bijouterie

Bijouterie is the craft and trade of creating and selling jewelry and decorative objects worn as adornment, with particular emphasis on pieces that are non-precious or semi-precious rather than high-value fine jewelry. In French usage, the field is often distinguished from joaillerie, which refers to fine jewelry made from precious metals and gemstones, and from bijouterie fantaisie, or fashion jewelry.

The scope of bijouterie includes a wide range of items such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, pins, and charms, as well as small accessories and decorative metalwork. Materials commonly used range from base metals (brass, copper, zinc) to silver- and gold-plated alloys, plastics, glass, resin, shells, and synthetic stones. Some pieces incorporate genuine gemstones or cultured pearls, but the emphasis is typically on style, affordability, and mass production or craft-based aesthetics.

Techniques employed in bijouterie encompass casting, stamping, forging, filigree, enameling, setting of rhinestones or paste stones, pavé work, soldering, and various finishing processes. Design trends can be influenced by fashion movements, cultural motifs, and historical revival styles, and the practice often intersects with other accessory industries, such as watchmaking and fashion design.

Historically, bijouterie evolved alongside changes in fashion and manufacturing. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, mass production and the expansion of department stores popularized costume jewelry, with innovations in glass, metalwork, and synthetic stones expanding affordability and variety. Today, bijouterie encompasses both handmade artisanal pieces and widespread commercial productions, sold through specialized shops, fashion brands, marketplaces, and online outlets, reflecting its role as a vital component of everyday adornment and personal expression.