couture
- (ko-tour)
A French word used to denote original styles,
of the highest quality tailoring, hand made from the
most expensive of fabrics.Until modern manufacturing
techniques were introduced, all jewellery was made to
order, and designs were often adapted to contain older
pieces or materials and to reflect the personallity
of the wearer.
'Costume'
jewellery as we know it began as copies of, or models
for precious gems, or stage costume. It took names such
as Hobe, Schiapirelli, Haskell and Chanel to raise it
to an art form in its own right, and create afforable
yet stylish pieces in small production runs. Many of
these pieces are now just as valuable as their precious
gem-set counterparts.
During
the 20th century, hand-made bespoke jewellery was seen
as the sole preserve of film stars, debutantes or brides.
Today however, as catwalk designs are copied and in
high street stores within weeks, exclusive hand-made
designs are at a premium. |
