Before I donate costume jewelry, I inspect the details that can reveal its maker, age, materials, and potential value. In this video, I show why signatures aren’t the whole story—and how clasps, patent numbers, construction, condition, provenance, and even an unsigned piece can provide important clues.

I explain how I photograph and transcribe marks accurately, research hardware and material stamps, document pieces before cleaning or repairing them, compare completed sales, and decide whether an item should be donated, preserved, or sold through a more suitable route.

0:00 Inspect before you donate
0:29 Find the maker mark
1:34 Check patents and hardware
2:50 Read the material marks
4:21 Examine construction and sets
5:23 Document condition before cleaning
6:52 Preserve provenance and paperwork
8:29 Compare completed sales
10:38 Choose the right route

#CostumeJewelry #VintageJewelry #JewelryIdentification #JewelryReselling #Thrifting #AntiqueJewelry