Costume jewellery (also called fashion jewellery, junk jewellery, fake jewellery, or fallalery) is jewellery that is made of less valuable materials including base metals, glass, plastic, and synthetic stones, in place of more valuable materials such as precious metals and gems. Costume jewellery is usually inexpensive, and often flashy. Its main use is in fashion, as opposed to “real” (fine) jewellery which may be regarded primarily as collectibles, keepsakes, or investments.

Components

Originally, costume or fashion jewellery 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, CZs or 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 jewellery 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.

Etymology

The term costume jewellery dates back to the early 20th century. It may reflect the use of the word “costume” to refer to what is now called an “outfit”; for example, a “handsome street costume of maroon brown velvet”. Thus the jewellery worn with everyday fashion (costumes) grew to be known as “costume jewellery.” Another theory is that the term refers to the jewellery worn in theatrical productions.

History

Costume jewellery has been part of culture since almost 300 years. During the 1700s cheap jewellery made with glass started getting made. After almost a century in the 1800s costume jewellery made of semi precious material came into the market. The use of semi precious material made the jewellery available in the hands of the common people. But the real golden era for the costume jewellery started in 1930s when rhinestone became popular in the European market and costume jewelry using rhinestone as the material came in demand. Costume jewellery was further made popular by various designers in the mid 19th century.