What is Fashion Jewelry?
 |
Fashion jewelry, also known as costume, fake, imitation or junk jewelry is a jewelry that is made up of less valuable materials glass, plastic, wood, synthetic stones or base metals. They seem to be gaudy, jazzy, meretricious, showy and flashy. They are just used for fashion and style and they are usually inexpensive as opposed to fine or real jewelry which is regarded primarily as keepsakes, collectibles or investments.
History
Costume jewelry originated on stage sets where it was used for props. Jewelry for the stage were made from cheap materials and they were designed big sizes so that it would be visible to the audience. Artists became attached to these gorgeous additions to their costumes, and started wearing costume jewelry off the stage as well. Costume jewelry can be a way to dress up without spending too much money. In late 1950's trend for fashion jewelry started. At that time gold and faux pearls were used as costume jewelry designed by Coco fashion designer. Since 1960's designer named Kenneth Jay Lane had introduced various unique pieces for various models and was popular for his jeweled belts and three-strand faux pearl necklace. Now a days, they are considered as high-end fashion jewelry that has achieved a "collectible" status. They are considered as substantial secondary market for vintage fashion jewelry and as the time goes they are going to increase their value more and more.
Components
Costume jewelry are made of inexpensive imitated gemstones like lucite set in brass or nickel. Now a days, it incorporates broad range of materials like crystals, simulated diamonds etc. In place of precious stones some semi precious stones are used. Metals like sterling silver or gold – silver plated brass were used. They are lower priced jewelry in which sometimes lead, plastic, acrylic or wood is used.
Popularity and Style
Fashion jewelry is famous and popular among set and fashion designers and people who have a very funky choice. They are easily available at retail as well as vintage stores specializing in accessories. They are designed to imitate upscale jewelry. They necessarily do not mean that they are of low cost. Vintage jewelry and faux jewelry are quite expensive. They are made up of top class quality materials. They are worn by people just for fashion, security and fun.
Costume jewelry is made in all sorts of style from “ brooches to pearl necklaces”. Fashion jewelry can be made at home by craftsmen or kids who are fun loving. Some of them uses real gemstones that are less expensive versions of their precious counterparts. The stones used are large and have flashy cuts. They usually use base metal as tin and that metal is treated such as it resembles a more expensive metal such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Fashion jewelry speaks volubly of the unmatched caliber of the artisans and their ability to generate some of the finest designs. It is just not a craft but an art which will always accentuate never depreciate.
Products
Costume jewelry includes several products like as:
- Ear rings
- Bangles
- Bracelets
- Necklaces
- Pendants
- Rings
- Brooches
