Costume jewellery, or fashion jewellery, has a long and distinguished history. Forging its own artistic niche, makers of costume jewellery throughout the ages have offered a more affordable, although highly elegant and aesthetically adept, alternative to conventional heirlooms and expensive keepsakes.
All too often, ‘fine’ jewellery sits unloved in a box or dresser. We believe that beautiful jewellery such as earrings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces and rings should be seen and worn every day, the perfect companion to any style or outfit (hence the name ‘costume jewellery’). This is part of a noble lineage stretching back to the Art Deco, Retro, and Art Modern periods of jewellery design. Initially, costume jewellery movements emphasised glass-based pieces, before expanding to include a mélange of semi-precious stones adding colour and excitement while remaining affordable and accessible.
Today, at Elka London we believe that costume jewellery should be produced in ways which are ethical and sustainable, meaning it should benefit all those involved in the production process, as well as the buyer. Most importantly, it should always avoid harm to the planet. A key way to ensure these vital standards are met is to uphold supply chain transparency, ensuring gemstones and other materials are never associated with practices that exploit communities or the environment. This means placing high importance on using recycled materials and naturally sustainable sources, as well as treating the bespoke expertise of artisanal makers with the respect it deserves.
At Elka London are proud to specialise in ethical costume jewellery including:
- Gold-plated jewellery
- Monochrome and colourful pieces
- Jewellery with gemstones
- Silver-plated jewellery
- Jewellery with Swarovski crystals
- Pearl jewellery
- Necklaces
- Rings
- Bracelets
- Bangles
- Earrings
- Environmental jewellery
- Sustainable jewellery
- Ethical jewellery
- Artisan jewellery
- Organic jewellery
- Natural jewellery
By Jake Goldman