| Perhaps less well known than the more abundant | | | | variety and style. |
| Coro, Trifari or Napier costume jewelry, Kramer | | | | For the collector, I think a great place to look for |
| costume jewelry often used rare or unique stones in | | | | vintage Kramer jewelry is at estate sales. If you |
| their jewelry. First, a brief history: Between 1943 and | | | | haven't tried it, this is a wonderful way to shop for |
| 1980, Kramer Jewelry Creations was a family run | | | | vintage items of any kind. Check your newspaper |
| business that produced some of the finest high-end | | | | and Craigslist for weekly listings of estate sales in |
| costume jewelry. In the 1950s and '60s, Kramer | | | | your area, and sign up for the agent's email mailing list |
| manufactured Christian Dior designs, so finding a | | | | for future sales. Often sales in older neighborhoods |
| piece of Christian Dior by Kramer is a rare but | | | | will have vintage costume jewelry for sale. Tip: On |
| rewarding treat. The Dior pieces often used good | | | | the last day of the estate sale items may be marked |
| quality clear rhinestones with larger blue or green | | | | 50% off. The selection is best at the beginning of |
| center stones. Christian Dior designs can command | | | | the sale, of course, but the best prices can be found |
| higher prices due to the Dior name, but the Kramer | | | | towards the end. |
| quality and designs are just as wonderful as those | | | | As with any collectible costume jewelry, it's important |
| without the name. | | | | to be prepared: Bring a magnifying glass or jeweler's |
| Unfortunately for the collector, much Kramer jewelry | | | | loupe with you to check the condition of the piece. If |
| from the '50s and '60s was unmarked and had only a | | | | you're buying for your own collection, and not for |
| paper tag attached to identify it. If you do see a | | | | investment purposes, you may be more flexible with |
| signature, it will most likely be "Kramer", "Kramer of | | | | condition flaws. If it's for investment, it must be |
| N.Y." or "Kramer of New York. Look for the signature | | | | flawless. Do you like the piece? Will you wear it or |
| on the clip of an earring, or on the clasp of a | | | | display it or just store it away to be admired from |
| necklace or bracelet. Other marks include the rare | | | | time to time? If the piece is signed by the designer |
| "Amourelle" from 1963, and "Kramer Sterling" which | | | | that increases its value. Is the original box or tag |
| may or may not date from the WWII years when | | | | included? Again, increased value is there. |
| sterling silver was used in jewelry in place of other | | | | Whatever your reasons, and just the simple |
| metals that were needed for the war effort. Kramer | | | | enjoyment of having beautiful vintage jewelry is |
| jewelry is famous for its quality, and for the use of | | | | more than enough, become educated, do research, |
| vibrantly colored rhinestones with creative settings. | | | | ask questions, and you'll soon be able to spot vintage |
| Radiant red and orange, striking dark blue, glowing | | | | Kramer, or other designer costume jewelry to add to |
| topaz, and elegant black rhinestones, along with | | | | your collection. |
| plastic decorations, gave Kramer jewelry great | | | | |