What materials make up costume jewelry?
1. Manmade stones such as cubic zirconia, rhinestone,
glass, or plastic are a primary component of most costume
jewelry. The most popular of which is cubic zirconia
because of its physical characteristics. It is used to
create simulated versions of precious gemstones such as
diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Its sparkly
appeal and inexpensive price tag allow for much larger,
more glitzy fashion pieces that instantly attract
attention. Colored glass can also be used to simulate
precious stones and faux pearls. Rhinestone jewelry is also
popular because of its glitzy appeal and color choices.
Epoxy and acrylic are plastics that is often used to make
inexpensive bead jewelry.
Instead of manmade stones sometimes semiprecious stones
such as pearls, topaz, black opal, amethyst, or peridot are
used to provide a more fine jewelry appeal.
2. A base metal such as tin, copper, brass, nickel,
aluminum or a combination of metals that has been altered
to resemble more precious metals (e.g. gold). This is
achieved by a variety of methods including:
¨ tone: Have you ever heard of costume jewelry that is
referred to as silver or gold tone? This means just what
the name implies. Tone refers to the color of the metal
only. Gold and silver tone jewelry are silver and gold in
color but contain no actual gold or silver.
¨ electroplating: This is probably the most common
method. In this process an electric current is used to
deposit a thin layer, as little as 2 mils (a mil is one
millionth of an inch) onto the base alloy metal which is
immersed in a salt bath solution of the precious metal that
will be used to plate the object.
¨layering: This method also utilizes the process of
electroplating. However, the plated object is immersed for
a longer period of time allowing for a much thicker layer
of precious metal to be deposited. Layered gold or silver
may consist of approximately 20-50 mils of gold or silver.
Although it doesn't sound like much, this thicker layer
results in a much more durable, longer lasting jewelry
piece especially when coated with a protective material
such as Tarniban which is an organic substance that
provides a protective shield and adds to the hardness of
the metal.
¨ overlay: This method utilizes heat rather than
electricity to combine the base metal with the precious
metal to form a new alloy. This creates a permanent bond
between the metals which creates jewelry that can be as
durable and long lasting as the real thing with proper
care. Gold overlay jewelry is also sometimes referred to as
gold filled. It is generally safer for sensitive skin than
costume jewelry made by other methods.
¨ Technibond: This is considered to be one of the most
desired methods of gold plating because it uses a full 40
mils of 14kt gold over .925 sterling silver. For gold and
silver lovers it is the best of both worlds. However, as
with any plated item, a protective coating should be added
for best results.
¨ vermeil: This is the top of the line in gold plating.
This method uses as much as 100 mils of gold over .925
sterling silver and as you can expect is also a bit
pricier. It may be worth it for someone looking for
something closer to the real thing without paying the
exorbitant price for solid gold.
3. Costume jewelry may also consist of odd materials such
as wood, stone, and shell which can be either natural or
colored.
Caring for your costume jewelry
Although costume jewelry doesn't require much of an
investment, it is still important to get the most bang for
your buck by taking proper care of your jewelry by
following a few simple steps:
· NEVER allow costume jewelry to come in contact
with oils, soaps, perfumes, or any harsh chemicals which
can fade or even ruin the item.
· ALWAYS remove jewelry before sports, swimming,
exercising, washing hands, showering, cleaning, doing
laundry, or applying lotions or creams.
· NEVER store jewelry wet. Always dry with a soft
cloth before storing.
· Store jewelry in a plastic ziploc bag or soft
jewelry pouch away from other objects items to avoid
scratching.
· Store jewelry in a clean, dry, cool, not cold
place away from heat and dust.
· When cleaning, be gentle! Use a soft toothbrush
and jewelry cleaner that specifically states that it is
safe for costume jewelry. Make sure it does not contain
acid, alcohol, or ammonia. Only use jewelry cleaner as
directed. DO NOT over scrub.
· Use a jewelry cloth for buffing.
· Regularly check for loose stones.
Why choose costume jewelry?
Costume jewelry, also referred to as fashion jewelry, is a
fun and inexpensive way to express your own unique style.
Its less costly composition means that it is easy to get
your moneys worth of use out of it and allows for a much
larger variety of bigger, bolder, attention grabbing colors
and styles that can be mixed and matched according to your
mood or wardrobe.
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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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