The Basics of Evaluating Costume Jewelry
Posted by Jess Dayuno on July 5th, 2008
Photo Credit: PetitPoulailler
If you are the type of woman who likes to dazzle everyone with jewelry but could not afford the real ones then costume jewelry is the right thing for you. The antique ones are done with higher quality and the designs are more unique and intricate.
The following are just guidelines on what to watch out for when you are trying to evaluate them.
Check the condition of the item. See if there are any cracks, chips, dents, corrosion and any missing parts. Try to examine it more carefully for any repairs done to it. You can spot it when there are changes in the metal colors and texture (i.e. lead to silver).
Look closely to the colors that were used. If they are supposed to be copies of the real stones, then they must have same colors of the original ones. Are the color combination still fashionable and in style today.
The craftsmanship is very important. Try to see if the designer paid attention even to the little details in the item. There are designers who tend to slack when they are dealing with those parts that are not easily seen by a buyer. Check the back and the hinges or the connecting materials used. Those that are well crafted are valued more.
When it comes to design, it is always subjective. Acquire those that are wearable. There are some designs that can be attributed to the era that it was made or to the popular designer’s distinctive style.
Photo Credit: PetitPoulailler
Always take into consideration the scarcity of an item. If they can be easily acquired anywhere, let it pass but if you think that it is a hard to find item then grab it. The availability of a certain item is a key factor when appraising them.
When it comes to costume jewelry, size does matter. The piece itself is composed of inexpensive materials so it has higher value if it’s large-sized. However, you must note that it has to be well proportioned too.
Lastly, is there a demand for the piece? Is it highly sought after by collectors or fashionistas alike? If you are not just collecting them for display, make sure that you are comfortable in wearing them before paying for them. Remember, it does not hurt to try them all on.