By Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com
Below I show some picture examples of delightful costume jewelry pieces all from Glitterbug a vintage costume jewelry store.
Such a variety exists within pieces called costume jewelry from enamel to the sparkle of diamante, to beaten copper, to the use of semi precious stones that it has been difficult to select a mixed range of pictures. My selection grew so large I had to make 2 pages!
We begin with a beautiful Schiaparelli piece that would be perfect for wear with a special dress.
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) and Coco Chanel promoted the use of cocktail jewelry also known as costume jewelry. Production of fine estate style jewelry was halted in the Second World War and America became the leader in designing attractive costume jewelry pieces using advanced technical methods of production making a market that was dynamic, inventive and affordable.
All thumbnails enlarge.
Divine Schiaparelli Costume Jewelry Set
I love these beautiful pieces. Costume jewelry was very fashionable in the 1950s in particular when film stars gave it credibility.
The picture on the right is from Glitterbug.
Crystal Costume Jewelry
This Watermelon set, courtesy of Glitterbug, is a very pretty, feminine costume duo, featuring crystal.
Austrian crystal necklaces and brooches were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, with the most famous name of all being that of Swarovski.
Glass beads and imitation moonstones were also mixed with crystal beads to create interesting combinations. Today these older crystal pieces are perfect for that vintage look dress, that needs something a little bit different to bring the outfit together for a special occasion.
Rhinestones, diamante, glass beads and crystals have remained popular for the past 50 years. All courtesy of Glitterbug.
Blue Glass Icicles Set, Glass Emerald Style Set and Blue Crystals
Copper and Glass Collar Necklace, Swarovski Crystal Cherries Brooch and Vendome Amber Crystals
Glitterbug also has a good selection of crystal/glass earrings and brooches as shown in the headers of both these vintage costume jewelry pages.
Please note I have no vested interest in Glitterbug - But I do think the stock is very varied and interesting of its type as the range of pictures on these two costume jewelry pages show and I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do.
Famous Names in Costume Jewelry
Some of the famous names in costume jewelry include both the high and low priced brands from Trifari, Dior, Chanel, Monet, Napier, Corocraft to Coventry.
You can still buy many of these names today, but truly interesting authentic period examples can be found amid the vintage jewelry market. There is something about a real vintage piece that captures the spirit of an era. Ask grandma what she has in her box in the attic or pushed to the back of a drawer, or browse some of the wonderful vintage jewelry sites online. Most vintage jewelry sites have a mixed selection of goods such as those shown here from Glitterbug.
Photos of some very different and unusual costume jewelry pieces that have a modern yet retro feel at the same time. All pictures courtesy Glitterbug
Trifari Strawberries Pin and Earrings, Miriam Haskell Turquoise Set and Monet Gold rope Necklace and Bangle
Matisse Renoir Pin and Earrings, Matisse Renoir Copper Set and Copper Necklace
This stunning Marvella set features enamel leaves. What a statement-maker. The clip earrings scream 1950s style.
Check Glitterbug the vintage costume jewelry website for current availability or similar items.
Brooches add a perfect textural contrast to the collar of this season's tweed jacket. Pins are big news 2004/2005 and can be attached not just to a garment, but also to a bag or even a cushion as you add to your collection.
Glitterbug also has a good selection of crystal/glass earrings and brooches as shown in the headers of both these vintage costume jewelry pages.
In the 1960s more unusual costume jewelry was popular using modern plastics and ethnic pieces to achieve a look that was both futuristic and chunky on the one hand and looking back to ancient designs on the other, using the tiniest of fine beads.
The 1980s saw another revival of costume jewelry under the huge influence of Dallas and Dynasty programs seen worldwide. The pieces were lavish and opulent. By this time cubic zirconia was easily available and made for great imitation pieces. Smart enamel pieces were also very popular in contrast to the glitz of diamante.
By the 1990s less became more and unusual was the catchword. So that now in the noughties of the twenty-first century we see a huge interest in vintage costume jewelry pieces as buyers strive to acquire the unusual. Those buyers want to have individual pieces that have a different to that worn by their neighbors. Meanwhile, manufacturers do their best to copy old pieces giving modern pieces a vintage look, making the vintage look the perfect accessory for vintage designs in clothing whether true vintage or designer retro.
Many good department stores now have a section within their jewelry department that sells and buys vintage cocktail jewelry. You can of course buy costume jewelry online over the internet at a store such as Glitterbug.
Please note I have no vested interest in Glitterbug - I just think the stock is very varied and attractive for its type as the range of pictures on these two pages shows. The owner has been kind enough to allow me to show some of her very interesting stock here, enabling you to understand the full range of items that come under the term cocktail and costume jewelry.
