Angel Wings Costume

Soldier Costume

Vintage Costume Jewelry: Hidden Value To The Trained Eye

Never mistake vintage costume jewelry with the cheap reproduction jewelry you see in most malls and department stores. In fact, vintage costume necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces were originally purchased by American soldiers in French boutiques, and brought home after the First World War. Trifari, Coro, and dozens of American manufacturers soon began producing the designs and pieces that have turned into some of the most prized collectibles on the vintage market today.

Unlike the fashion jewelry produced and sold today, vintage pieces have dramatically appreciated in value over the years and are expected to continue doing so in the future. Buying low and selling high is very possible in the world of vintage jewelry collecting, but identifying the most profitable pieces is an art all of its own. Investors need to look at five main areas to assess value of a vintage piece of costume jewelry:

Demand
Market Supply
Craftsmanship
Design
Condition

From basic economics we know that higher demand will lead to greater price points, and ultimately raise profits for the investor. Signed vintage necklaces, brooches, and earrings by Miriam Haskell are currently the hot items in the costume jewelry market, but being able to identify the valuable items from the pretty imitators is what separates the successful collectors from the mere hobbyist. Remember, the most popular designs are not necessarily the prettiest or most unique but they will tend to be more profitable to collect.

So why do people like some pieces but not others? Novice collectors tend to focus exclusively on signed pieces, but often the unsigned, well-designed pieces prove to be the most profitable to collect. In truth, the vast majority of vintage costume pieces are actually unsigned. Simply knowing what makes a stunning design unique can help you identify the unsigned pieces and optimize profits. The exceptional quality of jewelry designs from companies like Hollycraft and Bergere make unsigned pieces from these companies both easy to recognize and very profitable to collect.

The type and quality of gemstones used is typically the most relevant factor to the price of a vintage piece of costume jewelry. The majority of vintage costume pieces are indeed made with relatively inexpensive semi-precious materials, but seasoned collectors know that a few companies went all out and only used exceptionally High Quality gemstones in their jewelry. Try locating pieces from companies like Eisenberg or Bogoff as they almost always used the best stones possible. Other designers who have excellent craftsmanship and design with great potential to buy low and sell high include Kramer, Danecraft, and Trifari.

Last but certainly not least, the condition of the jewelry plays a critical role in its value. With some pieces nearing 100 years old, it is quite common to find vintage jewelry showing significant signs of wear including scratches, peeling, discoloration, and even missing stones. But while some degree of wear is expected, it is not the only factor that determines price. Collecting vintage costume pieces is still a very profitable venture for anyone knowing how to identify the truly profitable pieces.

About the Author

Sandi Kapiszka is a vintage costume jewelry collector specializing in
period sets
.

Soldier Costume
I need help making soldier costumes!?

I need to making British Redcoat costumes and English soldier costumes. cheap! lol. any ideas?

....well its gonna be hard to be real cheap but here goes..

of course you can buy the material....and make them or...cheap cheap
use a reference picture...like this one

try for the redcoats to use red sweaters....get the right colored felt fabric...such as you need for you particular design for the cuffs and simply hot glue....sewing would prob be better them into place.

using a white material...or belt if you have one. make the belts to criss cross the chest....white baggy pants to match and dress shoes...black...with black socks pulled up over the pants to the knees.... like the old style patriots wore.....

that is really the best you can do on a tight tight budget, a red coat uniform is a very costly project to do...

sorry i couldn't be more help

Happy Halloween

Half-Life 2 Combine Soldier Costume--Homemade!

Soldier Costume - Storm Fox $34.99 Think you're prepared for battle soldier? Want to show off your American pride this holiday season? Take a look at our elite force Soldier Costume – Storm Fox. Dress as America's finest in the Soldier Costume – Storm Fox sexy uniform! The desert brown camouflage shirt has a front, button down closure with matching pants. You will also receive a matching belt and foamed cap. The shirt and hat have an attached American Flag. Show off your military pride. Order your sexy Soldier Costume today! They always love a man in uniform! Also, check out our Storm Cutie outfit for a matching his and hers costume!

Womens Roman Soldier Costume $49.99 Be a delicious Gladiator Warrior this holiday season! Run with those sexy Gladiator Men as you plunder with fellow Roman warriors! The sexy Womens Roman Soldier Costume is a hot look for Halloween! All roads lead to Rome! World domination is yours to enjoy! If you're ready for some sword play this holiday, check out the Womens Roman Soldier Costume! You will look stunning in this four piece costume that comes with a one piece non stretch lace up strapless dress with a zipper back maroon cape, arm cuffs, neck piece and a pretty decorative Roman coin.

