Women who love costume jewelry know that one of its
greatest advantages is the affordability that allows us to
experiment with a variety of styles, colors and themes.
However, as with any new purchase, those beautiful new
necklaces, bracelets, earrings and so on that you were so
excited about eventually get old and wind up stuffed in the
back of a drawer or the bottom of a jewelry box. Sometimes
we just get bored with them and want to try something new.
In any case there are measures we can take to revive those
old outdated costume jewelry pieces. We can find new
unconventional uses for those items that are still in
fairly good condition or simply unload them (not trash
them) to make room for new costume jewelry.
For those costume jewelry pieces that are a little worn or
outdated we can rejuvenate them by first giving them a
thorough cleaning, polishing and/or re-plating. For general
plating instructions and supplies check out
www.shorinternational.com. Click on the contents and search
page tab and then click on plating gateway. There are
several plating options ranging from simple and inexpensive
(e.g. dipping solutions which have been used with varying
results from good to poor) to more advanced techniques
involving heat or electricity. If you are uncomfortable
with any of these methods, there are companies that
specialize in jewelry plating. However, the expense may
make this an unviable option unless the piece has
sentimental value. For silver plated costume jewelry there
is an easy all-in-one cleaning, polishing and re-plating
cream called Silver Brite which has worked well for me in
the past. Once the polishing or re-plating is done try
mixing an matching items . For example, if you have a
special costume jewelry pendant, brooch or ring, try giving
it new flair by adding a contemporary chain. Or you can add
new charms to your favorite bracelet. Just make sure they
come with jump rings so the can be attached to your
bracelet.
However, if you simply want to unload those old costume
jewelry items to make room for the new, try your local flea
market. Flea markets are a great place to sell used items.
Some flea markets allow vendors to sell without a tax id
number. You simply need to show up early, preferably a few
minutes before opening time and request a booth which in my
area costs anywhere from $12 to $18 a day. If you're
willing to let your costume jewelry go at very cheap prices
(around $2.00 or less each) you should be able to sell many
of those items and make a little money to boot.
If you don't want to deal with selling your costume
jewelry, and if you can afford to do so, simply give the
items to your local Goodwill or post them in the free
section of Craigslist.
As for costume jewelry pins, earrings, or pendants (with a
color matched safety pin) that are still in good condition
but you have perhaps grown bored with wearing, try an
unconventional approach. Use them to adorn decorative
pillows, curtains, or stuffed animals in your home. Invest
in a box picture frame and use it as a decorative display
for your costume jewelry necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.
You can even hang them directly on the wall but a frame
will protect them from dust and staining. You can also use
them with a little lace or ribbon to spruce up vases and
planters. Just be careful not to get them wet. Or just
display them in a curio cabinet. Be creative!
Everyone knows that costume jewelry is stylish and fun, but
who knew it could be so versatile? By coming up with new
creative ideas, costume jewelry becomes about more than
just the latest fad. It is an expression of who you are.
----------------------------------------------------
WFE Jewelry carries a beautiful assortment of costume
jewelry in various styles and themes at prices below
typical retail. Vist http://www.windfall-costume-jewelry.com
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