Costume Jewelry

All that glitters is not gold, and that true for costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is jewelry of less valuable materials – its materials includes the likes of base metals, glass, plastic, and synthetic stones in place of more costly ones such as gems and precious metals. The substances are more or less inexpensive and flamboyant.

Costume jewelry, formerly "paste", took its name from its use, back when theatrical jewels were "pasted" into stage costumes – it is now mainly used for fashion purposes. It takes different forms – as hair accessory, bracelet, pendant, or ring – each with its own vintage rhinestone or imitation stone. Precious jewelry, meanwhile, exists predominantly as part of a collection, keepsake, or investment.

Costume jewelry can also be crafted from cubic zirconia, high-end crystals, lab-created and simulated gemstones. Semi-precious stones and even wood can be foundations in crafting costume jewelry.

Costume jewelry was then called cocktail jewelry, and it was through Lalique's mass produced quality glass jewelry that the 20s got a taste of it. With the great influence of fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, clients were encouraged to blend costume jewelry with already-owned authentic pieces. Both designers are famed for their stylish blend of fun and imagination, and are often seen sporting fabulous faux jewelry.

The late 30s saw Napier of USA at the forefront of costume jewelry manufacture. Napier still produces

first-rate contemporary pieces.

By the 40s and 50s American culture was predominant in Europe. Movies and their stars dictate the trend – clothes, hairstyles, make-up, and even manners. Outfits and jewelry worn by the people's screen idols are mimicked – it was widely held that Tinseltown glamour would rub off on you if you had the style and the looks.

World War II in Europe stopped production when metals were controlled. High-grade costume jewelry

already thriving in USA became much more accepted as an alternative to fine jewelry in Europe.

The 60s produced more extraordinary costume jewelry, as modern plastics and ethnic pieces were incorporated. Kenneth Jay Lane had since been known for creating such pieces for Audrey Hepburn, Diana Vreeland, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jackie Onassis. He is best known for his three-strand faux pearl necklace, worn by Barbara Bush to her husband's inaugural ball. It is also widely held that the Duchess of Windsor

was buried in Lane's jeweled belt.

The 80s saw the costume jewelry experiencing a renaissance under the watch of the huge soap opera hit Dynasty and Dallas. The glitz and glamour program, avidly watched by 250 million viewers worldwide, left impressions of lavish and opulent pieces and made diamante by day the norm. The availability of cubic zirconia and the rise of smart enamel pieces contrasted the glitz of diamante.

Less is more became the latest trend for the 90s. As soon as it was declared dead, costume jewelry is again revived in the 21st century. It is currently enjoying renewed interest from the fashionable set who wishes to enliven a wardrobe and achieve that perfectly unique look.