Rhinestones Have A Glittering Past
Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to Czechoslovakian or Bohemian glass dating as far back as the 13th century in Bohemia and the Czech Republic. Both have a history steeped in beautiful hand blown glass as well as molded and cut glass. By 1918 glass was no longer limited to functional items. Czechoslovakian glass began to make its appearance in dazzling and brilliant jewelry. This Czech glass became known as rhinestones. Rhinestones were manmade gems from highly refined glass. By using various metals the glass was colored to the desired shade. It was then pressed into molds. Each stone was then ground and polished by machine, resulting in a brilliant glass stone. Often the stones were foiled on the back which increased their brilliance. Today, the same refining process is still used. You will often here rhinestones referred to as paste. Originally paste was referred to a glass stone that made of ground glass which was molded and then melted, producing an opaque dense glass frosted stone. Paste had many air bubbles and swirl marks. The high lead content glass was then polished and faceted, and set on either copper or silver resulting in a brilliant stone. Today the term paste usually refers to rhinestones. In Europe rhinestones are often referred to as paste, strass, and diamante. Austria is another area with a history in rhinestone production. In 1891 Daniel Swarovski created a new glass cutting machine which quite literally revolutionized the jewelry business. This machine could cut faceted glass, producing finely finished product in a very short time. Prior to this invention it would take a very long time for each stone to be hand cut and finished. Swarovski's background in glass making, combined with his glass cutting machine soon found him producing rhinestones with a lead content of over 30%. The brilliance of these rhinestones was superior to anything seen on the market. Swarovski wasn't content with his invention and the best rhinestones ever seen. His next invention was once again transforming to the jewelry industry. He created a vacuum plating for the backs of the stones with silver and gold, reducing the need for hand labor. Still today Swarovski rhinestones are recognized as the highest quality in the industry. Over 80% of rhinestone jewelry manufactured in America use Swarovski rhinestones. Rhinestones have played an important role in costume jewelry for hundreds of years. It is used to enhance and accent, and sometimes rhinestones will provide the entire design. During the Victorian period common motifs for jewelry included snakes, flowers, and hands most often adorned with rhinestones. The 1890s were a time for extravagant jewelry heavily adorned with rhinestones. As time moved forward designs became simpler with figural shapes once again making their fashion statement. However this time they were small and more elegant with small rhinestone accents. During the Edwardian period extravagance had made a comeback with diamonds and pearls being the focal point. Once again rhinestones were in heavy use, often used to imitate the real thing. During the 1920s fashions were rapidly changing. Dresses had gone from fitted to a looser more comfortable style. Two distinct styles occurred during this era ? the feminine style and the androgynous style. Jewelry from the 1920s drew on the art deco period. The majority of rhinestone jewelry was made with clear rhinestones. As the 1920s moved jewelry once again became bolder. Dramatic color was in style. Designer Coco Chanel was an integral figure in the setting the stage for jewelry of this era.
During the 1930s during the depression labor intensive fashion was no longer feasible. While the world was in turmoil, jewelry represented an affordable comfort to many women. Inexpensive costume jewelry could be used to revitalize an old outfit. The industry began to produce bright colored enamel pieces accented with rhinestones. Dogs, birds, or cats with a rhinestone eye were common place. The jewelry during the 1940s once again became big and bold with rhinestones being produced in every imaginable color, large stones set on large bold settings was the norm.
By the 1950s there were two very distinct looks ? elegant and sophisticated for the more mature woman, and casual and fun for the younger woman. The 1950s saw jewelry made completely from rhinestones. For the younger woman were flirty pieces, for the older woman sophisticated elegance. Rhinestone parures became extremely popular. In 1953 the aurora borealis rhinestone was introduced to the market with its fabulous array of color. It was an instant hit!
By 1960s women were wearing very functional clothing. By the late 1960s the hippie fashions were extremely popular with their roots tied to Mother Nature. Tie dyed shirts, long flowing skirts, frayed jeans were everywhere. This generation had no interest in rhinestone jewelry. By the mid 1970s the punk look had been born and the rhinestone was revitalized. It was the disco movement brought the rhinestone back to center stage. The disco movement turned into the club movement during the 1980s and rhinestone jewelry continued to gain popularity. Since the 1970s rhinestone have remained main stream in the jewelry world. They continue to gain popularity and today there is a style to suit almost every ones needs. There is rhinestone jewelry which is perfect for a bride, rhinestone jewelry for a prom girl, rhinestone jewelry for the young and fun crowd, the business woman, the sophisticated woman, and the mature woman. Beautiful pieces of rhinestone jewelry adorn almost every woman's accessories. If trends are an indication of the rhinestones future, it appears to have a vibrant healthy life ahead of it. Pleasing for most woman with a fashion sense who instantly recognize the value and beauty of rhinestones! ฉ Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.
