What is paste jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Paste jewellery uses carefully formulated lead glass to simulate gemstones, cut and polished by hand into faceted stones that mimic the sparkle of diamonds and coloured gems. The glass is dense and brilliant, often richly coloured with metallic oxides, and fine paste was set in the same silver and gold mounts as real stones. Historically it was worn by the wealthy alongside genuine gems and also made fine jewellery accessible to those who could not afford the real thing. Georgian and Victorian paste is genuinely collectible today.
Frequently asked questions
- Is paste jewellery the same as costume jewellery?
- Paste is a type of glass simulant that predates the modern costume jewellery industry, and the finest historical paste was made with great skill and set in precious metal. Calling it costume jewellery understates both its quality and its collectible value, though contemporary paste-style pieces made with machine-cut glass and base metal do fall into the costume category.
- How can you tell if a stone is paste or real?
- Paste is softer than most gemstones, so it scratches more readily. It also tends to show small bubbles or flow marks inside when examined under magnification, and it conducts heat differently to natural stones. A jeweller can usually identify paste quickly.
- Is antique paste jewellery valuable?
- Yes, fine Georgian and Victorian paste in good condition and original silver or gold settings is actively sought by collectors. The quality of the glass cutting, the setting work and the overall condition all affect value, and pieces by known makers can command significant prices.
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