Fashion Jewelry

Costume Jewelry – the Excitement Never Ends!

You don’t need to be dressed up on Halloween to wear costume jewelry. At the time the term was created, the word ‘costume’ simply meant ‘outfit’. Costume jewelry sometimes gets a bad rap, but as those of us in the fashion world know: there’s a time and a place for almost every outfit and accessory. And those that don’t experiment don’t have much fun in their lives. So, let’s talk about one of the most festive things to wear when we get all dressed up.

Costume jewelry can also be called: fashion jewelry or even ‘fake’ jewelry. It was designed to be inexpensive jewelry that anyone could wear. Costume jewelry originated in the 1930s as a cheap, disposable accessory meant to be worn with a specific outfit. In contrast with expensive pieces with solid gold and precious stones, costume jewelry is made of less valuable materials including base metals, glass, plastic, and synthetic stones.

Originally, costume or fashion jewelry was made of inexpensive simulated gemstones, such as rhinestones or lucite, set in pewter, silver, nickel or brass. Modern costume jewelry incorporates a wide range of materials. High end crystals, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds, and some semi-precious stones are used in place of precious stones. Metals include gold- or silver-plated brass, and sometimes vermeil or sterling silver. Lower-priced jewelry may still use gold plating over pewter, nickel or other metals; items made in countries outside the United States may contain lead. Some pieces incorporate plastic, acrylic, leather or wood.

So, shop around for some costume jewelry if you haven’t yet. It adds flash and style to so many outfits and most of all, a healthy bit of fun!