Paste jewellery

Paste jewellery refers to items made with glass stones cut to resemble genuine gemstones, offering an economical alternative to real gems.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: Paste jewellery is a type of costume jewelry in which glass is used as a substitute for real gemstones. The term 'paste' comes from the Old French word 'pâte', meaning dough, due to the malleable state of the glass when it was initially mixed with lead oxide to create a more brilliant and reflective material. By cutting and polishing this glass in ways similar to diamond cutting, craftsmen could mimic the appearance of nearly any gemstone. Paste jewellery became popular in the 18th century as a cost-effective way for the emerging middle class to access the look of expensive, fashionable gemstone jewelry without the high price tag. This type of jewelry remains popular today, valued both for its aesthetic appeal and its historical significance in fashion.