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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Gil Trupp | Posted under Shopping and Product Reviews
The Life Of Costume Jewelry
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Although some do not consider costume jewelry as antique jewelry in reality there really is no difference between the two. By the definition of antique jewelry used by experts, costume jewelry does in fact qualify to be called antique jewelry. Costume jewelry actually existed as far back as the 1700s when the rich had their fine jewelry duplicated using paste or glass stones, then wearing these pieces during their daily activities. By the mid 1800s the middle class had grown. The result was many different levels of jewelry manufacturers. Fine jewelry made of diamonds, emeralds, and other fine gems were geared to Royalty and the wealthy. While other manufacturers carried extensive lines of beautiful jewelry made from paste or glass stones and set in cheaper metals. These makers were targeting the growing middle class. The term costume jewelry came to be in the 1920s. It was the name given to cheap disposable jewelry. It was meant to wear with a specific outfit or for a specific season and then to be discarded. It was thought that when you purchased new wardrobe items or the season changed you would simply buy new pieces of costume jewelry which were very affordable. It was cheap, available in large quantities, and made to be worn for only a short period of time. It was never meant to be handed down or treasured for years to come. The irony is that costume jewelry has been handed down, and it not only treasured the older costume jewelry has become highly collectable. Some of the most well known designers are: Trifari; Hobe; Boucher; Ciner; Coro; Hollycraft; and Schiaparelli, to name just a few. Some of the pieces of these well known manufacturers have become so popular that collectors are paying thousands of dollars for some of the rarer pieces, and hundreds of dollars for more common pieces that are still in excellent condition. When costume jewelry manufacturers sold their jewelry in mass quantities as early as the 1920s they never dreamed that some day these pieces would be worth what they are. Some of these manufacturers still produce quality costume jewelry today. The costume jewelry from the art deco period which dates from 1920 to 1930, combined mass production with art and design. And a fine job they did! The roaring twenties was the age of new found freedoms. With the flapper dress for women came bold and dynamic costume jewelry made from paste stones. Coco Chanel was one manufacturer that produced some outstanding pieces that are sought after today! Some of the characteristics seen during the art deco period included free flowing curves that replaced the harsh symmetrical shapes of the previous era. Color was also important. Either black and white or bold color was the norm. Elaborate chains, bangles, and rings were important jewelry accessories. Feather headdresses and jewelry also became very popular. The retro period which ran from 1935 to 1950 so yet another change in design and style. The struggle between mass production and being able to maintain an art form continued. Natural materials were being merged or replaced with new plastics. American produces were beginning to give their jewelry an American look. The war in Europe had shut down many European designers. Many found their way to the United States. Some of the characteristics from this era included jewelry that was more glamorous, elegant, and sophisticated. Gone was the funky fancy free jewelry from the roaring 20's. Flowers, sunbursts, and bows were very popular. As were moonstones, horse motifs, figural's such as ballerinas and ladies. Military influence was also very strong. With the advent of new plastics such as bakelite some wonderful new styles, colors, and designs were appearing on the market. The art modern period ran from 1945 to 1960. The fact that it followed a war was quite obvious as it was reflected in more traditional and understated jewelry. The big bold styles of the retro period were replaced with more refined and tailored pieces. During the 1950s jewelry designers began selling their product to jewelry wholesalers. These pieces became so popular for their uniqueness and originality that wholesaler were unable to keep up with demand, and designers were unable to produce these unique pieces fast enough. The earlier part of the art modern pieces saw more traditional, elegant, and sophisticated pieces. Animal pins such as poodle pins were very popular in the 1950s. Christmas tree pins and other Christmas jewelry was very popular. By the mid 1950s bold lavish jewelry was again making a comeback. Large chunky necklaces and bracelets, big bold earrings, and rhinestones everywhere. In fact rhinestone jewelry was the number one selling jewelry throughout this era. Even today rhinestone jewelry has not lost its popularity. Modern pieces are still produced and high quality pieces from the art modern era are bringing big dollars. The Contemporary period which runs from the 1970s until the 1990s seen quite a variety in styles. During the 1970s semi precious stoned jewelry was very popular. Natural styles that were earthy and grounded were very popular. By the 1980's we had glitz and glamour all around. The television was full of shows like Dallas that saw glamorous glitzy women, disco had become big. The flavor of the 80s was glitz and sparkle. The larger the earrings the happier women were. By the 1990's glitz was dead! Jewelry styles became large and clunky yet elegant and sophisticated with simple lines. This minimalist style saw the use of dainty rhinestones, faux pearls, and small glass stones. Toe rings and body jewelry was becoming popular. With the arrival of Y2K came the arrival of the anything goes styles in jewelry. Big and clunky, to dainty and feminine, soft and delicate, to bold and powerful. All was in style! We saw the addition of colored cz diamonds, colored pearls, and a mix of the old and new. What the future brings can only be imagined. About The Author: Gil is an artist and a professional writer for last 15 years. He has over 10 years of experience in ornaments and jewels. Visit the website at http://www.ontargetjewelry.com to learn about different jewelry, earring available in market. |
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