rhinestones with 70% isopropyl alcohol (no water)
- Store in acid-free tissue to prevent metal fatigue
- Never ultrasonic clean – stones may de-foil
Where to Buy Authentic 1950s Pieces
2025’s Trusted Sources
- ☑️ Ruby Lane’s “Mid-Century Verified” program
- ☑️ Estate sales in Palm Beach/Palm Springs (retiree hotspots)
- ☑️ Our Vintage Collection (pre-authenticated)
“1950s costume jewelry isn’t ‘fake’ – it’s wearable art from an era of boundless optimism.” – Lillian Baker, Costume Jewelry Historian
Explore more 1950s Treasures or learn How to Spot Fakes in our buying guides.