costume jewelry

Costume jewelry is defined as jewelry designed to be worn with current fashions and typically made from inexpensive materials. This type of jewelry emerged around 1907.1

Historically, jewelry has evolved from natural materials like shells and animal bones used by prehistoric peoples to adorn themselves. With the development of settled societies and the discovery of metals and precious stones, jewelry forms became more elaborate and diverse, adorning various parts of the body.234

The 19th century saw the impact of the Industrial Revolution, leading to mass production and the use of imitation stones and metal alloys, making jewelry more accessible to the middle class. The 20th century introduced avant-garde styles influenced by art movements like Cubism and Futurism, with an emphasis on geometric forms and the use of diverse materials, including plastic, for aesthetic effect rather than intrinsic value.34