When
it comes to costume jewelry, there is a question that springs to mind.
What is costume jewelry/fashion jewelry? Let's find out.
Costume jewelry and fashion jewelry is one and the same. It refers to
any adornment that is flashy and is made of inexpensive materials. It
differs from fine jewelry (diamonds, gold, silver) in the sense that the
raw materials used to make costume jewelry are easily available and
economical.
Jewelry made from wood, glass, synthetic stones, bone, brass, nickel
etc. can be called costume jewelry/fashion jewelry. It is often flashy
and adds color to a woman's ensemble. Moreover, there is a wide range of
colors and designs to choose from.
Here, we make an attempt to unearth facts about costume jewelry/fashion
jewelry. Let's delve into the following to achieve a proper
understanding of this growing trend in women's fashion accessories.
History and Origin of Ladies Costume Jewelry
Fashion jewelry is almost as old as the human civilization itself.
Adornment with various accessories dates back to 3500 BC when women wore
jewelry during religious rites. It was a common conviction that jewelry
warded off evil, and brought good luck to the wearer. The women of those
times made simple jewelry with claws, teeth, and bones of animals.
Later, they began making jewelry from wood, metal, and ivory. They also
made jewelry by stringing pebbles onto reeds or jute. Shells were strung
together to make necklaces and bracelets. Wire was used to make costume
jewelry with simplistic, yet natural designs like animals, flowers, and
leaves. Other materials used to make jewelry were bird feathers,
delicate fish bones, berries, human hair, beetle's wings etc.
Interesting as it may seem, the term 'costume jewelry' has its roots in
theater, and dates back as far as the 16th century. Back then, costume
jewelry was referred to as 'paste'. The reason behind this? Fake, yet
colorful jewels that complemented the actor's costumes were chosen.
These jewels were then pasted onto the actor's costumes to give them a
flashy look. This laid the foundation for jewelry in a disposable form.
Costume jewelery was neither considered traditional, nor meant to be
handed down to the younger generations of the time.
Fashion jewelery came to the forefront with the rise of the middle
class during the 19th century. Imitations of fine jewelery of the rich
gained popularity during this time. Gemstones were replaced with
synthetic stones. Foils were used under the synthetic stones to provide
a rich glow to pieces of jewelry. Base metals like copper and brass were
used instead of gold and silver. Such jewelry was a favorite among the
masses because it was not only visually appealing, but also economical.
Later, it began to be known as costume jewelry, representing an all-new
fashion trend. Costume jewelry lends elegance and grace to a woman's
appearance, besides enhancing her beauty. Today costume jewelery/fashion
jewelery is picked so as to match a woman's outfit, and to enhance her
personality. It is also used to make a stylistic statement of sorts,
reflecting the status, culture, mood, or attitude of the wearer.
Types of Ladies Costume Jewelry
Ladies
Costume Jewelry
