What is Vintage Costume Jewelry?
- Costume jewelry broadly refers to decorative pieces made from inexpensive materials as an affordable alternative to fine jewelry. While fine jewelry features precious metals like gold and platinum, as well as genuine gemstones, costume pieces are typically made with base metals and imitation stones such as rhinestones, crystals, or glass.
- While the tradition of costume jewelry dates back centuries, the concept of mass-produced costume jewelry really took off in the 18th century. The Industrial Revolution and growth of the middle class created an eager market for these eye-catching, attainable accessories.
- According to jewelry historian Barbara Schwartz, "The American costume jewelry business flourished in the 1930s and 40s. The style was distinctive, often big and bold, and the quality of the pieces was the best in the world."
- Throughout the decades of the 20's to the 50's, the quality of costume jewelry was at an all-time high, with many pieces hand-made featuring exceptional craftsmanship and more expensive materials like Austrian crystals, simulated pearls, and semi-precious stones. The most coveted vintage costume jewelry today primarily comes from this golden age.