Child Soldier Costume - Jungle Commando $29.95 The jungle is a hot, humid place. It takes a strong soldier to survive! It takes an even stronger soldier to be a hero in such treacherous conditions! The Child Soldier Costume – Jungle Commando is perfect for that soldier who is ready for the jungle! All you hear are the wild animals. All you can see are miles of vine in front of you! But the enemy is hidden all around you! The Child Soldier Costume – Jungle Commando is one of the most important soldier uniforms you can wear! The costume comes complete with a jungle camouflage shirt, pants and matching hat with an authentic looking Army patch on the front!

Mens Roman Soldier Costume $67.95 Hey you warrior kings out there, if you’re looking for a right and proper Halloween outfit then the Mens Roman Soldier Costume is the one for you. Just look at it. It’s pretty hardcore. I wouldn’t want to meet this guy in a dark coliseum. I can tell you that. Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.The Mens Roman Soldier Costume includes a tunic, body armor, and a golden headband. Whether you’re ruling Rome or worrying about that loudmouth Cato the Younger (man does that guy have some long wind in him) or battling with tigers in the area, this is the outfit for you. What we do in life echoes in eternity.The Mens Roman Soldier Costume is a great representation of a legionnaire, a gladiator, or even an emperor for this Halloween.

Colonial Soldier Costume - Child Blue $28.95 Do you want to bring a revolutionary spirit to your Halloween look? If you do, or are just looking for the perfect reenactment garb, make sure to follow the little drummer boy to this Child's Blue Colonial Soldier Costume! Our Child's Blue Colonial Soldier Costume comes with a brilliant blue coat, a lovely crisp white shirt with collar and matching pants, and even a bright blue sash! Pair this up with a sword, knee-high socks and a colonial wig to complete the look! So state your independence in this amazing Colonial-themed costume!

Mens Soldier Costume - Storm Fox Plus Size $29.99 Think you're prepared for battle soldier? Want to show off your American pride this holiday season? Take a look at our elite force Mens Soldier Costume – Storm Fox Plus Size. Dress as America's finest in the Mens Soldier Costume – Storm Fox Plus Size sexy uniform! The desert brown camouflage shirt has a front, button down closure with matching pants. You will also receive a matching belt and foamed cap. The shirt and hat have an attached American Flag. Show off your military pride. Order your sexy Soldier Costume today! They always love a man in uniform! Also, check out our Storm Cutie outfit for a matching his and hers costume!

Soldier Costume $27.99 Soldier Child Costume Ready To Report For Duty! Costume Includes: Camouflage Jumpsuit and Ball Cap. Available sizes: Small (4-6) Medium (8-10) Large (12-14) Shoes and Makeup not included.

Union Soldier Hat $5.95 Don't let the Confederates split our country in two! Do you already have your union soldier uniform and need a hat before you attack the battlefield? Show your union pride this Halloween season with our Union Soldier Hat! The Union Soldier Hat is a classic style, perfect for any trick or treater or civil war reenactor! The hat has a black brim with a navy blue top and gold colored crossed muskets on the front. If you already have the perfect uniform, make sure you pick up the perfect hat! Show your union pride and make your order today!

Union Soldier Hat for Costume $4.97 Authentic Union Soldier

Womens Toy Soldier Costume $49.97 Womens Toy Soldier Christmas costume includes pants, top and hat. The Women's Toy Soldier Costume is a flattering costume that will turn you into a very pretty version a wooden soldier. The Christmas costume features high waisted white pant

Adult Costumes - Toy Soldier $69.99 Toy Soldier costumes are awesome costumes!! Pick this halloween costumes this year and you will be the talk of the party. Includes red jacket, blue pants, white straps for cacket and busby hat. Available in Adult sizes Medium, Large and XL. Don't want to go solo? Pair up with our kids Costumes.

Kids Army Costume - Bushman $56.95 Red team go! Red team go! Being covert ops is hard work but if you think your little man is up to the challenge, consider this Kids Army Costume for Halloween! This Kids Army Costume will transform your sweet boy into a secret tactical Bushman for the Army! Our Bushman costume comes with a green jumpsuit! But that's not the best part! This also comes with an attached hood and bush-like overlay to assist in camouflaging your little soldier! Is that a bush or a fierce modern warrior? With this costume on, there will be no question!

