Costume jewellery. Without sounding like a complete oxymoron, vintage costume jewellery can be as authentic and valuable as the real stuff. For the low-down on what’s hot for weddings, The Wedding Co. caught up with Toronto’s Queen of collectable costume jewellery, Carole Tanenbaum, for a quick education.

The Wedding Co.: What about vintage costume jewellery makes it appealing to a bride?

Carole Tanenbaum: Three things. First, it is the most creative, original way to accessorize oneself as a bride. Women will spend any amount to express their individuality on their wedding day and there is no more unique statement to make than to wear a piece of jewellery that is likely to be one-of-a-kind. In my 26 years in the industry, I’ve come across only about half a dozen duplicates. Secondly, the history that is inherent in each piece increases its value; every item that has survived has already touched many people’s lives. It is my hope that a bride would pass a piece on to her children and that they would wear it on their wedding day, making the history of the piece more personal. Also, finding something with its own history is exciting. Thirdly, it’s easily a bride’s something old, and often her something blue. Many brides choose to wear diamante and sapphire earrings on their wedding day.

TWC: What distinguishes collectable items from the larger body of costume jewellery?

CT: Costume jewellery today is mass produced and is often vintage-inspired. What I collect are original vintage pieces from the Victorian era to the ’80s that are in excellent condition. They are collectable because they have survived the decades when they were never meant to, costume jewellery was meant to adorn and to jazz up an outfit and be disposed of often, not to be saved or respected. Fine vintage costume jewellery is now so limited that its value can compete with gemstones, even though its made from composite metals and not precious metals or gemstones.

Its value has also been increased by its popularity with fashion icons and museums. Michelle Obama wore one of my pieces during the inauguration, choosing it over a Harry Winston or a Neil Lane, for example. She chose it for its historical value and sophistication; she loved that the piece made a unique fashion statement.

TWC: Who is the bride that chooses fine costume jewellery?

CT: She already has a fashion conscience and is looking for that unique statement. Few items in fashion have such a wide appeal, 18 year-olds like it because it is in vogue, while 80 year-olds appreciate its nostalgic value. This means it appeals to a bride who is concerned about finding something that won’t go out of style and that she’ll love forever.

TWC: Are there certain eras and styles that work better for weddings?

CT: Two periods that don’t ever go out of style are Art Deco and the ’50s. They are the two most popular periods for brides and collectors alike. Deco’s small and architectural feel appeals to the woman who is more conservative and who, perhaps, wants to stretch herself to wear vintage while the Gentlemen Prefer Blonds-era of the 1950s offers the large stones and bracelets, and drapy earrings for a Marilyn-like wow. Either way, brides are still sticking to colourless pieces but I suspect that may change and they may still get into coloured jewellery yet. I like to include both conservative pieces and ones that push outside the box in my bridal collections to inspire creativity.

TWC: Finally, is there a difference between what a Canadian bride’s taste and an American bride’s?

CT: Certainly, Canadian brides are more conservative and lean towards more traditional looks, although they are getting more into the American style of following fashion. Canadian brides are often very drawn to the Montreal designer, Sherman, which is interesting in itself as it’s nice to wear something that is historically Canadian on your wedding day.

A selection of Carole Tanenbaum’s bridal collection is available at White, Toronto.