Start Collecting - Napier and Sarah Coventry Costume Jewelry

Napier's original company was founded in 1875, butpopular in the '50s and '60s, and many designers
the name Napier wasn't used for jewelry until 1922.produced poodle jewelry.
New Napier jewelry is still being produced, and can beSarah Coventry costume jewelry has been sold at
found in most major department stores. Today'shome parties since the 1970s. I remember my
ordinary costume jewelry just might be tomorrow'sneighbors hosting jewelry parties that featured
collectibles, just as everyday vintage jewelry is infashionable and affordable pieces. There was a wide
demand today.range of styles and quality, with consistent attention
Napier made a wide range of jewelry, intended forto detail. Elaborate rhinestone pieces were well made,
everyday use. Traditional designs are a feature ofand there were many lower priced items as well.
Napier jewelry, usually seen in silver tone or goldFor the collector, it's a good idea to focus on
tone.complete sets of rhinestone jewelry, preferably in
Napier Sterling is very collectible, and of course not asmint condition. Prices of Sarah Coventry jewelry are
easily found as the gold-and silver tone pieces.still quite low, considering the beauty and
Christmas pins are very collectible, and Napiercraftsmanship of the necklaces, pins and earrings. As
Christmas tree pins are good choices. Christmas treemore collectors discover these pieces, prices should
pins were made in gold tone and silver tone, somerise. Try to find signed Sarah Coventry sets in their
with rhinestone ornaments and garlands.original boxes for maximum investment value.
During the 1950s Napier produced a very popular lineSome of the marks you'll see on Sarah Coventry
of chunky charm bracelets. Coins, Oriental motifs,jewelry are "SarahCov", "Sarah" in capital letters,
animals and figures are very collectible."Coventry", "saC', SAC', or "SC". All have the
There are many Napier marks, including "Bliss", (1920),copyright symbol, ©, since they were produced
"Napier" in a cartouche (1920), "A" inside a circleafter the 1950s, when the symbol was applied to
(1923), "by Napier" in a shield (1942), and "Napiercostume jewelry.
Quality" (1946). The most common is "Napier" in blockAs always, be sure that any vintage piece you are
letters. As with most costume jewelry, the copyrightconsidering purchasing is in as close as possible to
mark, © was added to the signature after 1955.perfect condition. And even if it's not vintage, the
Napier produced a charming gray poodle pin frombeautifully made contemporary Napier and Sarah
1955 to the 1960s. Poodle pins were especiallyCoventry jewelry are always fun to wear.