Fashion Jewelry

Fashion jewelry has its roots in the 1930s, when it was originally manufactured in order to be purchased inexpensively, worn a few times with a specific outfit (or “costume”), and then discarded as it went out of fashion. In that time period, it was called “costume jewelry.”

Costume jewelry was usually made of base metals such as pewter, nickel, or brass, while rhinestones, glass, and plastic stones were used in place of gemstones. Today’s fashion jewelry uses a wide assortment of materials in manufacturing, including leather, wood, acrylic, sterling silver and gold plating over base metals, as well as costlier gems such as cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystals, and some semi-precious stones and less expensive organic gems.

Some of the older costume jewelry items have increased markedly in value over the years, including the rhinestone dress and fur clips of the 1940s, Bakelite, and Dodd’s pieces, and a good-sized market exists for collectible vintage costume jewelry. Ironically, this is because the jewelry was made to be thrown away, so very few pieces still exist in comparison to the number of collectors seeking them.

Fashion jewelry buying tips

Today’s fashion jewelry designers are plentiful, and prices range from very affordable to even more expensive than precious metals and genuine gemstones.

When you’re looking to jazz up your wardrobe with some quality fashion jewelry, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Here are some tips to keep more money in your wallet:

• If you are a fashionista, take a look at the jewelry featured in the fashion and celebrity magazines and decide which looks you want to try to emulate before you go shopping. If you can, bring the pages from the magazines with you while you shop so you can make sure the piece you’re considering is the one you’ll be happy with to complete your look.
• Earrings can be a very cost-effective way of buying fashion jewelry that complements your entire wardrobe. After all, when you’re in a conversation with someone, his or her focus is usually on your face, which is framed by your earrings. What better way to make a fashion statement?
• A number of fashion jewelry home party companies have cropped up in recent years, so it might be fun to get your friends together and see what’s available by having your own home party.
• Speaking of getting together with friends, if all of you have a bunch of fashion jewelry you’re tired of, getting together for a jewelry exchange could be a fun and casual “girl’s night out” idea.
• You could also try selling your outdated fashion jewelry on an auction site, and the money you earn could be put in your “fashion jewelry fund” for future purchases.

Whatever you’re looking for, Jeweler.com is your best source for finding the most up-to-date information on the latest fashion jewelry trends and where to find them.