The History Of Rhinestone Necklaces

By Angela Briggs


Rhinestone necklaces made an appearance around the thirteenth century after the crystals were discovered and collected from the Rhine River. A process of cutting and polishing them was developed but it was very difficult and took a lot of time to accomplish. These crystals were highly sought after by the upper class and were used to create one of a kind jewelry for them.

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.

These stones have a varied history of popularity. In the period between nineteen twenty and nineteen forty they enjoyed a high use volume because the population of America and other countries was involved with high fashion combined with jewelry to match. The older generation leaned more towards individual pieces such as broaches or hair clips.

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.

There is no better place to display beautiful jewelry than the neck. That is demonstrated by the numerous fashion styles that are available for neck wear. One of fashions most popular styles is the choker. It enhances the neck and bodice lines in a very flattering way. The collar form of necklace also serves this purpose but is worn a little higher on the neck.

The long strand styles are also versatile in that they can go to the office during the day and out to dinner later. They can be doubled or tied in knots to change the accent they offer to the wearer. Long strands can offer an answer for whatever a situation calls for.

Vintage pieces are becoming a popular collection item. Many of these pieces were created by custom jewelers and have high value for resale. People look for them in old jewelry boxes belonging to their grandparents that have been handed down to them. Another venue for collection is estate sales or yard sales of people who have older items to offer. David Swarovski gave a gift to Liberace that was a fifty one pound crystal valued at nearly fifty thousand dollars twenty years ago. It is worth much more now.

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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