Related News
Designer Collections Packed Into an iPhone - New York Times
Commentary: Is Michelle Obama's fashion too bold? - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Michael Kors (but You Knew That) - New York Times
Strike a pose in 60s style - Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Morning Herald |
Strike a pose in 60s styleSydney Morning Herald, Australia -1 hour agoPhotos Australian fashion from the 60s and 70s is the subject of the National Archives Strike a Pose exhibition. From micro minis to long, flowing dresses, ... |
Hillary Clinton: The politics of fashion - Baltimore Sun
Hillary Clinton: The politics of fashionBaltimore Sun, United States -10 hours agoHillary's style has come under constant criticism over the years. So much so that she even did her own fashion police for Us Weekly, making fun of her past ... |
Rise of Tecktonik - ์ฝ๋ฆฌ์ํ์์ฆ
์ฝ๋ฆฌ์ํ์์ฆ |
Rise of Tecktonik์ฝ๋ฆฌ์ํ์์ฆ, South Korea -18 hours ago``Tecktonik is a dance, not a fashion or music style. It has been popular in Europe and finally hit Korea last year,'' singer and DJ Koo (Jun-yup) told The ... |
Fall fashion, Arizona style - Arizona Daily Wildcat
Fall fashion, Arizona styleArizona Daily Wildcat, AZ -1 hour agoBohemian influences also dominated the runways and fashion magazines. Even though Bohemian styles traditionally mean lots of heavy furs, Arizonans will be ... |
Style experts? Not according to our style guru. We reveal the ... - Daily Mail
Stoned Cherrie kicks off fashion party in fine style - The South African Star
A fashionable mix of green living and high style - Boston Globe
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Horse Jewelry: Bold and Free
A popular motif in jewelry, even among city dwellers, is horses. Horse jewelry is enigmatic and evokes a sense of strength as well as of mystery. Now one would have to ask: why horses? Why care about an animal rarely seen in the city anyway?
Ankle Bracelets: Accessories to Pamper and Adorn Your Feet
Feet are among the most the most beautiful parts of a woman's body. This fact is often overshadowed by modern media, which highlights women's faces and torsos, and little else. Yet throughout history, the delicate shape of women's feet have been paid great respect and attention, as proven by classical literary works by D.H. Lawrence and Lord Byron, to name only a few. In "Double Indemnity," the hero Walter is so entranced by the ankle bracelet worn by a woman named Phyllis, that he mentions it several times in the course of the movie.
Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion
Reading glasses or readers have evolved from those old black granny glasses of the past. Today's reading glasses offer style and glamour making them as fashionable as they are functional. The many varieties of reading glasses
available match the many personalities of their wearers.
Each Watch Band is Unique and Tells Its Own Story
Anyone who possesses a valuable and unique watch will also want something special from the watch band that is worn with it. HIRSCH artisanal watch bands are masterpieces, each created by craftsmen in a process involving over 60 separate stages, giving each individual watch band its own elegance and beauty.
Finally, Everyone Can Feel Good in Swimwear
"Whatever reason or purpose you have for going in the water there is swimwear that you can feel good in and that will suit your needs, including mastectomy swimwear. Regardless of your size, your age or your activity there will be a swimsuit that provides the comfort and coverage you need." Today there is an excellent variety and wide range of options in specialty swimwear designs. Designs include mastectomy swimwear, maternity swimwear, water aerobic accessories, thermal and sun protective swimwear, wetsuits, sports swimwear, plus sized swimwear, high fashion swimwear and of course the large variety of women's and men's swimwear.
Mastectomy swimwear is special swimwear needed for women who have had a breast removed. The swimwear includes a special pocket sewn in to hold the breast prosthesis in place during even the most vigorous of activities. The swimsuits come in a wide variety of designs to include either low or high necklines, wide or thin straps and skirted or saronged styles so your options certainly aren't limited. A major concern among some women is that the breast forms may be affected by exposure to chlorine from swimming or heats from sunbathing, manufacturers agree this isn't true. Another concern is that the weight of the prosthesis may be too heavy for a swimsuit. The bathing suits manufactured today are specifically made with the strongest stitching and proper fabrics to ensure not only comfort but also piece of mind.
