2012 Vintage Costume Jewelry Convention
It only takes one piece of great vintage costume jewelry to transform an outfit. Many women collect costume jewelry today. Some wear it, some display, some trade it . At the Costume Jewelry Collector Convention, they do it all. The convention is being held this year in Austin, Texas, and if you are planning on going, register soon.
Twentieth Century Costume Jewelry or Fashion Jewelry has been a part of women’s lifes even before ready-to wear clothing became popular in the 1930′s. Originally costume jewelry was created as a seasonal accompaniment to clothing and not intended to last forever but to actually be disposable.
Miriam Haskell - 1930's
As the times changed, the style of costume jewelry changed. Politics and immigration directly correlated with and influenced the designs, the techniques and work force. This period of making costume jewelry, which was predominantly done in Providence, Rhode Island, was a historical snapshot of how industrial America built this country.
The Trends Through the Decades
The 1920-30′s saw European craftsmen and designers who had worked with real gems and fine metals in their native countries migrate to the United States. They were able to create magnificent affordable costume jewelry with their knowledge and sophisticated techniques. As flamboyant Broadway and film productions became popular, the ‘costume’ jewelry was made bigger and more elaborate. Movie stars who wore exquisite pieces in their movies began to collect costume jewelry for their own wardrobes.
Har Dragon bracelet, 1950's
The 1940′s saw a change in material uses. Pot metal and sterling silver was used as they were two metals not needed for manufacturing for the war effort. During the War, Costume Jewelry factories were used to produce parts & equipment for tanks, aircraft and submarines. As a matter of fact, some defense and aircraft manufacturers today found their roots as Jewelry manufacturers.
The 1950′s were glamorous in design – plastics, Lucite and new materials garnered from inventions from World War 2 were used.
The 1960′s and 1970′s pop culture promoted a cultural divide between the traditional high end designers such as Channel and Hagler and the cheaper mass produced jewelry aimed toward a very young market. The phrase ‘junk jewelry’ was coined around this time.
Alice Caviness, late 1950s - some of the 'findings' the small pieces used as seen in these leaves, were made by Guyot Bros., a company founded in the late 1800' s is still run by the same family. www.guyotbrothers.com @filigreegirl
It was in the early 1970′s that U.S. production began to outsource first in Mexico, Puerto Rico and then the Far East. Quality and design changed. Although the name of the game had always been cost effective and mass market production, this period of time catapulted cost effectiveness into the realm of dirt cheap.
These facts are mere snippets of the costume jewelry industry. There is so much more to say. Is it any wonder that the fine craftsmanship of the 20th century is in demand? Whether you are a shopper, a collector or an aficionado you might want to register and get on down to Austin, Texas for this years Costume Jewelry Convention in Austin. It is an intense, fun, educational event with the best costume jewelry in one location.
Costume Jewelry Collectors International Convention 2012
October 18 – 21, 2012
Austin, Texas
Click her for registration and more information about CJCI
