How to Collect Vintage Monet Jewelry

Monet jewelry was first manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1929 by the Chernow Brothers. Their company, called Monocraft, produced excellent pieces of inexpensive costume jewelry. Vintage Monet jewelry ranges from pieces made in the 1930s through the 1960s. In 2000, Liz Claiborne bought the Monet jewelry line, and the company still offers pieces today.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for gold and silver plated pieces of jewelry. Monet Jewelry was one of the first lines to offer gold plated jewelry as an inexpensive option for women.

2. Know the difference between earlier and later Monet jewelry pieces. For example, 1950s pieces feature charm bracelets with poodle figurines, while bracelets of the 1960s are large bangles made of gold tone metal or Lucite.

3. Seek out classic Monet necklaces from the 1930s and 1940s, which have art moderne designs of straight edges and open metalwork.

4. Keep an eye out for unusual jewelry pieces made by Monet, such as filigree pitchers and ornate fur clips.

5. Confirm a genuine vintage Monet piece by looking for the Monet trademark, found on all pieces of jewelry manufactured after 1955.

Tips & Warnings

• Because vintage Monet jewelry is durable and long lasting, you can still find old pieces in like-new condition.
• Most collectors of vintage Monet jewelry can pick up good quality pieces inexpensively. Earrings can be purchased with their original tags for as low as seven dollars.

Resources

• Find examples of vintage Monet jewelry
• Shop for vintage Monet jewelry.