Costume Jewelry From Then To Now
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!