Costume Jewelry

With myriad designs, a disregard for convention, and eclectic sources of inspiration, ‘jewel-less’ jewelry is frivolous but inescapable: a coexistence of constantly evolving styles and forms. As previously unique pieces become reproducible in limitless numbers and at low cost, costume gems are the ultimate ‘democratic jewels’, accessible to all.

Carol Woolton is an author, broadcaster and contributing editor at British Vogue. She's the founder of the podcast If Jewels Could Talk and co-founder of The Leopards, a charitable initiative that works to nurture inclusivity, and mentor young people into the industry. She's written widely on the subject, having published eight books covering a broad spectrum of styles, from antique, historic jewels to contemporary pieces.