| > | | | | a comeback with diamonds and pearls being the focal |
| Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones | | | | point. Once again rhinestones were in heavy use, often |
| where referred to Czechoslovakian or Bohemian glass | | | | used to imitate the real thing. |
| dating as far back as the 13th century in Bohemia and | | | | During the 1920s fashions were rapidly changing. |
| the Czech Republic. Both have a history steeped in | | | | Dresses had gone from fitted to a looser more |
| beautiful hand blown glass as well as molded and cut | | | | comfortable style. Two distinct styles occurred during |
| glass. | | | | this era — the feminine style and the |
| By 1918 glass was no longer limited to functional items. | | | | androgynous style. Jewelry from the 1920s drew on |
| Czechoslovakian glass began to make its appearance | | | | the art deco period. The majority of rhinestone jewelry |
| in dazzling and brilliant jewelry. This Czech glass | | | | was made with clear rhinestones. |
| became known as rhinestones. | | | | As the 1920s moved jewelry once again became |
| Rhinestones were manmade gems from highly refined | | | | bolder. Dramatic color was in style. Designer Coco |
| glass. By using various metals the glass was colored | | | | Chanel was an integral figure in the setting the stage |
| to the desired shade. It was then pressed into molds. | | | | for jewelry of this era. |
| Each stone was then ground and polished by machine, | | | | During the 1930s during the depression labor intensive |
| resulting in a brilliant glass stone. Often the stones | | | | fashion was no longer feasible. While the world was in |
| were foiled on the back which increased their brilliance. | | | | turmoil, jewelry represented an affordable comfort to |
| Today, the same refining process is still used. You will | | | | many women. Inexpensive costume jewelry could be |
| often here rhinestones referred to as paste. Originally | | | | used to revitalize an old outfit. The industry began to |
| paste was referred to a glass stone that made of | | | | produce bright colored enamel pieces accented with |
| ground glass which was molded and then melted, | | | | rhinestones. Dogs, birds, or cats with a rhinestone eye |
| producing an opaque dense glass frosted stone. Paste | | | | were common place. |
| had many air bubbles and swirl marks. The high lead | | | | The jewelry during the 1940s once again became big |
| content glass was then polished and faceted, and set | | | | and bold with rhinestones being produced in every |
| on either copper or silver resulting in a brilliant stone. | | | | imaginable color, large stones set on large bold settings |
| Today the term paste usually refers to rhinestones. In | | | | was the norm. |
| Europe rhinestones are often referred to as paste, | | | | By the 1950s there were two very distinct looks |
| strass, and diamante. | | | | — elegant and sophisticated for the more |
| Austria is another area with a history in rhinestone | | | | mature woman, and casual and fun for the younger |
| production. In 1891 Daniel Swarovski created a new | | | | woman. The 1950s saw jewelry made completely |
| glass cutting machine which quite literally revolutionized | | | | from rhinestones. For the younger woman were flirty |
| the jewelry business. This machine could cut faceted | | | | pieces, for the older woman sophisticated elegance. |
| glass, producing finely finished product in a very short | | | | Rhinestone parures became extremely popular. |
| time. Prior to this invention it would take a very long | | | | In 1953 the aurora borealis rhinestone was introduced |
| time for each stone to be hand cut and finished. | | | | to the market with its fabulous array of color. It was an |
| Swarovski’s background in glass making, | | | | instant hit! |
| combined with his glass cutting machine soon found | | | | By 1960s women were wearing very functional |
| him producing rhinestones with a lead content of over | | | | clothing. By the late 1960s the hippie fashions were |
| 30%. The brilliance of these rhinestones was superior | | | | extremely popular with their roots tied to Mother |
| to anything seen on the market. Swarovski | | | | Nature. Tie dyed shirts, long flowing skirts, frayed jeans |
| wasn’t content with his invention and the best | | | | were everywhere. This generation had no interest in |
| rhinestones ever seen. His next invention was once | | | | rhinestone jewelry. |
| again transforming to the jewelry industry. He created | | | | By the mid 1970s the punk look had been born and the |
| a vacuum plating for the backs of the stones with | | | | rhinestone was revitalized. It was the disco movement |
| silver and gold, reducing the need for hand labor. Still | | | | brought the rhinestone back to center stage. The disco |
| today Swarovski rhinestones are recognized as the | | | | movement turned into the club movement during the |
| highest quality in the industry. Over 80% of rhinestone | | | | 1980s and rhinestone jewelry continued to gain |
| jewelry manufactured in America use Swarovski | | | | popularity. |
| rhinestones. | | | | Since the 1970s rhinestone have remained main |
| Rhinestones have played an important role in costume | | | | stream in the jewelry world. They continue to gain |
| jewelry for hundreds of years. It is used to enhance | | | | popularity and today there is a style to suit almost |
| and accent, and sometimes rhinestones will provide the | | | | every ones needs. There is rhinestone jewelry which |
| entire design. During the Victorian period common | | | | is perfect for a bride, rhinestone jewelry for a prom girl, |
| motifs for jewelry included snakes, flowers, and hands | | | | rhinestone jewelry for the young and fun crowd, the |
| most often adorned with rhinestones. | | | | business woman, the sophisticated woman, and the |
| The 1890s were a time for extravagant jewelry | | | | mature woman. Beautiful pieces of rhinestone jewelry |
| heavily adorned with rhinestones. As time moved | | | | adorn almost every woman’s accessories. |
| forward designs became simpler with figural shapes | | | | If trends are an indication of the rhinestones future, it |
| once again making their fashion statement. However | | | | appears to have a vibrant healthy life ahead of it. |
| this time they were small and more elegant with small | | | | Pleasing for most woman with a fashion sense who |
| rhinestone accents. | | | | instantly recognize the value and beauty of |
| During the Edwardian period extravagance had made | | | | rhinestones! |