The History of Costume Jewelry
By Sher Matsen
Editor's Summary: If you are considering starting an
collection of antique jewelry, reading this article will help you
decide whether to collect costume jewelry or fine jewelry. You will
learn a little costume jewelry and antique jewelry history.
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/
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