Costume Jewelry Basics

Costume jewelry basics for retailers

Costume jewelry is sold in department stores, novelty shops, card shops, home shopping channels and over the Internet. Costume jewelry manufacturers began mass production around 1900. Due to its inexpensive materials, it accounts for more imaginative creations than "real" jewelry. Costume jewelry supplies include cut glass, imitation pearls and enamel. Base metals are used for clips and pins. Electroplating gives basic metals silver and gold tones.

Most costume jewelry is sold in department stores but also accounts for a lot of home-shopping sales. One third of costume jewelry is purchased as a gift and two thirds for individual use. The highest volume in sales for costume jewelry business is in earrings, followed by necklaces and pins. Business costume jewelry falls under the category of accessories and is used to complement dresses and outfits.

1. Costume jewelry isn't synonymous with cheap jewelry. It can be highly original and use real gems. Costume jewelry is both mass-produced and created by designers.

2. The costume jewelry business uses semi-precious stones, simulated diamonds, pearls and ivory for business and dress attire. Many costume jewelry supplies are imported from China.

3. Costume jewelry is a very popular purchase on holidays, including Christmas, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.

 

Find out more about department store costume jewelry

Costume jewelery can be made to look like real jewelry, such as a pearl necklace or gold bracelet. Wholesale costume jewelry from name manufacturers is bought by major department stores and sometimes factory outlets.
Try: Kenneth Jay Lane is an example of a high-end costume jeweler. His jewelry was worn by Jackie Onassis. This website requires registration for people interested in buying wholesale. Monet is another well-known manufacturer of costume jewelry, although not on the level of KJL. It is now owned by Liz Claiborne. Monet is sold in factory outlets, too.

Look at costume jewelry manufacturers for wholesale pricing

Costume jewelry manufacturers will sell quantities wholesale. They will sell to smaller businesses such as clothing shops, specialty stores and other retail establishments that use accessories. Many of these companies are owned by costume jewelry designers.
Try: Ben-Amun has original designs of costume jewelry using bright colors. Alexis Bittar is a designer and manufacturer of original costume jewelery -- these items have flair and style.

Get novelty costume jewelry on the holidays

Novelty costume jewelry is inexpensive and is created for holidays and consumer niche markets -- usually for young people. These types of costume jewelry sell quickly and are found in card shops, novelty and clothing shops, and even salons. These are very popular with girls, teens and coeds.
Try: Team-Zebra sells wholesale costume jewelry, specializing in holiday/novelty jewelry. You can order this costume jewelry online. Skullcats is a bit more expensive, but still fun, and uses silver in some of its jewelry.

 

• Costume jewelry basics covers a range of styles. Southwestern jewelry is costume jewelry, as are other ethnic style jewelry. Custom costume jewelry can cost thousands of dollars, while novelty earrings can sell for as low as $2.

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