Bold and colorful. A story about costume jewelry that makes your summer style more fun.

The affinity between summer clothing and costume jewelry

Earrings 04 (OR9948 Blue)

Linen dresses, lace-trimmed tops, breezy cotton shirts—these are the pieces you find yourself reaching for once summer arrives. Simple, comfortable natural-fiber items are wonderfully versatile, but wearing them alone can sometimes feel a little plain. Pairing them with jeweled earrings or a pearl necklace is lovely, of course, but why not consider costume jewelry as another way to brighten up your summer look? Bold, colorful costume jewelry suits washed linen, delicate lace, and crisp cotton beautifully, and at a price that's easy to collect, it lets you create a striking impression.

Earrings 03 (OR9543)

What is costume jewelry? Unraveling its history

Earrings 04 (OR9948 Yellow)

The terms "fine jewelry" and "costume jewelry" may sound unfamiliar to some. Fine jewelry refers to pieces made using precious metals such as gold or platinum, along with gemstones like diamonds and sapphires. It's the kind of jewelry that comes to mind for formal occasions and ceremonies.

This time, though, we'd like to introduce something different: "costume jewelry." Costume jewelry refers to accessories made regardless of material—pieces adorned with imitation gemstones or pearls, created during the 20th century.

Earrings 03 (OR9843)

It's fake jewelry, not made with so-called "genuine" gemstones—but it was none other than Coco Chanel who sparked its popularity. Precisely because it wasn't made from real precious metal, costume jewelry allowed for free, unrestrained design. Chanel, who is credited with helping advance women's place in society, sought to break down "the old-fashioned notion of judging women by the accessories they wore." She despised women who decked themselves out in gemstones as if flaunting their wealth. In films depicting Coco Chanel, she's shown wearing pearl necklaces layered many times over—and it's said she combined imitation pearls with real ones to keep upper-class women guessing. Chanel's tasteful fake jewelry, indistinguishable in quality from the real thing, went on to become a widespread social trend.

Though made from inexpensive materials, these pieces are crafted with beautiful, delicate technique. With their bold designs and generous volume, they're accessories you can wear casually—and that makes them perfectly suited to our times as well.

mabel, a maker of costume jewelry

mabel is a factory that has walked alongside the history of costume jewelry. It uses a material called Polymethylmethacrylate, a highly transparent amorphous synthetic resin. Resistant to scratches and breakage, and capable of achieving both high transparency and vivid color, it's a premium material among acrylics.

The accessories are handmade by 21 craftspeople at the factory. From mold-making to production and assembly, 100% of the product is made in-house in Florence. The mold-cast pieces have a soft, gentle quality and an unmatched vividness of color. Every handmade accessory comes with a thank-you card carrying a message from the craftsperson who made it. mabel has been manufacturing since around the time CHANEL first introduced costume jewelry, and thanks to its ability to produce a wide range of parts, its excellent color quality, and its high reputation for reliability, it continues today to manufacture accessories for numerous major fashion houses familiar from the Milan Collections.

Earrings 03: A modern design reminiscent of contemporary art

Earrings 03 feature a modern design reminiscent of a piece in a contemporary art museum. We offer three variations: OR9843, designed with spheres and cubes in monotone; OR9543, shaped like pieces of fruit; and OR9594, notable for its crisp, clean silhouette.

Earrings 04: The special allure of vintage-style beads

Earrings 04 feature a modern design that looks as though it uses beautiful vintage beads. They're not the kind of light, easy-to-forget-you're-wearing-them earrings—their reassuring material gives you a sense of poise, straightening your posture, somehow. We offer two colors, each with a striking, rounded motif.

Costume jewelry to pair with your clothes

What's great about mabel's costume jewelry is that it stands out even against simple outfits, while letting you enjoy the reliability and vivid color quality behind accessories made for numerous major fashion houses. It offers a kind of enjoyment that delicate accessories simply can't provide.

【Even works with a simple T-shirt and denim outfit】

Earrings 04 (OR9948 Yellow)

I've always admired actresses in classic films who wear a T-shirt and denim (along with a big basket bag), but when I try the same look myself, something always feels like it's missing. What fills that gap is a pair of bold, oversized earrings. A refreshing yellow really stands out beautifully.

【For sweet frills and lace, try earrings that look like contemporary art】

Piercing 03 (OR9843)

If you want to add something to girly clothing decorated with lace or frills, try adding a spice of edgy, contemporary-art-like earrings.

Product Care and Precautions

Unlike accessories made of natural stones or precious metals, costume jewelry requires almost no special care. After use, simply wipe the whole piece dry and store it. Feel free to add a touch of glamour around your face, just as you might choose the color of your lipstick or eyeshadow when doing your makeup.

▽Click here for the mabel brand page