You may be wondering what makes a costume jewelry piece more valuable or sought after than another? What is the best way to wear it? Are there general guidelines that make some pieces perfect for an outing while others would not work? What things should I consider? The following is a brief discussion of these issues and while I don't claim to be a world renowned authority on this subject, I have done some study of the issues and want to offer my own personal viewpoint. Most of what I say appeals to use of common sense, but it is up to you, the reader, to apply my suggestions or to simply ignore them. That is your choice.
A strong advantage of costume jewelry is that it comes in many styles and can go with many outfits. Beside that, and equally important, is the fact that it is affordable making it a possibility for anyone on a tight budget. There is no age requirement for wearing costume jewelry so feel free to express yourself without hesitation. An aspect of the value of costume jewelry that may often be overlooked has to do with its finish. The most common choice is either a golden or a silver shade. Which is better? Is gold superior to a silver tone since it is often perceived as more valuable? I beg to differ. The answer to that is one of personal preference and can be different for different people, but using your own concept of style to determine which goes best with the outfit you are wearing is probably the best solution. However, the most desirable pieces usually contain a metallic component made by electroplating it onto the surfaces to form a solid, permanent piece. As a rule, if the metallic surface can be scraped off with your fingernail, it is cheap and you should stay away from it. Another factor to be considered, and one that requires a little prior knowledge, is to be cautious of any allergic reactions that you may encounter. You certainly don't want to have the occasion spoiled by the emergence of an unsightly rash.
The main attraction of a piece is normally the gemstones. These are available in many different shapes and sizes to fit any mood. As with finish choice, the shape you choose is up to your own personal tastes, but I would advise that you stick with natural stone colors and I believe that smaller stones are usually better and classier than large ones. You don't want anything that could be interpreted as snobbish, uppity, or ostentatious. Watch out for and avoid painted or foil backings as well as lightweight plastic. They are clear indicators of a cheap, almost worthless, piece. You want to look for pronged or hand-tied settings since they are typically indicative of a more sturdy piece. As a general rule, you are advised to be mindful of the fact that the materials and mountings are key to determining the piece's value so be sure to consider both criteria before deciding on which one to purchase or wear.
The number one rule for wearing costume jewelry is, in my opinion, that the less the jewelry screams to be noticed and the more it serves as an accent to your style the better. It is best to keep things as simple as possible and avoid being a bit distracting by wearing too much or too overbearing costume jewelry. I also think that wearing jewelry that matches rings, bracelets, earrings, headbands, and necklaces makes an awful statement and is just gaudy. One doesn't pair jewelry with sweats, T-shirts, or other work-out clothing either. Fancy jewelry is best matched with evening wear while casual jewelry can be paired with jeans.
Use your own good judgement, follow these guidelines, and you should be well dressed at all times.
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