Costume Jewellery
   

Jewel
28 Shop Street
Galway City
 

Across form Anthony Ryans

Tel: +353 (0)91 563971
 

  Costume jewellery 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.

Originally, costume or fashion jewellery was made of inexpensive simulated gemstones - such as rhinestones, lucite, or a heavy glass known as paste - set in pewter, nickel or brass. Modern costume jewellery 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, or wood.

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.

Helpful Tips
Unless an item is specifically identified by its gold content (e.g., 14 kt), it should be considered to be simply "goldtone" or "gold-wash." Similarly, "silver" items are really "silvertone" unless they are specifically referred to as "sterling" silver.