Barcs Rhinestone Jewelry Set from the 1950s

A 1950s rhinestone costume jewellery set by Barcs, comprising…
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A 1950s rhinestone costume jewellery set by Barcs, comprising an adjustable length necklace, bracelet and two pairs of clip on earrings

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  • Diamante / Rhinestone - A diamante and a rhinestone are both imitation diamonds made from glass, rock crystal or acrylic. Originally rhinestones were rock crystals mined from the Rhine river Rhine in the 18th century, but the term is now associated with any imitation diamonds. Diamantes and a rhinestones are used in costume jewellery, in clothing and accessories, and were especially popular in the 1930s,
  • Paste / Rhinestone / Diamante - Paste (or rhinestone or diamante) is the name given to a coloured glass composition used for imitation gemstones, or to imitation gemstones made of glass.

    Although the technique of glassmaking had been known for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a lead glass with similar optical properties to diamonds were invented by a German jeweller working in Paris (either "Stras" or 'Strasser") in the early 18th century that "paste" gemstones became popular.

    There was no social stigma attached to wearing imitation stones, and they were worn in situations where highway robbery was a possibility. The 18th century settings were of very high quality, equivilent to real gemstone jewellery.

    In the nineteeth century the quality of paste jewellery declined and it has remained the poor cousin to genuine gemstones ever since.