French Country · Encyclopedia · Antiques by family
Jewelry and Accessories
Brooches, cameos, lockets, rings, pocket watches, perfume bottles and vintage bags. Each entry explains what the object is, how to identify and date it, what to check before buying, and what it is usually worth on the US market. 12 entries.
Jewelry
Antique Brooch
Indicative US retail $20–$5,000 · typical $150
Decorative pins in gold, silver and paste. The clasp dates a brooch: older ones have a simple C-clasp and a pin extending beyond the frame; safety catches appeared around 1900.
Antique Engagement Ring
Indicative US retail $1,000–$20,000 · typical $4,000
Vintage and antique diamond rings. Old mine and old European cut diamonds have a small table, a high crown and an open culet (a small facet at the bottom) visible through the top; modern brilliant cuts are flatter and sharper.
Antique Ring
Indicative US retail $50–$5,000 · typical $400
Rings of all types. Hallmarks inside the shank identify the metal and sometimes date and maker; French 18-carat gold carries the eagle head.
Locket
Indicative US retail $50–$2,000 · typical $250
Pendants that open to hold photos. Hallmarks or karat stamps on the bail or inside the frame identify metal; check the hinge and catch, the glass or rims inside, dents in thin gold, and engraving wear.
Intaglio
Indicative US retail $100–$5,000 · typical $600
Engraved gemstones set in rings or seals. Carving quality, depth and subject (classical heads, gods, coats of arms) determine value; hardstone is cold, hard and shows polished, rounded cuts; glass pastes (Tassie) are molded and may show bubbles.
Cameo
Indicative US retail $50–$3,000 · typical $300
Carved shell or stone portraits, set in brooches and pendants. Hold a cameo to light: shell is curved and translucent, showing the layers; hardstone is opaque, flat and colder.
Costume Jewelry
Indicative US retail $10–$800 · typical $60
Non-precious jewelry. Maker signatures stamped on the back or clasp (Trifari with a crown, Haskell, Eisenberg Original) increase value sharply, though excellent unsigned pieces exist.
Watches
Pocket Watch
Indicative US retail $80–$5,000 · typical $400
Watches carried in a pocket, Waltham, Elgin. The serial number on the movement dates American watches precisely through makers' tables.
Vintage Watch
Indicative US retail $100–$10,000 · typical $600
Wristwatches. Reference and serial numbers, engraved between the lugs or inside the case back, date the watch through maker records.
Perfume & Vanity
Perfume Bottle
Indicative US retail $20–$3,000 · typical $120
Perfume bottles in glass and crystal, Lalique. Lalique signatures are molded or engraved ("R.
Fashion Accessories
Vintage Purse
Indicative US retail $30–$2,000 · typical $150
Handbags and evening bags. Brand stamps, serial numbers or date codes, stitching quality and the weight of hardware authenticate luxury bags; counterfeits are widespread, so buy from sellers who guarantee authenticity.
Cigarette Case
Indicative US retail $30–$2,000 · typical $150
Metal cases for cigarettes. Silver cases carry hallmarks inside (French Minerva head, English lion passant, Russian 84 zolotniki).
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.