Paste Jewellery

Paste Jewellery

Paste jewellery is a type of costume jewellery that is made to imitate the look of precious gemstones. It originated in the 18th century, when the demand for jewellery that resembled diamonds and other precious stones was high, but the cost of these materials was prohibitive for many people. Paste jewellery is made by using a type of glass that is cut and polished to resemble gemstones. The glass is then set in metal settings, often made of silver or gold, to create a piece of jewellery that is both beautiful and affordable. The term paste comes from the French word pâte de verre, which means glass paste. The glass used in paste jewellery is often leaded, which gives it a high refractive index and makes it sparkle like a real gemstone. The glass can be cut and shaped into a variety of shapes, including round, oval, pear, and marquise. The settings used in paste jewellery are often designed to enhance the sparkle of the glass, with intricate metalwork and open-back settings that allow light to pass through the glass and create a dazzling effect. Paste jewellery was particularly popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras, when it was worn by both men and women as a way to show off their wealth and status. It was often used to create elaborate tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and brooches that were worn to formal events and special occasions. Today, paste jewellery is still popular among collectors and vintage enthusiasts, and it is often used to create costume jewellery that is both stylish and affordable.

costume jewellery, glass, gemstones, metal settings, vintage

— Jacob Smith