Jewelry does not use precious metals.
The French word bijouterie came to our language as costume jewelry . In some Spanish-speaking countries, however, the French form is also used.
Costume jewelry is the name of the industry that is dedicated to the manufacture of decorative products, made with materials that are not precious . The concept also refers to the items produced by this activity and the establishment where they are sold.
Characteristics of jewelry
It can be said that costume jewelry is based on the development of ornamental pieces or accessories that are made with brass , porcelain , glass and plastics , among many other materials. Unlike jewelry , it does not use precious metals such as silver or gold .
What distinguishes costume jewelry from jewelry, therefore, is the quality of the product . Both industries produce the same items ( rings , bracelets , necklaces , earrings , etc.), but costume jewelry uses cheaper and less fine materials. Therefore, their creations are cheaper. While costume jewelry can be found for a few dollars, there are pieces of jewelry that are valued at several million.
Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to distinguish between costume jewelry and jewelry. This is because jewelry often uses coatings that do contain silver or gold . Thus, in appearance, costume jewelry and jewelry can look very similar, although the weight of the jewelry is greater due to the density of the precious metals.
Industrial vs. artisanal
It is common to talk about jewelry as an industry. In fact, this is how the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) defines it in its dictionary.
However, the production of costume jewelry is not always industrial . Although in some cases standardized processes are used that are carried out with the intervention of different machines, there is also artisanal jewelry .
There are artisans, then, who create pieces of jewelry. For this they use some of the materials mentioned (such as plastic or glass ), assembling them with their hands . Production, in this framework, is not developed in series or en masse.
Bracelets are among the most popular jewelry accessories.
Jewelry as a job and as a hobby
As we have already expressed, jewelry can be industrial or artisanal. Industrial products are usually sold in large stores or shopping centers, which are able to sell thousands of units.
Artisanal jewelry, on the other hand, is developed on a smaller scale. Some people, due to lack of work and as a resource for subsistence, begin to make jewelry in their homes or in small workshops.
Many times these jewelry objects are sold at fairs and local markets . They are also usually sold as street vendors on beaches and parks.
Another possibility is that jewelry becomes a hobby or pastime . There are those who dabble in jewelry at home as a form of entertainment and then give their products to family and friends.
It should be noted that it is possible to find tutorials on the Internet that teach how to make jewelry. In addition, printed publications are usually offered that, along with explanations, advice and steps to follow, include the necessary materials to carry out the activity.