The Chanel video series (Part 1 – Wallet on chain and petite shopping tote, Part 2 – The classic flap bag (with updated prices as of February 2012), Part 3 – Buying pre-owned or at a discount) are some of the most-read posts on this blog, so I wanted to share my latest experience with buying costume jewelry as well. Now that I’ve fulfilled my tweed jacket dreams thanks to Uniqueen, I’ve been itching to get a classic Chanel brooch to adorn those jackets. Although Chanel costume jewelry (faux-pearls, man-made metals) is pricey for the materials, I mentally laid out some reasons on why the classic designs are worth it:
– A beautiful designer accessory can elevate the look of inexpensive clothes. I pinned mine on a Uniqueen jacket and received numerous compliments, whereas I don’t recall that same jacket getting much attention a week earlier, sans-brooch.
– Costume jewelry can be quite versatile, as shown below…
– Classic designs can hold their value extremely well. For example, costume brooches retail starting at ~$250 for small 1-1.5″ ones (prices do go much higher depending on size and intricacy). If you look on eBay, most classic, simple Chanel brooches are selling for $200+ regardless of age, which is possibly more than what they cost years ago. Classic earrings lose some value but still hold up fairly well. For example, my beloved turnlock studs retailed for $260, and I watched a pre-owned pair go for a little under $200.
Also, this may sound like a given but I’ve seen fakes where the CC layout was not right. Refer back to this post about how the C’s should be interlocking.
Great advise- I almost fell for a fake!
I bought the exact brooch! ugh..after visiting the Chanel pins at a local boutique I looked for exactly what you wrote about… you are so right! I knew my purchase was too good to be true- excellent post teachingfashionista.blogspot.com
would you be able to share from which website you bought the brooch?
I just came across the matching vintage earrings on Modnique.com!
You are absolutely wrong about this pin, sorry ! Some designers make what we call in France 'Perfume jewelry', gifts -often pieces of jewelry-, which are sold for short periods with perfumes, or offered to special customers. This pin is a typical example.
What make people doubt is the difference of manufacturing, those pieces are indeed mass produced, so it is not surprising that the seller this person is talking about had several similar pins, he was probably working in the persume business or had connections..
I almost made the purchase on etsy… thank you so much for sharing your experience!!!
I also saw the same brooch on Etsy! The seller also had alot of other pretty nice looking designer brooches, looks rather tempting! Thanks for the info.
Makes sense…. thank you.. will be on the lookout!
Great great tips 🙂
Thank you so much for this post! I was about to purchase the exact brooch from Etsy. It was sold a few days ago, then listed again today!
You seriously have to do alot of research now because of counterfeit! I love authentic piece though! It's gorgeous!
Thanks for another informative post. Can you do a post and share some of your experience with buying pearls on ebay. I'm looking for a super long pearl rope (70"+ in 7-8mm) and see the choices on ebay is abundant and at times overwhelming. The prices can range anywhere from $15 all the way to $100+. Can you share the names of the vendor you brought yours from? Many thanks.
Be sure to compare the measurements to a ruler so you know how big it is. Some brooches look bigger in photos than they are, and this is a smaller one. It seems authentic but I personally probably wouldn't order from an overseas seller again due to the hassle of mailing it back without tracking if it turns out to be fake or damaged.
PS – I didn't see your last question. I got this one from Etsy but I've seen the same design on both eBay and Malleries listed at the same price (was listed at $300).
I paid a little over $250 after negotiating!
I got it from eBay. If you search rope pearls or pearl necklaces and sort prices from low to high, you'll find a lot of affordable options shipped from China.
I love the brooch! However, having over 8 years of fine jewelry experience, I prefer purchasing real 10k / 14k / 18k gold jewelry vs. any costume jewelry.
I share some jewelry tips at http://www.StyleAt30.com.
Feel free to ask me any questions regarding precious stones & metals.
Personally I do not prefer to wear brooches that yell its brand. This Chanel brooch is not my type for sure. On the other hand, this is a very informative post:3
*LIKE X10! lol.
I miss your H&M; haul blogs! Now I never know what to look for when I go there. Hope to see an H&M; update soon! 🙂
Thank you for the tips and opening our eyes. It isn't difficult to be fooled if we're not paying attention enough.
Thanks for the tips. I really like your pearl necklace in this post. May I know where you got it from?
Great post!!! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us. That red scarf is beautiful! 🙂
If only I could "like" THIS comment. Rofl!
Great GREAT Post!!! I find this so helpful as I am also looking for a nice Chanel brooch. Thank you taking the time to do this!
http://www.LifeAnnStyle.com
Thank you for sharing. It's very generous of you to impart wisdom and let us live vicariously through you.
When looking at the two side by side, I guessed that the one on the left was fake, because it had a very generic look to it, like it could very easily be mass produced. Also, you only posted pictures of 'how to wear this brooch' with the real deal, so I figure you wouldn't want to do that with the fake, since you probably had your mind made up about shipping that thing back and getting your money back in your pocket!
Well, have a great day! -JW
Hi Jean:
Thank you for sharing this post! It's really helpful and it really gives me the idea which is the authentic ones.
I wonder how much did you get your brooch from Chanel? I've been looking for one for quite a long time. Thank you
Victorieannie.com
If only I could Facebook "like" the first reply to this comment!
Actually, on that same post, someone posted an Etsy link and it looks like she'll be returning the pin as well.
Girl, this is Jean, not her dollar store copycat! No shade, just wanted to let you know. 🙂
Great tips, thanks! I haven't bought anything designer and vintage but I love your tips!