How is jewelry different from jewelry and regular costume jewelry?

Costume jewelry is still often associated with cheap jewelry. But in fact, there are models and brands that are not inferior in price to products made from precious metals. And they look impressive. Let's figure out what jewelry is and what kind of coating shines brighter than gold.

Composition and coating of jewelry

Jewelry belongs to luxury jewelry and is so called because the models are covered with a thin layer of gold, silver, and rhodium . You can wear jewelry every day and not worry about it turning black and looking unattractive.

The jewelry is created from a hypoallergenic jewelry alloy so that even the most sensitive lady can wear it with pleasure and not feel discomfort. The appearance of the products is quite varied, since the shades of precious metals can be white, yellow, pink and reddish. Everything is exactly like precious gold jewelry.

Jewelry as art

Costume jewelry has become very popular nowadays. It is worn even more often than jewelry made from precious metals, which undoubtedly have much greater value. But today, the image and the jewelry that is correctly selected for this image are much more important than how truly gold your earrings are. In this article we will consider the lexical meaning of the word jewelry, its history and the features of choosing such jewelry.

Attributes with brand symbols

When creating a new collection, designers release a line of fashionable jewelry with brand symbols. Logos of famous fashion houses are an integral part of stylish jewelry in 2022. According to stylists, it is the brand symbols that decorate the jewelry that will help give a fashionable look a special charm, place accents and make it stylish.

Fashionable houses that decorated jewelry with their logos:

• Gucci;
• Christian Dior;
• Balenciaga;
• Chanel.

This is not the entire list of designers, but the presented logos are often used in the production of accessories and jewelry for the mass market.

Earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets are decorated with brand symbols.

The main advantages of choosing such accessories:

• a sophisticated demonstration of status and elitism;
• a huge range of inexpensive jewelry;
• an opportunity to highlight impeccable taste and knowledge of fashion trends.

When choosing jewelry, you should choose one accessory with brand symbols or a set of jewelry. All accessories must be selected in the same style to look like a complete set. It is worth remembering about harmony, because the presence of a brand symbol in an image requires an integrated approach, an impeccable selection of all its elements - clothes, makeup, shoes.

What is costume jewelry?

The meaning of the word is “decoration made of base metals.” This term comes from the French word bijouterie (decoration). In Russian-speaking countries, it means a product made specifically from materials that do not have much value and are inexpensive. In many languages, to indicate that the product is not precious, another word is added to the word “jewelry”. In English, non-natural jewelry is costume jewelry, and a real expensive product is fine jewelry. Therefore, when you see the phrase “costume jewelry,” do not take it literally. In fact, there are no such types of jewelry.

In fact, there are only 3 types of it, and today we will discuss each of them in more detail. In the meantime, having considered the meaning of the word “costume jewelry,” let’s move on to what products are considered costume jewelry.

Fashionable jewelry in the form of bracelets

Bracelets complete the look, adding a sophisticated touch and shaping a sophisticated woman's wrist.

In 2022, according to designers, the following decorations will appear:

• Thin bracelets resembling chains. They can be complemented with miniature pendants of various shapes and themes. This decoration will complement your everyday style and decorate your evening look.
• Bright and massive bracelets. Jewelry with large details - metal elements, beads, ceramic charms or pendants will add originality to the summer look, complementing any modern style of clothing.
• Leather jewelry. Thin or wide bracelets, made of genuine leather and decorated with all kinds of decorative details, will complement the stylish casual look. You should not wear such jewelry to the office, to a business lunch, or to an evening event. This original accessory is suitable for dates, going to the cinema and meeting with friends.
• Plastic bracelets in animalistic style. Large jewelry with predatory colors will make the look more extravagant and impressive.

It should be noted that in 2022, thin chain ankle bracelets also remain at the peak of popularity. They can be made of thin metal wire, chain, thread, and you can decorate the accessory with small details - pendants, beads, colored rhinestones.

A little history

Primitive ways to decorate themselves were popular even among ancient people - they wore leaves, pebbles, blades of grass... It is noteworthy that this was even before the advent of clothing. Apparently, vanity in humanity is more developed than the feeling of modesty.

