| Costume jewelry first came into existence in the | | | | Glass can be blown and easily molded into the |
| 1930's as a means of cheap and disposable | | | | shape and look that closely resembles a diamond. |
| accessory for common or middle class individuals | | | | Only the close observer or jewelry enthusiast |
| that wanted some sort of gaudy or trendy | | | | could easily tell a difference. Glass can also be |
| ordainment to wear with a specific outfit. Though | | | | dyed and smoked to take the appearance and |
| they were not crafted with the precision and | | | | consistency of any other precious stone that was |
| expense as traditional jewelry, they still gained | | | | needed for the current trend. Once plastic |
| wide acclaim because they were purchased by | | | | because used commonly, it was able to do the |
| the masses rather than a select few, as jewelry | | | | same thing for less money. Though plastic jewels |
| had been before this time. It was intended to | | | | often scratched and broke more easily, they |
| remain fashionable for a short period of time, | | | | were cheaper and intended for short term use, |
| then, once the trend when out of style as they | | | | perhaps several weeks, before discarding. |
| always do, the jewelry was disposable and new, | | | | Synthetic stones were also used as a more long |
| trendier jewelry could be purchased. | | | | term mock or costume jewelry, though; these |
| The types of Costume jewelry are rather basic. | | | | tend to be more expensive than glass or plastic |
| They come in a variety of different materials and | | | | depending on the make and quality of the jewelry |
| are crafted into whatever the trend of the day | | | | piece. Through these means, the most popular |
| demands. The primary materials that are used are | | | | jewelry of the time can easily be mimicked. This |
| glass, base metals such as iron or steel, plastic, | | | | allows the fashions and trends of the upper class |
| and some synthetic or manufactured stones that | | | | and celebrities to be available for the masses to |
| could be easily molded into a shape. These things | | | | enjoy as well instead of just for a small, select |
| were used in the place of precious metals such as | | | | group of very rich elite. With the use of these |
| gold, silver, and precious stones such as diamonds, | | | | different types of costume jewelry, anyone can |
| rubies and pearls. | | | | look like a king or queen. |