The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow expert Judith Miller, the brain behind the Miller’s guide books, stopped by Traditional Home’s New York office to spread the word on why now is the right time to collect. She was bitten by the collecting bug some 40 years ago, but there’s never been a better time to buy a piece of history. “You can get astonishing bargains at auction right now,” enthused Judith, who was visiting the U.S. to promote her new book Costume Jewelry (Octopus Publishing).

Judith Miller’s new book, Costume Jewelry, along with $4 Dior earrings found in an L.A. thrift shop

In London, a single Chippendale chair made in the 1760s goes for less than $300. What about two, large, blue-and-white transferware platters for $200? “Nineteenth-century chest-of-drawers are going for $150 and will last another 200 years,” said Judith, who keeps her fingers on the pulse of the marketplace through her (free) online price guide millersonline.com. If you’re hankering for grand furnishings at humble prices, try thumbing through Roseberys and Criterion auction-house catalogs available online.

In a thrift shop in Los Angeles, Judith scored a pair of Dior copycat earrings for $4. “Christian Dior did similar earrings, and my thrift-store pair were probably made in the 1960s,” she explained. “That’s why I’m addicted to collecting costume jewelry. There’s still plenty out there and you can find things for very little.”  Some hot spots? Galveston, Texas proved fruitful. What to look for?

  • value is based on rarity, quality design and designer name
  • In order of popularity-Miriam Haskell, Trifari, Chanel and Dior (tie) and Schiaparelli (“Couture costume brings the highest prices”)
  • best quality has prong-set stones (not glued) and heavier
  • variety of glass shapes and cuts
  • weight

Her favorite contemporary costume jewelry designers are Alexis Bittar, Hanna Bernhard and Bijoux Heart. If you love costume jewelry as much as we do, buy the book.  Like the jewelry, it’s a keeper you will refer to again and again.

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