Buying and Caring for Costume Jewelry (Part 1)

Last Friday, I was with several girlfriends when one of them began rummaging through her giant shoulder bag, looking for a pen.  She began to empty the contents of her bag unto my lap and, the next minute, I found myself browsing through a direct-selling catalogue (a sideline of hers).  I nonchalantly flipped through pages showing makeup, fragrances, and underwear before I found myself looking at a picture of a celebrity in silver costume jewelry.  At first, I was surprised that such a high-profile actress would be modelling for a mass retail brand, and for fake jewelry nonetheless!  But we are living in modern times, after all.

Gone are the days when it was scandalous to wear costume jewelry—we’ve come to terms with the fact that not everyone can afford real diamonds, what with bills to pay and mouths to feed.  We have our priorities in order, and we have accepted the fact that it is quite unintelligent to blow all one’s savings on improving her appearance.  And there are also the few who choose not to buy real jewels because of human rights issues.  In any case, buying and wearing costume jewelry is the new norm.  They are not only more affordable, but are also available in a wider variety of styles and designs that are sure to fit every girl’s unique taste.

Here are a few tips on selecting which pieces to get for yourself:

1. Although you can’t expect costume jewelry to be as durable as the real thing, you should still consider quality.  Even though Php 350 might not be a big amount to pay for something that looks real, it can get expensive if you have to keep replacing the item every month.  Some brands cost a bit more than others, but these usually last longer.  Invest in good quality costume jewelry because they can become wardrobe favorites as well!  Look at the joints and hinges, the quality of the stones and beads, the stitching/glue/welding, etc.  Even though they’re cheap, you never want people to think that they are cheap!

2. Do your research!  Since costume jewelry is relatively inexpensive, the different brands usually come up with large collections every season.  Make sure you check as many as possible before selecting your favorite in terms of design, quality, and price.  There are a lot of collections in mall stores, department stores, bazaars, specialty shops, and online shops.  I find that reading newspapers and magazines reveals insider secrets as well i.e. favourite costume jewelry sources of stylists and celebrities.

3. With costume jewelry, you can get the classics and still follow trends.  Look for real-looking basic jewelry such as pearl necklaces, diamond earrings, and gold hoops (to name a few).  Then add to your collection by getting long dangling earrings, a chunky statement necklace, a moderately bold neckpiece, a cuff, and a cocktail ring or two.  Use the classic jewelry for traditional and low-key affairs such as meetings, then use the statement costume jewelry for engagements that require high impact.

4. Have fun! Most likely, you’re only spending a few hundred or thousand bucks, and not two paychecks’ worth of cash.  When rewarding yourself, always go with your instinct, with what makes you feel all warm and giddy inside.

Now that you’ve read this article, go ahead and pamper yourself with a nice piece of costume jewelry, minus the guilt!  Stop by a local store on your way home from work. Palamuti by PJ Valenciano offers a unique, show-stopping array of designs at very reasonable prices and is available online and at the following locations:

*Supladita Fashion Style Gallery Boutique - 79 West Ave., QC, Philippines
# (02) 496-4005

* Papemelroti - 2nd Floor, Korben Place, 91 Roces Ave. Cor. Scout Tobias St. , QC
# (02) 374-2442

*Themes and Motif- Makati Shangri-la 
Makati Shangri-la Promenade, Ayala Ave. (beside 6750), Makati City

* HG Studio - Torre Venezia Hotel, 1003 Quezon City, Philippines
hazelgonzalesstudio@yahoo.com      332-3577/ 0905-2797187

You may also contact the designer, PJ Valenciano directly via email at pjvalenciano@palamutishop.com or via mobile phone at 0917 8607193 or via landline at (02) 9641997.

Stay tuned! Next week we'll teach you how to care for your beloved costume jewelry pieces (as if they were the real thing).

All Glitz And Glimmer On “Glamorosa”

Love and success are two of the most coveted things in our lives. See how two cosmetic surgeons struggle to overpower each other in an industry filled with intrigue and betrayal on TV5’s most recent offering, Glamorosa. This new miniserye that started last November 7 is led by veteran actresses Lorna Tolentino and Alice Dixson and supported by Zoren Legaspi, Gloria Diaz, Ronaldo Valdez and many more excellent artists in the local tv scene.

Lorna Tolentino plays the role of Dra. Natalia Herrera, a successful cosmetic surgeon who had experienced the loss of her child and the man she loves. While Natalia worked to maintain her popularity in the world of beauty and cosmetic surgery, her rival Dra. Paulina Valdez (Alice Dixson) pursues to sweep her over to become more successful. With an unfortunate twist of fate, both of them try to win the heart of Karl Marciano (Zoren Legaspi).

Catch it every night from Monday to Friday after Wil Time Bigtime and see glimpses of Palamuti by PJ Valenciano accessories being worn by some of the female casts. Meg Imperial, who played Adrianna Marciano already have worn the magnificent bib necklace from the Songs Of Autumn Collection. See more of these pieces on the upcoming episodes of Glamorosa.

Get wired

Going to some event, say a debut and can't think of what accessories to pair
with your simple yet glamorous dress? Tired of using jewelry pieces over and over?

Well, Palamuti created a piece that will surely spice you up.

A beautiful accessory made from wire. Yup, wire. Wire jewelry is one of the oldest techniques for making jewelry the old fashioned way, by hand. The wire is bent, looped, tucked using no heat or soldering, all hand and wrist manipulated.

Almost any type of object can be created from wire - rings, pendants,brooches, earrings, necklaces and so on.

Emyrose wore this piece on her 18th birthday. This one of a kind a accessory accentuates Emyrose's lovely and simple dress. Since the piece is detachable, it is possible to take it off and use it on another gown. It gives you a sophisticated look and it surely will make you stand out against the crowd.