Jewelry (Precious, Costume, Silver)

Jewelry used to be worn only by the wealthy. That changed in 1730, when “paste,” a glass that could resemble gemstones, was invented. The Industrial Revolution made jewelry even more accessible. Jewelry with symbolic, sentimental designs was popular in the Victorian era. Costume jewelry emerged in the twentieth century. Major designers made pieces featuring faux stones or avant-garde styles. Silver jewelry is also sought after, especially by American Indian, Mexican, and Scandinavian designers.