There's More to Costume Jewelry

As a rule costume jewelry, strictly speaking, was meant to be a cost-effective alternative to the real thing. Losing or damaging pieces made with real gems and precious metals over synthetic byproducts is almost never preferable. But what if the costume jewelry you possessed was a one-of-a-kind creation; exclusively designed to fit your tastes, and by a master artisan no less? Wouldn’t you feel just as miserable? 

The genesis of costume jewelry is a subject that can be debated at great length. However, one thing is for certain; technology, techniques, and the materials available have advanced in such ways that, it can also be argued that capturing the essence of beauty is where the true value of a costume jewelry piece lies.  

With the coming of progress, there also come certain cautions. The earth, man, or nature, in one way or another, may provide the clay from which we shape our statues and sculptures. But it is the artisans' hand that guides its form, shape, and most importantly: message. The same goes for costume jewelry. 

When it comes to choosing the correct costume jewelry piece to compliment your ensemble or to add to your collection, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Firstly, inspect the quality of your chosen trinket. Items of exceptional quality tend to stand out almost immediately. However, some products with inferior are slightly more difficult to discern.  Does the piece seem to have certain rough edges like it was churned out of a factory line? Or was it constructed masterfully, with an artisan’s eye, and a craftsman’s touch?  

  As a form of art, a costume jewelry piece should not be judged on the merits of the materials used to make it. But it should be judged based on its beauty, artistic design, and most importantly of all: it should make you feel happy.