Of course, the very interpretation of the word “costume jewelry” appeared much later, in France, but jewelry appeared much earlier.

In general, it is difficult to determine the exact moment of the appearance of costume jewelry - centuries, if not millennia, have passed. The Egyptians, who were greedy for luxury, were the first to decorate themselves with full-fledged jewelry. They wore amulets with images of eyes and hearts. The Normans brought the fashion for wearing jewelry to Rus'. And in the 18th century, the flourishing of costume jewelry reached its highest point, because jewelers learned to imitate precious stones. But at the same time, fakes were much cheaper, and people with little income could afford them.

Classification of costume jewelry

All jewelry that exists today can be divided into the following types:

• Classic. Imitation of natural jewelry, which, if done well, is difficult to distinguish from real jewelry. Typically, classic jewelry is quite expensive, but its service life is longer.
• Avant-garde jewelry, a photo of which is presented in the article below. It is original, made with your own hands, and therefore is distinguished by originality and uniqueness. Such products are made from the following materials: beads, threads, semi-precious stones.
• Ethnic. Traditional styles from different countries are often embodied in jewelry that can not only be worn, but also kept at home as a decorative element. Ethnic jewelry is products that breathe a certain mystery and folk spirit.

Also, costume jewelry is divided into 4 types depending on its quality.

With a floral theme

Fashionable jewelry in 2022 has many faces. Trends include a whole kaleidoscope of design solutions - from restrained and laconic classics to bold avant-garde and extravagance.

The floral theme in jewelry allows you to emphasize femininity, grace, and reveal character traits.

Such decorations are universal and relevant for almost any event.

There are two main directions in 2022:

• The new fashionable floral trend for 2022 is earrings, rings, necklaces, decorated with elements in the form of open flowers. Massive sparkling jewelry, decorated with stones, crystals and rhinestones, allows you to emphasize the grace of lines, the slimness and fragility of the figure. Miniature elements, on the contrary, are more suitable for girls of large build, emphasizing grace and elegance.
• The next popular trend in floral themes is metal jewelry with enamel. Using a special technology, a design is applied to rings, earrings, massive bracelets and necklaces with enamel.

Jewelry with bright floral patterns is popular in the new season. Fashionable jewelry with floral motifs allows you to refresh the beauty of your image, giving it romance, femininity and lightness. In addition to classic jewelry - earrings, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, tiaras and other hair accessories are decorated with floral motifs.

Materials for making jewelry

To create jewelry, metals and their alloys are used, as well as plastic, ceramics, transparent and colored glass. Most often, the following alloys are used in the manufacture of products:

1. Cupronickel. A combination of copper, nickel, iron and manganese. Resembles silver in appearance.
2. Nickel silver – copper, nickel and zinc. If nickel was not spared, the decoration has a greenish or bluish tone on a white background. The material is resistant to corrosion.
3. Brass. Copper combined with zinc creates the illusion of gold jewelry.
4. Pewter is an alloy of tin and various additives.
5. Bronze. Copper and zinc with additives.

Be careful when purchasing jewelry based on nickel or lead, as they may cause allergies. Try to buy high-quality jewelry - it will last you longer and will not cause damage to your health.

Electroplating is the most popular method of gilding jewelry. It contains gold, silver, rhodium and alloys based on it.

In addition, depending on the cost and quality, the jewelry can be inlaid with various types of rhinestones, Swarovski stones (the cost of these products is obviously higher), as well as artificial jewelry - zircons, cubic zirconia, which in their composition are closer to natural diamonds.

Rhinestones are imitation gemstones with a mirror coating for better shine. Their durability depends on the material. Plastic and acrylic rhinestones shine rather dullly and look cheap. In addition, they do not last long. But Swarovski rhinestones are of better quality. They shine superbly due to the fact that they are made of crystal combined with lead. It is quite difficult to distinguish them from natural stones with the naked eye. Although their service life is still not so long.

Costume jewelry is also encrusted with natural stones, especially bracelets and beads.

Earrings

Fashionable jewelry for 2022 is presented in both traditional and creative design solutions. Inexpensive accessories can be selected as a set or separately, it all depends on the event and individual preferences.

