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Costume jewelry is sometimes referred to as "fake jewelry" by some well meaning but unknowing individuals. Costume jewelry is crafted from among other items, rhinestones, glass stones and gold plated metal or sterling silver. Costume jewelry first surfaced in
United States around
early twenties; it was very popular among European immigrants that settled into
states during this time. Movie stars and common folk alike wore costume jewelry that was carefully crafted and ornamentally designed.
Costume jewelry, particularly antique pieces, are well worth their weight in gold. Many hand crafted pieces can fetch thousands of dollars on
open market. There are some designers that are more well known than others in
world of costume jewelry:
- Napier
- Nettie Rosenstein
- Ciner
- Hattie Carnegie
- Miriam Haskell
Even celebrities currently invest thousands of dollars on costume jewelry every year. Because unique pieces are harder to come buy and rarely mass produced anymore, some pieces created in
early 30s to late 40s can be hard to find. More common are pieces that were created in
1960s or later. Costume jewelry is fun in part because
wearer is at liberty to make a bold statement. Not modest, most costume jewelry shouts out "here I am, look at me!" An excellent choice for
bold and daring, costume jewelry can be a wonderful accessory to just about any wardrobe.
Costume jewelry collecting has even become a favorite pastime among many jewelry enthusiasts, much like beaded jewelry trading and collecting. The appeal of both of these styles is their uniqueness and diversity. Though in some instances hard to find, costume jewelry can be easily explored via online shopping. When buying online, be sure to have in mind a price range and style before shopping. The selection available online might leave you a bit overwhelmed.
If you collect costume jewelry, you might be wondering just how much it is worth. Just as there are popular designers for look and feel, some designers work is more valuable than others, including:
- Ciner
- Marel Boucher
- Eisenberg
- Hobe
- Kramer
- Vogue
- Hollycraft
- Monet
- Coro
- Kenneth J. Lane
These precious gems are often marked when crafted.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Cubic zirconia jewelry has to be among
most popular inexpensive "knock off" jewelry items to buy. Part of
appeal of cubic zirconia jewelry is its remarkable ability to look exactly like real diamond jewelry. Most cubic zirconia is hard to distinguish from its natural cousins.
The widespread use of cubic zirconia became popularized around
1980s, when it first became mass produced. It is created through a chemical process that combines zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide, which when melted together form a radiant and shiny crystal resembling a natural diamond.
Most cubic zirconia jewelry is very durable, brilliant and long lasting. Some people have to look at a cubic zirconia under a powerful magnifying glass to distinguish it from a real diamond, a testament to its quality and aesthetic appeal. If you are looking for a clear, brilliant and inexpensive option to traditional diamond jewelry, don't hesitate to shop a wide selection of cubic zirconia jewelry. Buying online provides
most advantages, because there is a wider selection and you have
ability to customize your pieces with
click of a button.

Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer providing consumer information on such topics as beaded jewelry, costume & vintage jewelry, and cubic zirconia jewelry.