The Fine Art of Family Magazine

To continue our special coverage of costume jewelry (see Part I about red glass necklaces and Part II about fabulous faux earrings), here are three more stunning vintage pieces that would perfectly accent any sophisticated wardrobe and collection.

$1,685

Soon after Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel passed away in 1971 at the age of 87, Alain Wertheimer, the grandson of one of Chanel’s cofounders, took over the business and boosted the company’s image to one of exclusivity, particularly through costume jewelry. This gold-tone bangle, circa 1990s, from the Susan Caplan collection is an outstanding display of modern costume jewelry. It features molded signature ¨CC¨ logos that link to form a unique design. Available at Susan Caplan Collection on Asos.

$100

Modern U.S. designer Kenneth Jay Lane is renowned for his light, lively, and always-classy designs. He has created costume jewelry pieces for an impressive roster of famous and fashionable females, including Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. Measuring 2.5-inch in diameter, this signed gold-tone metal bangle from his 1980s collection embodies an understated elegance. Available at Post Script on 1stDibs.

$20

In 1971, the famous door-to-door retail company Avon began selling bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings to the era’s many stay-at-home moms and ever-growing middle class. This beautiful 2.25-inch diameter gold-tone bangle is an example of the detailed costume jewelry designs that followed. Believed to be from the 70s or 80s, this bracelet emulates the texture of a leather belt, including a buckle that actually opens. Available at Jewelsunique.

[Photography courtesy of Susan Caplan (top), Post Script (center), and Jewelsunique (bottom)]

Published on August 3, 2010

Tags: Capturing, Collection, Collections, Fashion, Good Buy, Heirloom, Heirlooms, Jewelry