Everything you need to know about vintage Monet jewelry

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Monet jewelry and how beloved it is—it seems like I sell a Monet piece every other day. As a vintage costume jewelry dealer and collector, I frequently come across Monet when I’m scouting thrift stores and estate sales. Truth be told, it’s not the most exciting brand, but it is a brand that I genuinely respect and appreciate for its craftsmanship, elegance, and versatility—if I find Monet at a fair price, I’ll probably get it.

With diligent care, a simple piece of Monet costume jewelry can last literal decades. And the wonderful thing is, Monet pieces don’t need to be saved for special occasions. While they’re beautiful, they’re not excessively flashy or garish, and they make great wardrobe staples for work and everyday wear. 

What is Monet jewelry?

To answer the question of what is Monet jewelry, we should start with how the company came to be. Like many other costume jewelry brands, Monet emerged during a period of economic precarity in the United States, when consumers sought affordable alternatives to fine jewelry. Monet was founded by Jay and Michael Chernow in 1929, going by the name “Monocraft” until 1937. During this time, many skilled European refugees came to work for major costume brands such as Napier, Trifari, and Monet. 

In the ‘40s, the brand eventually became a household name with its timeless styles—I should note, too, that Monet was known for spearheading a comfortable clip-on earring design, which has a highly adjustable hinge and smooth backing. Fast forward a few decades, and you’ll find Monet at its apex in the ‘80s, when faux gold jewelry dominated the fashion world. To demonstrate the enormity of its cultural cachet, Monet even designed pieces for Yves Saint Laurent/YSL during this decade. 

Eventually, the brand was bought out by Liz Claiborne in the early aughts. Still, you can find Monet pieces at department stores like JCPenney and Kohl’s to this day. The Monet hallmark is simple, as it’s usually just the brand name in capital or upper casing. I usually use this page to date Monet stamps. 

What is Monet’s signature style, and why is it so highly desired?

Monet exudes timeless elegance—it’s eye-catching, but isn’t too flashy or costume-y. Its style is classic and versatile, appropriate for everything from job interviews to weddings. You’ll see tried-and-true gold and silver tone Monet pieces, often designed with rhinestone and faux pearl embellishments. In terms of motifs, its most popular shapes include foliage, floral, and starburst styles. 

Besides its timelessness, Monet is also budget-friendly. Monet jewelry is typically quite affordable for high-quality costume jewelry, and you can score great deals on vintage Monet since it’s not a brand that’s as coveted as Trifari. 

What type of jewelry does Monet make?

You can essentially find all kinds of Monet pieces. Here are the most common and collectible types: 

Necklaces

When it comes to necklaces, Monet is playful but never gaudy. You can find chunky Lucite necklaces, faux ivory cameos, and mother of pearl inlay pendants. Like Napier, Monet also made lots of simple gold tone/plated chains. 

Brooches

If you’re thinking about gifting a brooch, you really can’t go wrong with a Monet piece—and I’m not just saying that as a vintage shop well-stocked with Monet brooches. As a cash-strapped teenager, I often bought my mom affordable Monet brooches from department stores for Mother’s Day, opting for silhouettes like hearts, butterflies, and flowers. I’ve also sold lots of gold tone Monet starburst pieces in the past—they look great with everything!

Monet earrings

I love a classic Monet earring, be it pierced or clip. Monet earrings are pretty without being distracting—think simple faux pearl studs, amber glass dangle drops, enamel door knockers, and gold tone square clip ons.

Anyway, that is all for this blog! Depending on how this post is received, I might visit other vintage costume jewelry brands, such as Napier, Trifari, Avon, and Coro. In the meantime, if you are looking for go-to Monet pieces, I’d love to redirect you to my vintage Etsy shop!