Costume Jewellery @ Jewel Info 4 U
By: Shweta Dhanuka
Costume jewellery gained its
existence way back in early 20th
century. As the name "costume"
specifies it was referred to the
clothes, which now is also called as
'outfit'. Therefore, jewellery that
was worn in accordance with the
clothes was known as Costume
Jewellery. Other than the clothes
related jewellery, costume jewellery
was also referred to the jewellery
worn for stage performance in
theaters. Fashion jewellery,
glass-beaded jewellery and fake
jewellery are its additional names.
It is created using less expensive
material for example instead of
valuable metals gold, silver and
platinum etc gold/silver-plated
brass or base metals are used. Apart
from the metals, synthetic stone or
stones made of glass or plastic are
used for crafting this fashionable
jewellery in place of precious
stones like
diamonds,
ruby,
emeralds
and semi precious stones like
amethyst,
topaz, and
aquamarine and
so on. In spite of being made up of
less costly material, these
jewellery pieces are quite classy
and often flamboyant. Therefore, it
was preferred less in the royal
families but now the trend has
changed.
Costume Jewellery History
 Famous
designer Coco Chanel was the one who
deeply admired this fascinating
jewellery variant. In her years as
jewellery designer, she used this
trendy jewellery quite a lot and
then after costume jewellery gained
the upright identification in the
fashion industry. Kenneth Jay Lane
since 1960s has been known for
creating exclusive three strand faux
pearl necklace that was well-liked
by many in the fashion cognizant
part of the society.
In this present century, these are
gaining popularity everyday as more
and more females are getting fashion
conscious, who prefer style and
alluring look for their personality.
Costume jewellery is mostly
purchased by people who wish to
carry their attire and jewellery in
accord to the prevailing trends in
the fashion industry. These are
certainly not collected for the
keepsakes or investment purpose as
that of gold ornaments rather it is
ideal for stylish and funky look
that keeps changing with time. This
classy jewellery is not in fashion
forever, it is preferred only when
it is in fashion that is for few
months or one or two years and after
the trend in fashion changes the
jewellery also changes. However, the
jewelries from 40s to 70s are
certainly collectibles as it gains
the antique value and importance to
it.
Costume Jewellery Types
The costume jewels includes
necklace, earrings, bracelets,
bangles and pendants. The price of
all these jewelries is dependent on
the material used for example brass
metal jewelries are priced less than
those which are made using 18 carat
gold or silver plating. Similarly,
beaded necklace and bracelets are
very much affordable than those
created using synthetic gemstones.
There are many different
types of necklace created and are
categorized on the basis of the
design and components used such as
Resin, Glass beaded and shell etc.
Any necklace could be worn with any
costume but the look of the jewel is
enhanced when worn with the right
outfit.
Resin Necklace- This necklace is the
one that could be worn with any
outfit. As the name specifies, the
main component for this is 'Resin'
(resin is a synthetic substance used
as the basis of plastics produced by
some chemical reactions in the
laboratory) which is a liquid
chemical hardened, grinded, colored
and polished to make fine quality
beads. It could be 'casted' into
different unique shapes and styles
in multiple colours. The resin beads
are usually large in size therefore
resin necklace are created using one
single strand. It does not fits in
the neck rather is little long. It
is usually between 18-20 inches
long.
Glass Beaded Necklace - These
necklace look dazzling as it is
created using array of beads made up
of glass, bone, metal, wood,
ceramic, brass and terracotta.
Colorful or single colour beads are
strung in either metal chains having
various shape loops or 4-strand
terry cot/nylon thread. These are
created in two styles- one is very
long and other is choker style. The
long glass beaded necklace as the
name suggests are very like. Its
length is more than 30 inches. These
are very smart and are suited more
for casual or western attire. The
choker glass beaded necklace is apt
for Indian traditional garments heavy zari
saris or chaniya choil.
Bone Necklace- This is only for
casual western outfits. This is
created using beads made from bones
and horns. It is available in
natural colours that are all shades
of whites, black and brown. However,
with modern tools varied shapes are
given in accordance to the design.
The length varies from 18 to 20
inches.
Brass Necklace- It is made of chains
and small pieces in different shapes
like round, ovals and squares etc.