The maternity swimwear designed today has never been more practical or fashionable. Maternity swimsuits come in both two- piece and one-piece suits. The swimsuits are made with extra lining in the places that need it; most designs have built in soft-cup bras. Tankini designs come in slightly larger belly covering lengths and swimdress suits are available for more coverage. The selections of cover -ups come in both skirt and hooded designs, the skirts are often double lined with elastic waistbands. There are so many great manufacturers offering an endless array of designs and various soft stretchy fabrics that you're ensured a comfy fit during any stage of pregnancy. There are also wonderful nursing bathing suits on the market, which offer proper post pregnancy belly cover-up with built in bras for use when nursing baby.
Water aerobics is a great all around form of aerobic exercise and an excellent form of cardio fitness. Water aerobics are safe for all ages, as the water causes your body to be buoyant, thus causing less strain and stress on your joints and muscles. Some of the special aerobic water accessories are wrist and ankle weights, active belts, aqua mats, exercise balls, aqua steps, water shoes and barbells. Many of the accessories are covered in neoprene fabric offering comfort to the wearer and chlorine resistance. The active belt is used to promote correct posture while supporting the lower back and toning abdominal muscles. The wrist and ankle weights are used for resistance to get the maximum workout, the cuffs come in various weights for different levels of fitness. It's a good idea to purchase one of the many sports swimsuits available when doing water aerobics so you're ensured a swimsuit that will stand up to your exercise routine.
Thermal wear and sun protective swimwear are two popular ways to provide your children with either warmth or protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. Thermal wear suits are made from a specially treated, heat reflective neoprene material. The thermal swimsuits allow children to maintain their warmth safely while still allowing for the freedom of movement necessary. The sun protective swimwear manufactured today usually has an SPF of 50 (the highest rating for fabric) and most brands offer approximately a 98% sun block. The suits are made of a nylon-lycra mix, which is lightweight and fast drying. The sunsuits come in a variety of designs to include; baby, children and adult designs; sun hats and sunsuits combined with buoyancy aids. What an excellent way to protect both you're children and yourself from the sun.
Water Sports swimwear is quite different than the standard swimsuits available for swimming and sunbathing. Water sports such as wakeboarding, wind surfing, surfing, water skiing, diving and jet skiing often require swimwear that offers both warmth and protection from extended time in cold waters. Most wetsuits are made from a specially treated heat reflective neoprene material, which helps people maintain their warmth while providing flexibility and comfort. Wetsuits are available in a wide variety of designs such as; one piece body suits with either long or short sleeves; rash and UV guards (similar to a long or short sleeved t-shirt) with hoods; gloves and boots; wetsuits with hoods. The innovative wetsuits are amazingly flexible and durable providing years of water fun.
Popular manufacturers of sportswear make excellent quality sports swimwear. These swimsuits like the standard swimsuits come in a wide variety of designs, but are specifically made to endure endless hours of activity in the pool, the suits must provide proper fit and comfort in a long lasting design often used by lifeguards and competitors. As much as the look of the swimsuit is important it is secondary to the fit and durability. Sports swimwear can include; competition swimwear, accessories, training suits, lifeguard suits and practice suits. The swimwear is also includes options such as swim caps, warm-ups, parkas and towels.
Proper fit of your swimsuit is essential whether you're petite, tall or plus sized. You want to be sure that your swimsuit is neither too small nor too large ensuring the swimsuit provides comfort, flexibility and durability. Plus sized swimsuits come in an excellent variety of designs to include one and two pieces suits from tankini suits to skirted suits. Regardless of your size there is a suit that will fit you properly, with swimsuits made in special bra cup sizes while offering extra lining to provide full coverage.
Designer Swimwear is a popular line for many high fashion designers. There is no shortage on the extraordinary styles and options out there. If you are in the market for a swimsuit with that "extra something" you can find swimsuits with lovely hand sewn water drops, crystals and beads. There are swimsuits that with special technology allow you to tan through the suit, there are bust enhancing suits and tummy control suits; there really is no limit to what you can find.
With all the specialty suits mentioned we can't forget the variety of regular women and men's suits available. There are styles, colors and fabric designs to fit anyone's tastes. Swimsuits in one and two- piece varieties for women and the classic swim trunks, shorts and racers for men.
Whatever reason or purpose you have for going in the water there is swimwear that will suit your needs. Regardless of your size, your age or your activity there will be a swimsuit that provides the comfort and coverage you need. If you are planning to be out in the sun always remember to apply proper sunscreen, SPF 30 is a good idea, you also don't want to forget your sun hats, sunglasses and beach towels.
