Fine jewelry generally refers to the classic “sparkly gemstone and precious metals” type of jewelry. Usually expensive, this kind of high-end jewelry has traditionally been used to mark or commemorate a special occasion such as weddings or anniversaries. This jewelry is usually quite personal and sentimental. It’s often worn for formal or special outings, though we traditionally wear our matrimonial jewelry daily. When worn for fashion reasons, the cost of this jewelry generally makes it an expensive luxury item.
Costume jewelry is inexpensive jewelry made from glass or plastic “stones” and plated base metals. It was traditionally purchased as a fashion statement and might be worn to match a specific outfit. Costume jewelry is generally worn for casual (such as workday) wear and is often more attention-grabbing and vibrant than fine jewelry. As fashions have changed, costume jewelry now uses many alternative materials (such as polymer clay) and no longer attempts to imitate fine jewelry.
The word costume doesn’t mean it’s to be worn with a costume. No, the term comes from when the word “costume” meant an outfit. (This is why the British term for swimwear is “swimming costume.”)
Speaking of language, in other languages, costume jewelry has specific names. You’ll recognize some of these names as part of many social media account names. Here is what costume jewelry is called in several languages around the world.
- Bižuterija
- Bisutaría
- Biżuteria kostiumowa
- Bijuteria
- Bizhuteri
- Bigiotteria
- Nakit za kostum
- Modni Nakit
- Bijouterie
- Goyna
- Joyas de fantasía
- Joyeria
- Schmuck
- Pukukoru
- Dehbijiet kostumi
- Búninga skartgripi
- Smykker
- Kostymsmycken
- Kostüm takısı
And of course, costume jewelry is a rather old-fashioned term. Nowadays, more people seem to prefer the term “fashion jewelry”.
What do you call costume jewelry in your native language?
#polymerclay #jewelry
