SUMARIS Visits the 2017 Costume Jewelry Collectors International Convention

January 22, 2018

Costume Jewelry Collectors International (CJCI) is a worldwide network of costume jewelry collectors committed to studying and promoting collectible costume jewelry from reputable designers. Until 2017, CJCI also hosted seven annual conventions, but their final event took place in October, in Rhode Island.

SUMARIS Founder and Designer Susan was lucky enough to attend this final convention and the corresponding Vintage Jewelry Show, which featured more than 70 vintage jewelry dealers. At the show, Susan purchased a number of unique brooches, which will eventually make their way into SUMARIS designs.

The theme of the 2017 CJCI show was “Lifestyles of the Rich and Fabulous”, which celebrated the decadent 1980s. If you want to read more about the most divine costume jewelry of the 80s, you should read this blog post. Top designers of the period included Kenneth Jay Lane, Givenchy, and Christian Dior.

At this year’s event, a special presentation also included a selection of Joseff of Hollywood jewelry worn by movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Vivien Leigh. Attendees had the chance to meet Tina Joseff, current general manager of the Joseff companies. If you’re not familiar with Joseff, you’ll want to watch this video, which features an exclusive and rare look into the Joseff store in Burbank, CA. The store is not typically open to the public.

The highlight of the show, especially for Susan, was the Vintage Jewelry Show, which took place on October 21st. At the show, experts and dealers who specialize in vintage design came together in one space to sell their wares and share their knowledge.

Attendees of this show could find pieces spanning nearly a century by designers like Chanel, Christian Dior, Cis, and more! According to CJCI, “You won’t find a larger group of knowledgeable jewelry dealers, historians, collectors, authors, and enthusiasts in one gathering.”

View our Instagram post to see some of the vintage costume jewelry that Susan found at the vintage jewelry show, including some items that she purchased. Have you ever attended the CJCI convention? Are you disappointed that it will no longer be taking place? If you’re interested, you can still take advantage of all the resources available on the CJCI website.