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jeudi 28 novembre 2013

Exploring The History Of Rhinestone Necklaces

By Angela Briggs


Rhinestone necklaces made an appearance around the thirteenth century after the crystals were discovered and collected from the Rhine River. A process of cutting and polishing them was developed but it was very difficult and took a lot of time to accomplish. These crystals were highly sought after by the upper class and were used to create one of a kind jewelry for them.

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.

Over time the popularity of these pieces have wavered tremendously. In the years between nineteen twenty and nineteen forty they were very popular with the younger people purchasing pieces that were designed slim and feminine for style. The more mature consumers were buying broaches and larger items.

During the nineteen fifties and nineteen sixties they hit their lowest point because of the flower child population. The desire for a lot of dazzling sparkling jewelry was not there. They went more for the more natural fibers and look. During the nineteen seventies with the advent of the disco generation people once again became interested in them. The popularity has maintained steadily since then.

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.

The long strand styles are also versatile in that they can go to the office during the day and out to dinner later. They can be doubled or tied in knots to change the accent they offer to the wearer. Long strands can offer an answer for whatever a situation calls for.

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.

Rhinestone necklaces have been a part of man's history since before the thirteenth century. They have held on to their place as a preferred mode of expression for centuries and will continue to be an intricate part of societies fashion world in the future. You can look forward to these pieces being handed down from mothers to daughters for generations to come.




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