The History of Costume Jewelry
There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make it antique jewelry. However, most jewelry experts have come to agree that antique jewelry predates the 1930s.
Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style. It became available in large quantities during the 30s.
Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones. By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials. Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made. Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class. This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable. And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.
There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s. Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. By World War II, gold was popular again but in short supply, since it was vital to the war effort. What gold was available was made into very thin sheets and usually bonded to silver (called vermeil) before being turned into jewelry. By the 1930s rhinestones popularity was ever increasing in Europe. It was not available to the Americans until the 1940s. As a result, many of the pieces from this period tend to feature lots of metal and a single stone or a small cluster of tiny rhinestones.
Today is certainly not much different from past times. We still have fine jewelry, semi precious jewelry, and of course costume jewelry available to us. Costume jewelry can add the finishing touch and show your fashion sense. Costume Jewelry styles of past years are now becoming very fashionable and many are being reproduced. Even with costume jewelry there is a difference in quality. Many of the new pieces do not have the vibrance in the stones or the weight of the older pieces.
Antique and vintage costume jewelry are both fun to collect and fun to wear. No longer is costume jewelry simply "collectable." It is "in style, and" "fashionable," and a terrific conversation starter. Dress to impress!
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/
Latest News
Merrily They Dress New York Times, United States - More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on November 20, 2008, on page E1 of the New York edition. |
 The Associated Press | First-time first ladies can make fashion faux pas The Associated Press - "Most previous first ladies have appeared to believe that displaying an interest in fashion and style undermines the importance of their role. ... |
Approved (With Restrictions) New York Times, United States - More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on November 20, 2008, on page E3 of the New York edition. |
PinkMemo.com Welcomes Krista Tankersley as President and Cofounder ... PR Web (press release), WA - PinkMemo.com a fashion, style and luxury lifestyle online media company announced today the arrival of Krista Tankersley as President and Cofounder. ... |
Political style Richmond Times Dispatch, VA - Fashion historian Holly P. Alford describes Obama's overall fashion style as conservative with an occasional surprise thrown in. Some have described it as a ... |
FASHION (409): Stepping out in style Beaumont Enterprise, tx - "Heels - and shoes in general - are the most unbiased fashion piece other than purses. Anyone can wear them and look better, no matter if they are big or ... |
Style & warmth: Outerwear with a new dimension Ocala, FL - "It's all about style and fashion. They're more stylish and trendy than they've ever been. They are really statement coats this year. ... |
Icons of Glamour and Style: The Constantiner Collection to be ... Art Daily - ... for over half a century, celebrated fashion, style, celebrity and desire, and features some of the most sought-after artists, including Andy Warhol, ... |
Trick Out Your Firefox Browser with Style PC Magazine - "We're excited to introduce Fashion Your Firefox because it makes it even easier for people to discover useful add-ons that make the browsing experience ... |
No, You’re Selling It All Wrong New York Times, United States - It’s not boring. More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on November 20, 2008, on page E4 of the New York edition. |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time