There are so many firms that produced costume jewelry from the 1920's on that it would be impossible to even mention them all. A few of the most popular companies who produced distinctively styled, large quantities of faux jewelry in the 20's 30's, 40's, and 50's are Coro, Rebajes, Miriam Haskell, Kenneth Jay Lane, Ciner, Weiss, Trifari, Boucher, Jomaz, Florenza, Hobe, Pennino, Panetta, Robert, Kramer, Dior, Mazer and Eisenberg. Coco Chanel and her rival Elsa Schlaparelli were first among Parisian couturiers to design and cultivate the wearing of costume jewelry as an accessory to clothing, and, more importantly, as a means of self expression. The combination of good design and low cost characterize the best examples. In faux jewelry, design is emphasized over intrinsically valuable materials.
Many people think of costume jewelry as fake or pretty junk.
Since costume jewelry was not made from expensive materials, the creators had more freedom to experiment and the opportunity to cater to fashion, trends and fads. Because people have been grabbing up the fabulous creations from the 20's 30's, 40's, and 50's over the last several years, prices have risen steadily and the search for these pieces has become a real adventure. A few years ago, no one would have believed that a necklace made from a base metal and rhinestones could be worth more than one made from platinum and rubies. Because of rising prices, reproductions abound. Most advanced collectors have handled enough pieces so that they are able to recognize the copies.