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jeudi 5 décembre 2013

Exploring The History Of Rhinestone Necklaces

By Angela Briggs


Rhinestones became popular around the thirteenth century when crystals were discovered in the Rhine River. They were hand cut and polished at that time and very time consuming to make. The stones were prized for their brilliance and were made into rhinestone necklaces and other jewelry for the upper classes.

Mass production of these stones became possible by the eighteenth century. An invention by Swarowski revolutionized the industry and made the stones available to people of all classes. The crystals were made of glass and with treatment could be made in numerous colors. In the United States eighty percent of crystals present are created by Swarovski.

These stones have a varied history of popularity. In the period between nineteen twenty and nineteen forty they enjoyed a high use volume because the population of America and other countries was involved with high fashion combined with jewelry to match. The older generation leaned more towards individual pieces such as broaches or hair clips.

When the hippie generation emerged in the fifties and sixties the market for these items suffered. The population was far more connected to natural fibers and unadorned clothing. Bracelets and other jewelry were made from hemp ropes and leather straps and adorned with polished rocks or porcelain ornamentation. The trend changed when the disco era began and has maintained that high level of popularity until the present time.

There is no better place to display beautiful jewelry than the neck. That is demonstrated by the numerous fashion styles that are available for neck wear. One of fashions most popular styles is the choker. It enhances the neck and bodice lines in a very flattering way. The collar form of necklace also serves this purpose but is worn a little higher on the neck.

Another fashion arrives in the form of a bib. It covers a large part of the bodice with intricate designs to draw the eye. Bibs can be worn with low cut gowns or with high necked tops as well. As an all around favorite one or more long strands can be worn. They can be worn long or doubled and for a less formal look tied in a knot in front.

Vintage pieces are becoming a popular collection item. Many of these pieces were created by custom jewelers and have high value for resale. People look for them in old jewelry boxes belonging to their grandparents that have been handed down to them. Another venue for collection is estate sales or yard sales of people who have older items to offer. David Swarovski gave a gift to Liberace that was a fifty one pound crystal valued at nearly fifty thousand dollars twenty years ago. It is worth much more now.

As a form of expression or decoration rhinestone necklaces have held their place in history. They are and have always been considered a very good example of fine costume jewelry. Many people both famous and not so famous have prized these pieces and passed them down through the generations from mother to daughter.




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