الاثنين، 25 نوفمبر 2013

Exploring The History Of Rhinestone Necklaces

By Angela Briggs


Rhinestones were originally made of stone crystals gathered from the Rhine River where they got their name. There is some discussion as whether they were first created in Austria or Czechoslovakia but the name for them remains either way. The process of hand cutting and polishing the stones was very difficult and time consumptive. They soon became famed for the beauty that they displayed and rhinestone necklaces became very much in demand.

In the eighteenth century Swarovski invented a machine that could produce glass stones. This machine revolutionized the industry and allowed mass production of glass stones for use by jewelers. Today eighty percent of all cut glass stones in America are made by Swarovski manufacturing. These crystals can be purchased individually or wholesale for private or business use.

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.

The neck is the perfect showcase for jewelry that makes a statement about the person wearing it. With the multiple styles of neck wear available and a multitude of colors and shapes to choose from one can truly stand out among their peers. Those who have long slim necks can accentuate that characteristic by selecting chokers or collars and wearing a deeply cut V neck top.

Another fashion arrives in the form of a bib. It covers a large part of the bodice with intricate designs to draw the eye. Bibs can be worn with low cut gowns or with high necked tops as well. As an all around favorite one or more long strands can be worn. They can be worn long or doubled and for a less formal look tied in a knot in front.

As a hobby or a collection project many people have developed an avid interest in vintage jewelry. Pieces that may have been worn by their grandmothers or that can be found at yard or estate sales have become popular. The pieces can be valuable because of their creator or age. Many of the vintage pieces were original creations made by some of the best jewelry designers in the world. The largest crystal ever created by man was made for Liberace by David Swarovski as a gift. It was a clear stone weighing over one hundred ten thousand carats.

As a form of expression or decoration rhinestone necklaces have held their place in history. They are and have always been considered a very good example of fine costume jewelry. Many people both famous and not so famous have prized these pieces and passed them down through the generations from mother to daughter.




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