Golden Era Costume Jewellery

Golden Era Costume Jewellery

Whether it’s sparking with hundred of diamante stones, or glistening with crystals and pearls, there’s nothing like a piece of costume jewellery to turn heads. In recent years many of us have fallen in love with its glamour and glitz. Vintage pieces are beautiful reminders of the styles of yesterday – a 1940s Trifara pin looks as good on a lapel today as it did way back then.

The concept of non-precious “costume” jewellery dates back to ancient civilisations when people adorned themselves with decorative but readily available objects. Over the centuries advancements in materials led to a greater diversity of affordable styles. Chanel & Shiapraelli led the way by introducing radical style ideas, while Hollywood stars (such as Pier Angeli) became influential fashion icons. Following the end of World war II, the design world left behind austerity and embraced the glamour and frivolity of Dior, Haskell and many more talented designers.

Leading designers from this 20th century “Golden Era” created costume jewellery that not only became as desirable and innovative as precious jewellery, but it as sought after today as it was then,

Chanelr
Coco Chanel (1883-1971) revolutionized fashion and inspired designers throughout the 20th century. Her Chic yet practical suits and understated accessories appealed to women enjoying the new-found freedom of the 1920s. Dedicating a salon in her Parisian boutique to accessories, Chanel designed stylish jewelry that complemented the simple lines and colours of her clothes, Elegance and simplicity were the trademarks of her work and affordable materials such as faux pearls, gold tone chains and glass were used alongside precious metals. Today, an original box can increase the value of Chanel pieces by up to 30%.

Christian Diorr
Internationally renowned for introducing the extravagant and ultra-feminine “new look” style following the austerity of World War II. Christian Dior (1905-57) dominated the world of fashion during the 1940s and 50s. Costume jewellery was designed as an integral part of his haute couture collections. Early pieces were made for wealthy and high profile clients such as Bette Davies while later examples were made under license in far greater numbers. Floral motifs, rhinestones and unusual high-quality stones are typical of Dior.

Schiaparellir
Elsa Schiaparelli’s (1890-1973) exuberant, cutting –edge designs set the fashion world alight, and shocked critics during the 1930s. The Italian–born fashion designer was known for her outrageous and witty clothing that was inspired by modern and surrealist art and for her new use of materials such as cellophane and zippers. She saw jewlry as an essential element in creating a “look” and produced a wide range of quirky pieces that drew inspiration from exotic flora, circus imagery and astrological motifs. In 1936 Schiaperelli introduced a range of jewellery in hew signature “shocking pink” colour.

costume jewellery