Start Collecting – Sarah Coventry Costume Jewelry

I remember the neighborhood ladies gathering for Sarah Coventry’s jewelry parties in the 1970s. We were young housewives with not much money to spend, so we loved to visit and see the new and inexpensive jewelry that Sarah Coventry had to offer.

Now those vintage pieces are highly collectible, and the popular designs are just as beautiful and wearable today. An eBay search returns over 1,800 Sarah Coventry pieces available to bid or sell. Not all of them are vintage, as the jewelry is still sold on the Home Shopping Network.

Charles H. Stuart founded Sarah Coventry in 1950 and named the company after his granddaughter Sarah Ann. The design and manufacturing were carried out by external companies. Never sold in retail stores, affordable jewelry was only sold by consultants at house parties. The company was sold in 1984, and in 2003 the jewelry was sold again through house parties, and is still sold that way today.

If you are interested in collecting vintage Sarah Coventry, here are some things to consider:

Since there was a large volume of Sarah Coventry jewelry on the market, full rhinestone sets are the most collectible. Prices are still relatively low, but as more collectors discover the pieces, prices should go up. Try to find Sarah Coventry jewelry in original boxes.

The company used several different brands on its jewelry:

“Sarah Cov” with the copyright symbol ©
“SARAH” with copyright symbol
“Coventry” with copyright symbol
“SaC”, “SAC” or “SC”
“Canada” and “Sarah” with the copyright symbol

Sarah Coventry’s jewelery was made in a wide range of styles and qualities. Good weight and attention to detail was typical, and the elaborate beading pieces were very well done. Rhinestones were used in classic color combinations, and enamel jewelry was also produced. The pieces were made in gold-tone and silver-tone metal. Keep in mind, however, that there are also many average or below average pieces.

If you’re buying for yourself, for your own pleasure, and not necessarily for investment, it’s important to buy what you like and examine the condition of each piece carefully.

A good way to date Sarah Coventry jewelry is to review old advertisements found in jewelry books. “Fine Fashion Jewelry from Sarah Coventry” by Jennifer A. Lindbeck is an excellent resource.

Many different styles were produced. Some of the most popular pieces were pins with figures, such as owls, which were very popular decorative items in the 1970s. Other figures were flowers and animals. There were beautiful rhinestone creations and other pieces made with faux turquoise and pearls, and even a gold brooch with an enamel miniature of the Mona Lisa. There was something for every budget and taste. The best pieces and hostess party favors are now especially collectible.

If you do an internet search for “Sarah Coventry” you will find many sources with parts for sale. Keep an eye out for thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales. So much was produced, that you should be able to start or add to your collection very easily.