While professional jewelers are a to tell the difference between fashion imitation jewellery and fine jewelry, the average individual might be fooled by the realistic effects. Silver, solid gold, and platinum will emit a luminescent shine which appeals to the eye. Less expensive metals such as pewter and nickel are duller in appearance; therefore, to mimic this shine, designers will plate the material with smaller amounts of silver or gold. The plating will keep the piece cheap as it creates an appearance of precious metals. Gemstones and diamonds also are costly depending upon the quality. The facets and brilliance are somewhat harder to imitate, yet glass blowers attempt to replicate the color and shape of precious stones. Sometimes, mid-grade jewelry will use semi-precious gems in order to keep costs lower all while maintaining fine jewelry’s beauty. Acrylic and plastic beads that have shiny coatings will imitate the appearance of pearls at a less expensive price.
Rhinestones in Fashion and Costume Jewelry
One method that was used to simulate the appearance of diamonds included coating the back of rock crystals using metal flakes. Those crystals became well-known as rhinestones due to them being collected from Europe’s river Rhine. With the right construction, a few rhinestones even dazzle like actual diamonds under specific lighting conditions. Fashion Imitation Jewellery that feature rhinestones became so popular that jewelry manufacturers coined the word diamante in order to categorize these types of pieces. Designers integrate various colored crystals in order to mimic the effects of different precious gemstones.
Swarovski Rhinestones
In the mid-1950s, the brand Swarovski presented an iridescent crystal rhinestone utilizing scientific treatments to generate the elegant effect. Most consumers request Swarovski jewelry by name due to the mid-ranged price level and realistic looks.