Midnight Nurse Costume $32.99 It's a known fact, every soldier falls for his sexy nurse! Find out which soldier needs some extra attention this Halloween. The Midnight Nurse Costume will have every soldier waiting desperately for their turn! The Midnight Nurse Costume is one of our adult sexy Halloween Costumes. This sexy pink and black spandex dress will make you the center of attention! The dress comes with a seductive front and back Lattice Ribbon Lace Ties as well as a cute pink and black hat and hot pink choker. Bring your own stethoscope for that extra caring midnight nurse!

Jack Sparrow Costume Pistol $9.95 A pirate has to have a weapon. A knight has to have armor and a mobster has to have a hat (or maybe spats). My point is that that if you’re going as a pirate of any kind (Caribbean or otherwise), then you should pick up the Jack Sparrow Costume Pistol. The pitch perfect design is modeled to look exactly like a flintlock pistol from the 18th century. You don’t even have to be a pirate everyone from a dragoon to a Napoleonic soldier to a duelist to a highwayman could use this fantastic prop in their costume. Grab the Jack Sparrow Costume Pistol this Halloween and complete whatever costume it is that you’re working on.The Jack Sparrow Costume Pistol is a great weapon to accessorize any pirate, soldier, sailor, or thief costume this Halloween.

Military Halloween Costume - Teen $24.99 Move out, Soldier! We're heading for battle! Think you have what it takes to be a desert hero? Grab your gear and join the force! If you're looking for a fun commando uniform, check out the Military Halloween Costume – Teen! You will look your soldier best this holiday season in an elite military uniform! The Military Halloween Costume – Teen is the perfect choice for every commando who wants to be a desert hero! The costume comes complete with a desert color camouflage print shirt, pants, belt and matching hat! You will also receive two American Flag patches, one on the shirt and one on the hat!

Child Colonial Costume - Red $28.95 Do you want to bring a revolutionary spirit to your Halloween look? If you do, or are just looking for the perfect reenactment garb, make sure to follow the little drummer boy to this Child's Red Colonial Soldier Costume! Our Child's Red Colonial Soldier Costume comes with a brilliant red coat, a lovely crisp white shirt with collar and matching pants, and even a bright red sash! Pair this up with a sword, knee-high socks and a colonial wig to complete the look! So state your independence in this amazing Colonial-themed costume!

Child Top Gun Costume $19.99 Do you feel the need? The need for speed! Think you can make a MiG 28 do a 4g negative dive? Are you ready to command one of America's finest planes? Then you are ready for the Child Top Gun Costume! The Child Top Gun Costume is an elite uniform for an elite air force soldier! The costume comes in a military green jumpsuit with an authentic looking Top Gun and Air Force patch on the front. You will also receive a green cap with an American flag! Get ready to man your plane, soldier! If you're feeling the need for speed, you'll be ready when you're wearing the elite Top Gun uniform!

Teen Top Gun Costume $24.99 Do you feel the need? The need for speed! Think you can make a MiG 28 do a 4g negative dive? Want to command one of America's finest planes? Then you are ready for the Teen Top Gun Costume! The Teen Top Gun Costume is an elite uniform for an elite air force soldier! The costume comes in a military green jumpsuit with an authentic looking Air Force patch on the front. You will also receive a green cap with an American flag! Get ready to man your plane, soldier! If you're feeling the need for speed, you'll be ready when you're wearing the elite Top Gun uniform!

Boys Army Costume - Desert Hero $29.95 Move out, Soldier! We're heading for battle! Think you have what it takes to be a desert hero? Grab your gear and join the force! If you're looking for a fun commando uniform, check out the Boys Army Costume – Desert Hero! You will look your soldier best this holiday season in an elite army uniform! The Boys Army Costume – Desert Hero is the perfect choice for every commando who wants to be a hero! The costume comes complete with a desert color camouflage print shirt, pants and matching hat!

Confederate Soldier Hat Costume Accessory $4.97 Authentic Confederate Soldier

Soldier Teen Costume $33.99 Soldier Teen Costume Be All You Can Be! Costume includes: camouflage crop top, mini skirt, belt, cap and dog tags. Available size: Juniors (0-9) Combat boots NOT included

Zombie Soldier Costume $79.97 Zombie Soldier Costume Includes: Standard army uniform with creepy rotting mask and helmet. Available Sizes: One size fits most adults