When one hears the word 'jewellery', one often associates this with precious metal jewellery such as gold/silver or diamond jewellery. However, the broad term, jewellery, also encampasses fashion jewellery (also referred to as costume jewellery). The term 'Costume Jewellery' arose from the fact that 'a costume - now referred to as an outfit' could be accompanied by jewellery.
So what is Fashion Jewellery? Fashion jewellery is jewellery made from materials such as resin, gold/silver plated base metal, faux pearl, rhinestones, wood and many other materials which would not generally be considered precious. It's origins date back to the 1930's when costume Jewellery was developed as an accessory that could be purchased cheaply, worn for a limited timeframe and be easily replaced by another jewellery item.
There were various costume jewellery design trends historically including the following:
Art Deco Period (1920s - 1930s) - Jewellery was characterised by long pendants, cocktail rings and bangle bracelets. Recently, there has been a surge in costume jewellery sold with such designs.
Retro Period (1930s - 1950) - Characterised by Resin ( also referred to as plastic), bows, flowers and sophistication.
Art Modern Period (1950s - 1960s) - Lavish Jewellery, Chunky Bracelets, Rhinestones.
There are several reasons as to why costume jewellery has always persisted throughout these periods and still exists today.
The first and foremost reason is that it is cheap and affordable. Costume Jewelry can be bought cheaply, used and quickly replaced by another item. This allows one to have a large choice of jewelry items to choose from and also ensures a variety in lifestyle living. Can you imagine wearing the same necklace day in, day out, 365 days a year? Doesn't sound very appealing, does it? :)
Secondly, because fashion jewellery is so cheap to manufacture, a larger choice in designs are available using many different types of rhinestones, cubic zirconia stones or any other desired material. Designs presented by precious metal/stone designers are limited mainly due to the fact that it is quite difficult to carve out metals, and particularly natural stones, into certain shapes/designs.
Costume Jewellery designs do not only present a variety in terms of designs, but also in terms of occasions. One can find jewellery specifically adopted to a casual outting, a glam night out or even an occasion such as christmas! And what's more? As these items are so cheap and affordable, one can easily discard them, or keep them aside for the next christmas party!
And to finish this article off, we suppose losing a fashion pendant necklace would not dishearten one as much as losing a diamond necklace, right? (Unless ofcourse it was one of your favourite pendant necklaces!) :)
