Perhaps less well known than the more abundant Coro, Trifari or Napier costume jewellery, Kramer costume jewelery often used rare or unique stones in its jewelry. First, a brief history: Between 1943 and 1980, Kramer Jewelry Creations was a family-owned business that produced some of the finest costume jewelry. In the 1950s and 1960s, Kramer made Christian Dior designs, so finding a Christian Dior piece by Kramer is a rare but rewarding treat. Dior pieces often used good quality clear rhinestones with larger blue or green center stones. Christian Dior designs may command higher prices because of the Dior name, but Kramer’s quality and designs are just as wonderful as those without the name.
Unfortunately for the collector, many Kramer jewelry from the 1950s and 1960s were unmarked and only had a paper tag to identify them. If you see a signature, it’s most likely “Kramer,” “Kramer of NY,” or “Kramer of New York.” Look for the signature on an earring clasp or on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet. Other markings include the rare 1963 “Amourelle” and “Kramer Sterling” which may or may not date to the World War II years when sterling silver was used in jewelry rather than other metals that were needed for the war effort. . The use of vibrantly colored gemstones with creative settings: radiant red and orange, striking dark blue, shimmering topaz, and sleek black gemstones, along with plastic embellishments, gave Kramer’s jewelry great variety and style.
For the collector, I think a great place to look for vintage Kramer jewelry is at estate sales. If he hasn’t tried it, this is a wonderful way to buy vintage items of any kind. Check your newspaper and Craigslist for weekly listings for real estate sales in your area, and sign up for the agent’s email list for future sales. Often sales in older neighborhoods will have vintage costume jewelry for sale. Tip: On the last day of the goods sale, items can be marked 50% off. The selection is best at the beginning of the sale, of course, but the best prices can be found towards the end.
As with any collectible jewelry, it’s important to be prepared: carry a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe with you to check the condition of the piece. If you are buying for your own collection, and not for investment purposes, you can be more flexible with condition defects. If it is for investment, it must be impeccable. Do you like the piece? Will you be using it or displaying it or just keeping it to be admired from time to time? If the piece is signed by the designer that increases its value. Is the original box or label included? Once again, the increased value is there.
Whatever your reasons, and the simple pleasure of owning beautiful vintage jewelry is more than enough, educate yourself, do your research, ask questions, and soon you may be able to find vintage Kramer or other designer costume jewelry to add to your collection. .
