Not Your Mother’s Jewels: New Age of Fine Costume Jewelry
Chintzy, cheap, tacky, the list goes on. These were the adjectives people (typically our moms’ in a variety of passive aggressive ways) used to describe costume jewelry. Back in the day, that is how big, chunky, fabulous pieces were viewed. These pieces, and anyone wearing them, were viewed as subpar to the dainty, delicate, fine people who wore dainty, delicate, fine jewelry.
True, costume jewelry of the 50s and 60s was often made of inexpensive materials, compared to the silver and gold fine jewelry of the day. However, in the immortal words of Bob Dylan, “times they are a-changin’” and costume jewelry is as well.
Gone are the days of “gold-like” nickel that would turn your neck green and burn the skin on your finger. Big fashion names such as Oscar de La Renta are getting in on the costume jewelry game and stepping it up a notch by incorporating finer metals, such as gold and sterling silver, to plate the pieces and Swarovski crystals to sparkle them up.
Many of the pieces are in rich jewel tones and depict floral designs as well as filigree and celestial themes. Staying in his fashion vein of elegant, bold lines with a feminine touch, Oscar de la renta does what any savvy designer should do; make a line of jewelry that will perfectly complement the clothing of your collection. From his resort looks to the runway, there is a piece for any ensemble you choose.
But Oscar de la Renta isn’t the only big name in the game. Consider the costume jewelry of the badass starlets of today: Mawi. Worn by the likes of Florence Welch (from Florence and the Machine) and Rihanna, these pieces are feminine, lots of sparkle and shine, with architectural edge. Along similar lines is Dannijo, a line that also possesses killer pieces that are epically glam but with a bite. Swarovski crystals are everywhere on these pieces, which pair nicely with the spiky elements and oxidized silver they use to plate them. The oxidization process gives the pieces a darker, grungier look that is as well-suited to a t-shirt and jeans, rather than an evening gown.
And that is the biggest, and best difference, about costume jewelry of today—how you are wearing it! If you want to glam up your, “I woke up like dis” vibe, throw on a cotton tee, some denim, and a big chunky necklace around your throat. Presto! Insta-chic with an instant look! For evening, even if your ensemble is super simple, you have a killer earring so long that brushes your shoulders and an edgy cuff there is no one that won’t lust over your look.
Gone are the days of dainty and delicate, nowadays bigger is better. Nowadays when it comes to jewelry, bigger (and bolder!) is better, and dainty and delicate is a thing of the past. Sorry moms out there, it’s our turn.
Photos Courtesy of Dannijo, Oscar de la Renta, and Mawi
