Chanel Costume Jewelry
Chanel has a long history of costume jewelry. Coco starting making it in the 1930’s. They were cheaper than real gems, allowing a woman to purchase more pieces to properly accessorize all her outfits.
Chanel costume jewelry covered a wide range of styles over the years. Chanel was influenced by Indian, Baroque, Renaissance and Art Deco styles for her costume jewelry, which was designed with her by many artists. The most recognizable pieces are the pearl necklaces, sometimes interspersed with other glass or crystal beads. Also very noteworthy are poured glass jewelry. Square shaped pieces of poured glass look like highly polished sea glass. These pieces are often arranged in a cross motif. In the 1960’s Chanel even used chain interwoven with fabric or leather for belts that we have come to know as mostly being used now for purse straps.