Man Earring: a macho look in jewelry fashion
These days, there is a call for more "metrosexuals," or men who are conscious about their looks and clothing, so much that it is actually important for them to be not only presentable, but fashionable as well in civilized society. The television program "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" has revolutionized makeovers for all of us, for it has shown that, yes, it is indeed possible for men to be pleasant to look at without being "girly" or "dandy." Masculine jewelry, such as man earrings, are a big part of this metrosexuality trend.
Curves Hit the Beach: Women?s Guide to Plus Size Swimwear Online
Summer is with us. The sun is shining, the beaches are glistening and everyone is ready to it the golden sands; ready to relax and enjoy the hottest season of the year.
Roberto Cavalli: The Fashion King
Roberto Cavalli was born on November 15th, 1940 in Italy. He came from a modest family with strong artistic talents and traditions. His grandfather had been an impressionist painter, his mother a tailor .
Buying Shoes Online - The Benefits
I love to buy shoes but I hate to shop for them.
A Clothes Encounter In The Business World
Do you ever wonder where all the dress rules have gone? Depending on when and where you are on any given business day, the words "distant past" might come to mind. It's difficult to decide if people don't know what to wear to work or if they have lost sight of the relevance of appearance to professional success.
Fedoras & Floppy Hats - Hot Hot Hot for 2005 & 2006
For those of you that love hats you'll be in your glory - hats are hot this coming season - in fact floppy hats and fedoras are hot hot hot!!
Does Your Watch Keep Time with Fashion or Function?
If you haven't lived under a rock for the past few decades, then you surely know that Rolex stands for luxurious precision timekeeping, and you know that Timex is the premier name in inexpensive, reliable timekeeping. The vast area between the two, however, offers the widest selection of watches-in terms of function, fashion and price.
Diamonds Are Forever
Diamond jewelry: diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond pendants and diamond bracelets are some of the most sought after gemstone creations. Your eyes tell you how beautiful a piece of diamond jewelry is, but how do you know you are getting your money's worth?
Looking Fashionable At The Beach
It's that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.
Freshwater Pearl Necklace Sets Foundation for the Perfect Look
Have you been searching for that certain piece of jewelry for that one special occasion? Or that certain necklace to top off your outfit for a day out? Pearl Jewelry is not only known for its timeless qualities but also for its versatility. Pearl jewelry can be worn with any style and comes in many various colors and sizes. A stunning freshwater pearl necklace can set a great foundation for the elegant look that pearl jewelry can offer.
Mens Fashion - How To Create Lasting And Permanent Styles
Many men and women do not have much idea about Mens Fashion. Very often the advice I have been approached on are what men can wear to appear professional or what men should wear so that they do not look outdated but overtly trendy.
Sterling Silver Jewelry Today
Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings, sterling silver earrings, bracelets and pendants are some of the hottest fashion accessories today! Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. You know how beautifully sterling silver jewelry complements fashionable clothing and how it sparkles and shines; now here is the rest of the story.
Rubber Band Bracelets: Be In the Loop
Those colorful loops of rubber should be quite familiar to you by now. Yes, we are talking about rubber band bracelets. They have become ubiquitous in the last couple of years. You can see them on the wrists of Tsunami aid workers, citizens campaigning for a cause, and even the on wrists of school children.
Fashion Marketing 101
In a nutshell, fashion marketing is a profession that takes the latest trends and designs in clothing and communicates them to a target market in such a way that the consumer is not only aware of the product, but wants to and ultimately does buy the product. A target market is a sector of the consumer market to which a company wishes to sell (i.e. market) its clothing. To fully know what fashion marketing is, it is important to understand that marketing does not stop at ads in magazines or commercials on TV. The world of marketing is just as dynamic as the world of fashion. Marketing clothing includes elements such as determining which stores the apparel should be sold in, what price the clothing should be sold for-all the way to how the in-store displays should look. Fashion marketers often are as savvy about business as they are about fashion and popular culture.
Turquoise Necklace Facts and Beliefs
'Pieces of sky.' That's how turquoise was called by some Native American tribes. Indeed, it requires no great stretch of the imagination to understand why turquoise was referred to as such. Just as the heavens could be a peaceful or stormy blue, so could turquoise seem to express different moods with its different shades of blue and green. Wearing pieces of sky in a turquoise necklace is a provocative and attractive idea.
|
