Talk:Costume jewelry

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Is this really a stub? How much more can be said that doesn't repeat (or belong in) other articles? - dcljr 23:33, 20 Jan 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Merger

Much duplicated content, Fashion jewelry page states the two are synonyms; the two pages cite each other -....if no arguments I will do this in a week or so.Bridesmill 16:50, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Oppose I believe that while costume jewelry is an accessory of fashion, it holds its own for a namespace article. Doc 22:58, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Merge Sorry, I missread the proposal. I've taken the liberty of spelling out jewelry in your post above. I missed the j. Doc 01:43, 8 July 2006 (UTC)
  • But they're synonyms - and the info is repeated. Don't understand your logic.Bridesmill 00:51, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

Didn't mean to be confusing, just lazy Bridesmill 02:06, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

They shouldn't be merged; Fashion Jewelry is currently used in referring to chic imitations of expensive jewelry. Costume jewelry is used when referencing jewelry used on a "costume", whether it's personal, theater or movies. I will add links later to illustrate the differences. 10:13pm, 13 August 2006.

I wandered to these articles indirectly, but I do have an interest in them. I do think they should be merged. Although 'costume' jewellery may have a specialized meaning, the terms 'costume' and 'fashion' are interchanable in common use. For example: http://www.fashionjewelleryonline.com/jewellery/costume_jewellery_info.html
I would think the title could be "Costume and Fashion Jewellery" (costume first, as it was the first term used historically), with redirects from 'costume', 'fashion', and 'paste' jewellery.
The reason for a merge is it would make for one comprehensive article, with the ability to delve deeper into the terms fashion, costume, and paste, including historical and current uses of those terms. It could then cover the range of jewellery from semi-precious costume jewellery that can cost in the hundreds of dollars (but still far cheaper than the precious gems, that would cost in the thousands for similar). The difference of a good quality zircon set in 15k gold, versus a diamond set in 24k gold, for example. As well as going down the range to things like gold plate, faux pearls, etc...finally to the 'cheap' jewellery that has synthetic 'gems' or poor quality stones, or common stones and no precious metals, or just plate finishes. -- Kavri 15:30, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Irrelevant Info

I feel like the information about Kenneth Jay Lane is irrelevant in this article unless it more thoroughly describes what sorts of pieces he designed. Pictures would help a lot too.

I also disagree with the definition; while costume jewelry doesn't have to be made of precious metals/jewels, it also can. Colloquially, many people, including avid collectors and vintage jewelry sellers, use 'costume jewelry' to indicate a certain style more than to indicate price. Online, many vintage costume jewelry merchants sell pieces for hundreds of dollars, and makers of new costume jewelry also do. Maybe defining it over and against other categories of jewelry, like fine jewelry, would help elucidate the meaning of 'costume jewelry.' I'll think about ways to help the article, but all in all in its present form it's not very helpful.LarsaLoblaw 10:38, 10 January 2007 (UTC)


There is a segment of fine jewellery that follows seasonal development in a similar way to fashion apparel and accessories. While some of it is made of cheap materials, some of it is actually made of gold and diamonds, catering to a high-end luxury crowd. The definitions of these markets are as follows: costume jewellery (paste), bridge jewellery (covering sterling silver and semiprecious stone), and fine jewellery (gold and diamonds). Perhaps this article could be made into a cross-link between the costume jewellery and fine jewellery pages? 00:58 15 Oct 2006.

[edit] Contradiction

Here:

"The term costume jewelry dates back to the early part of the 20th century when the word “costume” was used in reference to one's outfit."

Fashion jewelry:

"and later as ""Costume jewelry"" because of its theatrical roots"

The latter is also what I had assumed after reading Theatrical superstitions. Which etymology is correct? -- Smjg 16:08, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

Hi, came across the costume and fashion jewellery sites while researching some other things, but I do have an interest in these as well. In trying to garner a bit more information off the web, it appeared as if the term 'fashion' is used more by the UK, and 'costume' more by the US. This might have to do with the etymology as well. -- Kavri 15:18, 16 March 2007 (UTC)