In Contrast To Valuable Materials Such As Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, And Others, Costume Jewelry Is Made From Less Expensive Materials

Costume Jewelry

Instead of "real" (fine) jewellery, which is more expensive and often viewed as collectibles, keepsakes, or investments, Costume Jewelry refers to a variety of decorative items worn for personal adornment that are produced as inexpensive ornamentation to match a particular fashionable outfit or garment. Fashion jewellery, commonly referred to as costume jewellery, has always mirrored the designs of its more expensive fine counterparts.

The phrase "costume jewellery" first appeared. It illustrates how the term "costume" was once used to describe what is now referred to as a "outfit." Costume or fashion jewellery was first created by setting cheap imitation gemstones like rhinestones or lucite in pewter, silver, nickel, or brass. Rhinestones were even downgraded by some producers during the depression to lower production costs.

Sterling silver was frequently used in Costume Jewelry creations during World War II for the following reasons. Base metal components were prohibited from usage in the commercial sector because they were required for military production during times of war. Because base metal could resemble platinum's colour, it first enjoyed popularity; sterling silver satisfied this need.

The primary factors driving the growth of the Costume Jewelry Market are rising fashion consciousness, rising population inclination toward aesthetic appearance, and changing levels of life.

Numerous materials are used in modern costume jewellery. Instead of valuable stones, premium crystals, cubic zirconia imitation diamonds, and some semi-precious stones are used. Brass can be gold- or silver-plated, and vermeil or sterling silver can also be used as metals. Cheaper jewellery may still have gold plating over nickel, pewter, or other metals, and lead may be present in products produced abroad. Some pieces feature materials including wood, leather, acrylic, or plastic.

The harshness of mass manufacturing and the sensitivity of art and design were attempted to be combined in the Art Deco movement. Coco Chanel first introduced Costume Jewelry during this time to complement the outfit. With the start of the Great Depression and the start of World War II, the Art Deco movement came to an end. 

According to Schiffer, the free-flowing curves that characterised costume jewellery during the Art Deco era were replaced with a severely geometric and symmetrical concept. Cocktail rings, bangle bracelets, long pendants, intricate accessory pieces like cigarette boxes and holders, and bracelets with several bangles.