Fashion Jewelry History
The term costume jewelry dates back to the early 20th century. It reflects the use of the word "costume" to refer to what is now called an outfit. Originally, costume or fashion jewelry was made of inexpensive simulated gemstones, such as rhinestones or lucite, set in pewter, silver, nickel, or brass. Today's modern costume/fashion jewelry incorporates a wide range of materials. High end crystals, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds, and some semi-precious stones are used in place of precious stones. Metals include gold or silver-plated brass, and sometimes vermeil or sterling silver. Lower-priced jewelry may still use gold plating over pewter, nickel or other metals. Items made out side the US may not contain lead.
There are three periods of …show more content…
Natural materials merged with plastic. These pieces were mostly American made with a distinct American look. This was during WWII when European factories had to shut down and many of Europe's designers emigrated to America. The Retro jewelry shows glamour, elegance and sophistication. There were flowers, bows and sunburst designs all with a Hollywood flair. You would see horse motifs, moonstones, ballerinas, and a military influence. You would see bakelite and other plastic jewelry.
When the Art Modern period began the big bold style of the Retro period went out. Designs became more understated and traditional and taylored looking. Along came Poodle pins, Christmas Tree pins and other Christmas jewelry. Charm bracelets became popular along with chunky bangle bracelets. Included in this period were opals, jade and rhinestones. Note also in this period body jewelry came into style.
In the 18th century jewelers began making costume jewelry with inexpensive glass; in the 19th century semi-precious material for costume jewelry came to market. Thus costume jewelry became affordable for the common people. In the 20th century the real golden era for costume jewelry began. Middle class shoppers want beautiful affordable pieces. The machine age made it possible to mass produce replicas of heirloom pieces. The average town and country woman could afford to acquire and wear mass produce costume
There are three periods of …show more content…
Natural materials merged with plastic. These pieces were mostly American made with a distinct American look. This was during WWII when European factories had to shut down and many of Europe's designers emigrated to America. The Retro jewelry shows glamour, elegance and sophistication. There were flowers, bows and sunburst designs all with a Hollywood flair. You would see horse motifs, moonstones, ballerinas, and a military influence. You would see bakelite and other plastic jewelry.
When the Art Modern period began the big bold style of the Retro period went out. Designs became more understated and traditional and taylored looking. Along came Poodle pins, Christmas Tree pins and other Christmas jewelry. Charm bracelets became popular along with chunky bangle bracelets. Included in this period were opals, jade and rhinestones. Note also in this period body jewelry came into style.
In the 18th century jewelers began making costume jewelry with inexpensive glass; in the 19th century semi-precious material for costume jewelry came to market. Thus costume jewelry became affordable for the common people. In the 20th century the real golden era for costume jewelry began. Middle class shoppers want beautiful affordable pieces. The machine age made it possible to mass produce replicas of heirloom pieces. The average town and country woman could afford to acquire and wear mass produce costume