Many of the most beautiful costume jewelry pieces made since the 1940s are presented with full color photographs. In chapters arranged chronologically the jewelry reflects the changing retail market and manufacturing changes in materials techniques and colors. An introduction was written by Lawrence Feldman of Fior in London. The effects of popular heroes and competition are seen to have shaped the costume jewelry industry. The jewelry of such well-known manufacturers as Boucher Coro Christian Dior Grosse Jomaz Kramer of New York Mitchell Maer Trifari and many others are displayed with newly revised prices. The book portrays the affordable opulence and sheer beauty of costume jewelry.