subject: The Perfect Time To Add Diamond Jewelry [print this page] With the decline in the economy, many people are putting off purchase of fine jewellery. If you need a new something with sparkle, but do not want to pay the price of fine jewellery, then it is time to shop for some fashion jewellery. Fashion jewellery adds sparkle without breaking your bank.
Fashion jewellery will allow you to dress up any outfit, whether it is dressy or casual. You can find fashion jewellery for all sorts of tastes, from hip-hop, contemporary or classic in style.
Fashion jewellery is often referred to as costume jewellery. It has been around for centuries, but became popular as the world recovered from the great depression. Even today, it will allow you to have a beautiful accessory without going into debt or spending more than you can afford.
Fashion jewellery's materials and quality vary widely. Jewellery made in other countries can contain lead, however, most American fashion jewellery is made of an alloy which has been electroplated with gold, silver or other fine metals so that it looks great. Stones can be made of plastic or glass with more expensive pieces containing cubic zirconia or semi-precious stones. Usually the more expensive costume jewellery will have a thicker plating on the outside of the metal.
Fashion jewellery can be found in such pieces as necklaces, bracelets, rings, toe rings, watches and pins. Stones are available in colors that may not occur in nature, but to match anything you are wearing.
Fashion jewellery became popular during the 1930s, when the world was recovering from the great depression and money. Interestingly enough, at that time, costume jewellery was designed to be worn with one specific outfit and disposed with the outfit. Of course, many people kept the jewellery and it has become the delight of collectors.
From 1940 to 1960, the stars wore fashion jewellery and copies could be bought at the local variety stores such as Woolworth. If a star wore an item you fell in love with, a trip to the local five and dime could make that piece yours. Copies of items worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Lee, Jane Russell or Bette Davis were affordable for common women to own and wear.
Coco Chanel used gold mixed with faux pearls to bring her jewellery to life.
Pieces that were designed by Kenneth Jay Lane were worn by both the stars and political figures. Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor would wear his designs as well as Jackie Onassis. Barbara Bush even chose one of one of his three tiered strands of pearls to wear to George's inaugural ball.
In recent years, layering has become popular in fashion. Articles of clothing are worn on top of other articles of clothing. In addition, fashion jewellery is often layered three to four pieces at a time.
At a time when money may once again very tight, why not learn from the women of the depression and find some beautiful fashion jewellery to complement your outfit. Costume jewellery is available in many different price ranges, but does not need to be expensive in order to add to any wardrobe.