It also comprises of some figures or
cross. This necklace variety is
created in heavy as well as simple
designs. Some people also refer it
as Italian jewellery. At present, it
is the most popular and fashionable
jewellery. The length of this
necklace is also between 18 to 20
inches.
Shell Necklace- This fashion
necklace is heavy necklace with
minimum 6-7 strands of beads twisted
together to give a look of one. It
is very colorful and attractive. It
is very creatively designed as it
involves many beads to be strung in
varied knots and styles. The unique
feature of this necklace is the
colours used in it. The length of
this necklace varies from 18 to 30
inches. It goes well with garments
worn on festive occasions.
 Similar to necklace
bracelets too are glass beaded that
are created in startling colours and
designs. Colorful beads are
creatively paired with pearls or any
other exceptional pieces to create
enthralling bracelets that would
suit the costume of the wearer.
These are found in two varieties
viz. the chain bracelets and bangle
bracelet. The beads in all sizes and
colours as per the design are strung
in brass chains to make the
bracelets. The length of these
bracelets varies from 7 to 9 inches.
At both ends of the chains
adjustable clasp is attached so that
wearer could adjust the bracelet as
per her wrist. For bangle bracelets
beads are strung in superior quality
elastics for tensile strength and
longevity. Apart from glass beads,
beads made from bones and horns are
also used for creating hip-hop
bracelets that are adored by the
teenagers.
These days, wide bracelets of brass
or wood are gaining popularity at a
very rapid pace. Mostly the brass
metal bracelets consist embossed
detailing, adjustable size without
any clasp are quite trendy. Many
different coloured stones are also
set in the center of the metal
bracelet in some pattern. The
thickness of this bracelet variant
varies from 4-8 inches. It goes very
well with all casual western attire.
This style bracelet is referred as
cuff.
Earrings are the most
important jewellery items as it
plays a vital role in defining one's
personality. It is crucial to select
the right kind of earrings that
suits the wearer. Earrings that form
costume jewellery are mostly the
chandelier earrings or hanging
earrings. These would be seldom
found in stud or drop earrings
pattern. It mostly possesses large
detailing in the design like small
curves; lots of small pieces joined
together which is further enhanced
by the use of beads in it. These
earrings are classified in two forms
viz. ring and hanging in a line.
Ring earrings looks good on females
with broad face cut. It does not go
well with a narrow face cut. These
are created using all metals that is
brass, gold plated etc. On the other
hand hanging earrings could be worn
by anyone, it is sure to look good.
The components used for creating the
exquisite jewellery pieces are same
as in necklace and bracelets.
Resins, beads made from bone and
horns and so on. Beads in multiple
colours are strung together to
create lovely designs or in some
metal mould the beads are added to
complement the metal design. These
earrings are more suitable for
semi-formal outfit. An earring made
from only brass metal, which is
referred as Italian jewellery, is
also very popular these days. Small
round pieces of brass metal are
joined together to make hanging
earrings look stunning on almost
every outfit. The length of these
varies from 3to 6 inches. Apart from
round shape triangle and other
geometrical shapes are well liked by
females in all the age group. These
brass metal costume earrings look
good on teenagers as well as middle
aged females.Costume jewellery
consists of very innovative pendants
made up from resin or brass metal.
This centerpiece forms the necklace
when attached with 4-5 beaded
strands from both sides or else
simple plain chain to make it a
chain necklace. Resin pendants are
created to suits one's personality
and linking in order to bring
elegant look to the attire. It also
uses different colours and shapes of
beads in various styles such as
glossy, matt, semi-matt,
transparent, translucent and opaque.
Another form of pendant is 'Shell
Pendant'. It is made up brass metal.
It usually is between 20mm to 60 mm
in size. Even it could be further
reduces or increased as per the
choice of the wearer. Round shape is
the most common shape however;
square, triangle, oval and other
innovative shapes are also created.
This shell pendant is laser engraved
having numerous colour options.
This amazing jewellery variation may
not be possessing precious gemstones
or metals but they are the ideal
choice for any evening party,
corporate meeting, and casual attire
and so on. Gold or silver ornaments
sometimes fail to give that most
wanted charismatic look to the
wearer that is sure to get by
wearing fashion jewellery.
Therefore, expensive ornaments may
be the asset but not be always
modish and chic as not so pricey
costume jewellery. Experience the
same yourself!!
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