Costume jewellery, also called fashion jewelry, is extremely fashionable, exquisite and extremely affordable. It's as though our emotional and sentimental fascination with the real thing spills over and rubs off on costume jewellery to the extent where even the most notorious of public figures bare no shame in displaying their costume bling.

As a child I remember being drawn to anything small and sparkley. A piece of green glass, glitter or cake decorations, all attracted my attention and deserved my utmost attention.

Costume jewels are a far cry from broken glass and glitter. Every bit as beautiful as “fine jewellery”, costume jewels hold the power to turn heads. Whether one adorns ones self with costume jewels for the desire of attention or one own attraction to glittering beauty, there is no denying that the low price tag, enormous selection of pieces and near look alike qualities of costume jewels are a powerful force behind why these exquisite imitations are so popular.

When it comes to costume jewellery, woman are spoilt for choice. There's something for everyones budget, something to match any outfit and something fit to be worn at every event, casual or formal.

Costume Jewellery is made of non-precious materials and therefore holds little financial value. Nevertheless, it is astonishing to see that costume jewellery pieces can hold every bits as much sentimental value to their owner as fine jewellery counterparts.

Years older, my fascination for all things that sparkle has not changed, well perhaps the price tag has changed.

So what are these master pieces of deception made from and what is the history that has lead to today's popularity?

Costume jewellery is often made of base metals, glass, plastic, synthetic stones and similar materials. Fine jewellery is far more expensive and made only of precious metals and gems. This often has a disadvantage as many women can’t buy fine jewellery that fits every day, every outfits and every event. For this reason costume jewellery has become very popular.

The source of it’s name “costume” jewellery it is said to date back to the early 20th century. Today this world is known as “outfit”. It was worn as everyday fashion jewellery, hence the two names, “costume jewellery” and “fashion jewellery”. Jewellery that was worn with every day outfits for fashion accessory purposes. There is a theory that costume jewellery initially started in the theatrical arena. In other words jewellery worn in theatrical productions.

In history books it is said that this type of jewellery dates back some 300 years. People started making cheap jewellery as early as the late 1700s.  In the 1800s it was found that costume was made of semi precious metals and brought to market for regular people to buy. It was a less expensive form of jewellery that more people could afford, rather than fine jewellery that only they very rich could afford at that time.

Back then costume jewellery did not enjoy the notoriety it enjoys today. Then in the 1930s, rhinestone material came into vogue in Europe. Rhinestone is a diamond imitation made form rock crystal, glass or acrylic. Many manufacturers arose, each claiming to have captured the the perfect sparkle given off by diamonds and other precious gems. This competition pushed innovation to the point where soon, manufactured diamonds and gems became hard to distinguish from the real product.

Rhinestones are said to have originated from the Rhine river region in Germany. Rhinestone, being such a close imitation to real diamonds made wearing of costume jewellery fashionable and famous amongst the masses. Starting what is referred to as “golden era” of costume jewellery.

“Coco” Chanel (Gabrielle Bonheur - August 19, 1883 – January 10, 1971) was a pioneering French fashion designer that is said to have greatly popularized the use of costume and fashion jewellery.

Kenneth Jay Lane (born April 22, 1930), an American costume jewellery designer, has since the 1960s been known for creating unique pieces for figures such as Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn. He is probably best-known for his three-strand faux pearl necklace worn by Barbara Bush to her husband's inaugural ball.

As you see, costume jewellery, from its humble beginnings as affordable jewellery for common people and theatrical productions has become a fashion on its’ own, accepted by people from all walks of life.

In many instances, high-end fashion jewelry has achieved a "collectible" status that increases in value over time. Today one can find a substantial secondary market for vintage fashion jewelry.

The reason behind this is quite often very easy to understand – you can buy as much costume jewellery as you wish for every day, every wear, every event, while fine jewellery has its’ place it can not replace the costume and fashion jewellery every day use.

Today costume jewellery is worn by everyone, including famous actresses if you just take a look at paparazzi photographs from glitz events such as the Ami awards or the Oscar awards you will stunning pieces of costume jewellery adorning virtually every star.

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