All about Costume Jewelry
All You Should Know About Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry, also known as fashion jewelry, is a type of jewelry made from less valuable materials than traditional jewelry. It is made from cheap and readily available materials like glass, plastic, stone pebbles, base metal, beads and shells. They are usually made to imitate the appearance of the precious gems found in traditional jewelry like gold, platinum and diamond. It is one of the convenient and cheap ways to design unique types of jewelry. There are many interesting facts about costume jewelry which include:
Origin of costume jewelry
Mass production of costume jewelry began in the 1930s after the process of gold-plating non-precious metals was refined. The Great Depression resulted in reduction the market for fine jewelry since people could not afford them. Thus many people began making different designs of costume jewelry for the mass market. Wood, pasta and plastic were also used to feed the increased demand for the jewelry.
Materials used to make costume jewelry
Costume jewelry is made with the use of artificial gemstones, metal and other inexpensive materials like glass, epoxy, Rhine stone and cubic zirconium. Cubic zirconium is preferred by most jewelry makers because it resembles precious stones such as sapphire, rubies and diamond. It produces a unique sparkling light that can entice everyone. Coloured glass and faux pearls also make attractive costume jewelry especially earrings and necklaces.
Other metals such as tin aluminum and nickel when combined evenly do make attractive jewelry. You can also use materials like beads, wood, shell, plastic and semi precious stones like black opal and amethysts to make costume jewelry.
Varieties of costume jewelry
There are many types of the jewelry which include: earrings, chains, necklaces, anklets, pendants, rings, head band and bracelets. The most common are necklaces worn mostly by women.
They come in different styles, colours and sizes; hence can be worn with many outfits. There is no age limit or class for wearing the jewelry. Jewelry with a gold or silver finish can form part of your formal dressing.
Caring for your costume jewelry
Although they are not expensive, it is important to take proper care of your custom jewelry in order to maintain their sparkling appearance. Never allow your jewelry to come into contact with soap, oil, deodorants and chemicals which can make them fade. Remove your jewelry before, washing hands, showering, exercising, swimming and sleeping. Store them in a soft jewelry pouch or plastic Ziploc bag.