What is Costume Jewellery? The phrase costume jewellery” was first used in the 1920s, however jewellery and ornamentation made out of non-precious materials have been worn since ancient times. While it is sometimes called fake or "fashion" jewellery, it often incorporates workmanship and materials on a par with, or even better than fine jewellery. The 20th centur..

  Interested in collecting vintage and antique jewellery? Check out our illustrated guide to the top European costume jewellery brands to look out for..   1) CHRISTIAN DIOR   Christian Dior  was a very prominent and influential designer of the 1950's. His fashion designs were accessorised with opulent feminine jewellery, including asymmetrical crystal necklace..

HANS HANSEN JEWELLERY The Hans Hansen name is synonomus with superb twentieth century Scandinavian silver jewellery design, and their modernist jewellery designs are much prized by vintage jewellery collectors and enthusiasts today. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION Born in 1884 in Kolding, Denmark, Hans Hansen grew up amidst the rich cultural heritage of Scandinavia. From a young age, he was d..

Bent Gabrielsen Pedersen   Bent Gabrielsen Pedersen (born in 1928) studied at the Danish College of Jewellery and Silversmithing which produced all the major artists in  Denmark. He was one of the first graduates from the college in 1953. After he left college he was hired by  Hans Hansen where he took over the jewellery design department from Karl..

  If you are a fan of vintage then now is a great time to look for quality pieces as the market is buoyant, and with a little bit of background research you can  find some great vintage necklaces, earrings, bracelets, or  brooches to add to your collection. There are pieces  to suit every style  and taste, and  you can find a wide variety of choice in terms..

Lisner Lisner jewellery has only become popular with collectors over recent years, as the focus has been on  bigger names. However the company's skilfull an attractive designs together with relatively low prices have led to a  resurgence in their popularity with collectors. Lisner Company Beginnings The company was established in New York in 1904 where it made it..

Elsa Schiaparelli Elsa Schiaparelli was born in Rome in 1890 to wealthy family. She was  rebellious from an early age and once attended a ball wrapped simply in a length of fabric that unwound as the night went on, bringing shame and  scandal to her family. She married William de Wendt and had a daughter, however the marriage did not last leaving her a  single mothe..

Vivianna Torun Bulow-HubeVivianna Torun Bulow-Hube, a Swedish silversmith and designer, is known for her ground breaking approach to jewellery and tableware design..Above:  Vivianna Torun-Hube 1960's amethyst and crystal Scandinavian silver necklace Born in 1927 Vivianna Torun Bulow-Hube studied at the National College of Craft and Design in Stockholm, before opening her studio..

The Influence of the Bauhaus   At the  Bauhaus a German design school in existence from 1919 onwards, the application of modernist principles to smaller scale design took place. Under the management of it director Walter Gropius it's stong influence on the art and design world continued even after the school was shut by the Nazi's in 1933. The Bauhaus ethos of "f..

Marcel Boucher Marcel Boucher was born in 1898. He was a French jewellery designer who produced some of the most flamboyant work in the 1940's. He trained at Cartier in Paris before moving to New York int he 1920's. In 1937 he set up his own business, Marcel Boucher et Cie. His business partner Arthur Halberstadt worked as the front of house  person in the shop, while Boucher de..