Although, Cоѕtumе jеwеlrу has been around for centuries in all societies, the name “costume jewelry” was coined when Hobé starting making costumes and jewelry for the “Ziegfeld Follies. Its popularity has peaked since the early 20th century. Only recently, in the last 50 years, it has started to come in seasonal colors. Before the 20th century, it was worn by those that could not afford real jewelry and frequently became referred to as “fabulous fakes”. Today, it is worn by all classes and extensively. Today, while it is referred frequently to as “fashion jewelry”, there is much more costume jewelry in the marketplace and inside jewelry boxes than real gold and platinum jewelry.
Although, Cоѕtumе jеwеlrу has been around for centuries in all societies, the name “costume jewelry” was coined when Hobé starting making costumes and jewelry for the “Ziegfeld Follies. Its popularity has peaked since the early 20th century. Only recently, in the last 50 years, it has started to come in seasonal colors. Before the 20th century, it was worn by those that could not afford real jewelry and frequently became referred to as “fabulous fakes”. Today, it is worn by all classes and extensively. Today, while it is referred frequently to as “fashion jewelry”, there is much more costume jewelry in the marketplace and inside jewelry boxes than real gold and platinum jewelry.
Today, costume jewelry comes in a plethora of materials including: plastic, glass and ceramic beads; glass and plastic stones, base metal castings and stampings; plastic, feathers, shell and more. Vintage jewelry, like what Albert Weiss has made, was usually made only in metal castings and metal settings using crystal stones. Our new Albert Weiss designs echo this same feeling together with a progressive look as well.
Vintage costume jewelry frequently looks like real jewelry, offering the same look at a fraction of the price. It is frequently difficult to tell apart from real jewelry, even to the trained eye. Much vintage jewelry is a favorite among collectors and have resale value. You can frequently tell which era vintage jewelry comes from by the look of the designs and materials. Geometric shapes were popular in the 1930s, bolder looks in the 1940s, soldered set stones since the 1940s.
There are a select group of well-known designers in vintage jewelry, which is sometimes called “designer jewelry”. Most of them, like Albert Weiss, are signed pieces with a logo attached showing the company name. Some other well-known designers are Coro, Ciner, Monet, Napier, Les Bernard and Eisenberg.
Costume jewelry, today, affords the woman the best of both worlds. If she is in the mood to dress to the nines, she has vintage and the vintage look. If she is in the mood to be noticed or accent her outfit, she can buy a more fun and colorful design made from various materials. It is an important accessory in any wardrobe and serves a great purpose. Necklaces and earrings are especially effective in creating a finishing touch to a dressy outfit exceeding other accessories such as handbags, scarves and belts since necklaces and earrings are worn on the head and neck which are usually seen by others.
Although costume jewelry has only been around for a few centuries, its place in the future seems permanent and in the present very important to women and girls alike.