Just as there are many levels of quality in household items, so there are in jewelry, from the vintage molded plastic to semi precious stones to the platinum diamond ring.

Small black enamel painted pin with green plastic and green pastes accenting daisy design, $12.00.

Because jewelry was not worn constantly, it’s often in better shape than household items, although it might need a cleaning. Even simple costume jewelry often has a great sentimental value attached because it may have been a gift, kept safely in a jewelry box for a rare special occasion. And because jewelry was typically kept packed away, families can find “a real gem”, no pun intended!