Earrings are an excellent accessory; thanks to correctly selected earrings, you can correct flaws in your face and appearance as a whole, attract advantages and place emphasis on details.

In the new fashion season 2022, you should pay attention to the following models:

• Hoop earrings. Large accessories in the Giorgio Armani style with several concentric rings and a butterfly element at the earlobe are the trend of the season.
• Single earring. If an accessory in the style of Valentino and Marc Jacobs looks extravagant, massive, original, bright, bold, it is self-sufficient and does not need a pair. It is enough to insert a sparkling “nail” into the other earlobe.
• Cuffs. Their advantage is that cuffs can be worn even by those who do not have pierced ears. The accessory is worn in the earlobe or attached to any part of the ear. Cuffs can be decorated with pendants, inlaid with rhinestones, stones, beads or ornate metal elements.
• "Tassels". Fringe earrings made of small threads have become a classic evening look. Accessories can be of different lengths, decorated with all kinds of rhinestones and beads. The main rule for the color of tassel earrings is harmony with the color of the eyes in order to emphasize the advantages of appearance. You can also safely choose classic shades - black, red, silver or gold, the length can be any - slightly longer than the lobe or reaching the shoulders.
• With pearls. Models with pearls have become a hit of the 2022 season. Jewelry with tiny mother-of-pearl beads or large pearls will complement an elegant evening look, decorate a strict office look, and will also become the highlight of a casual-style outfit.
• Plastic products. Bright plastic matryoshka accessories in neon shades are back in fashion and will complement the bold youth style.

The classics remain invariably fashionable - chain earrings, studs, small rings.

One of the new trends is the combination of earrings of different lengths in one look. When choosing a look that is bold in its disproportion, it is important to experiment in front of the mirror; a new trend may not suit every girl and, if chosen inappropriately, can disrupt the harmony of the image.

Natural stones and jewelry

Natural stones are an excellent choice for people who love bright jewelry and... believe in esotericism. After all, each stone has its own properties and even corresponds to a specific zodiac sign. In addition, at the energy level, stones are able to influence the radiation of the human body. Thus, they have a certain healing effect on the body, which is scientifically proven. So, let's consider the meaning of jewelry made from natural stones.

Attention! When worn, it is better for the stone to come into direct contact with the diseased area - this way its benefits will increase many times over.

Thyroid. Amber in the form of a necklace is indicated for disorders of the thyroid gland, as it contains iodine.

Bronchi. For diseases of the bronchi - moonstone or pearls.

Heart. Buy a ring with sapphire, garnet or jade. Wear it on the little finger of your left hand.

Kidneys. Bracelets shown are made of jadeite, lapis lazuli or white jade. Lapis lazuli can also help with headaches.

Eyes. Peridot earrings will help with eye diseases or poor vision.

Back. For back pain, regularly wear a jadeite or carnelian ring on your index finger.

Of course, you shouldn’t forget about more serious treatment, but these stones will help you alleviate unpleasant symptoms, and in some cases, even help with treatment.

Rings

Fashionable jewelry, which is relevant for creating looks in 2022, is an unusual combination of styles and textures. Rings are an integral attribute; any direction is welcome - from classic to avant-garde and ethnic motifs.

Basic principles for choosing rings in 2022:

• Volumetric products with large bright stones. Such jewelry must be worn on one of the fingers - the middle or index.
• Rings in ethnic style. For such decoration, you need a holistic image that is in harmony with clothes and makeup in the same style.
• Sets of thin rings. They can be worn on each finger, creating a delicate and sophisticated look.
• Rings. Large accessories can be decorated with stones, polymer modeling, metal casting, as well as ethnic painting.
• Snake rings with chain. The decoration is placed on the first phalanx so that the chain connects the two elements to each other.
• Open rings. Such products create an original look and are decorated with stones, pearls or figured elements made of metal, glass, and polymers.

Rings with small pendants decorated with enamel remain at the peak of popularity. Also, the main trend of the season is hi-tech style rings of triangular, square shapes, which are worn in pairs or on all fingers at once.