Costume and Fine Jewelry

Remember when you were a young girl and your grandmother let you go through her -junk Jewelry-? If only she had keep some of it. Her junk jewelry was actually what we would now call vintage costume jewelry. Of course mixed in with her costume jewelry was the typical fashion jewelry. But, even today some of that fashion jewelry (plastic bangles) and the like would have been considered vintage costume jewelry.In the last decade the buying and selling of costume jewelry has become a big business. American costume jewelry became popular in the 1930's. Initially costume jewelry was created to mimic precious stones and metals such as gold and silver.

Costume jewelry back then was fairly inexpensive, often meant as a disposable accessory to be worn with a specific outfit. Most pieces were in fashion for a short period of time then became outdated-certainly not pieces of jewelry to be handed down through generations. At least that is what they thought back then. Gemstones of varying quality are very commonly seen in vintage costume jewelry as well as fine jewelry. Some gemstones are created in laboratories and have scientific names such as morganite or corundum. They are by no means imitation rather they are just not found naturally in nature. The quality can range of course when you look at price tags. Especially when you are considering purchasing fine jewelry. Some people simply cannot afford to purchase several pieces at once. If you are determined to start adding some pieces to your jewelry box you could consider and diamond or a sapphire cocktail ring. It may sound luxurious and expensive but you can often find some really good prices on fine jewelry at fine jewelry establishments.

Many websites sell gemstones at wholesale prices too. If you are really serious about starting a collection of bracelets, necklaces, sterling silver pieces or even diamond ring and gemstone rings, consider asking for them as gifts for your birthday, holidays, and other special occasions such as an anniversary. Sometimes we want it all. Whether we are purchasing a fun pendant necklace or a chunky beaded bracelet, it is fun to buy trendy pieces of jewelry. The same goes for when we add that vintage brooch to our dress coat or we slip on our new elegant gemstone ring for a cocktail party. Most of us like variety and for that very reason - you should think about mixing up your jewelry accessories no matter if it is trendy fashion, vintage or fine jewelry. As a side note: Considering that fashion jewelry once labeled as everyday and even uncollectible became collectible vintage jewelry, you may want to think about holding on to your own box of -junk jewelry.-

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