by TaTanisha Howard
What makes up costume jewely?
1. Synthetic stones such as glass, rhinestone, cubic zirconia, or plastic are a primary component of most costume jewelry. The most popular of which is cubic zirconia because of its sparkle, hardness, and durability. It is used to create simulated versions of precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. Its sparkly appeal and inexpensive price tag allow for much larger, bolder 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.
Although typical costume jewelry consists 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 copper, brass, nickel, aluminum that has been altered to look like precious metals such as silver, gold, or platinum. This is achieved by one of the following methods:
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: In this process an electric current is used to deposit a thin layer, as little as 2 micro inches (a micro inch is one millionth of an inch) onto the base metal which is immersed in a salt bath solution of the precious metal that will be used to plate the object. This is probable the most common method.
layering: This method also uses plating only the object is immersed for a longer period of time allowing for a much thicker layer of precious metal. Layered gold or silver may consist of approximately 20-50 micro inches of gold or silver. Although it doesnt sound like much, this thicker layer results in a much more durable 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 micro inches 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 considered the creme de la creme of gold plating.This method uses as much as 100 micro inches of gold over .925 sterling silver and as you can expect is also more expensive.
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 doesnt require much of an investment, it is still important to get the most bang for your buck by taking proper care of your costume jewelry by following a few simple steps:
1. NEVER allow costume jewelry to come in contact with oils, soaps, perfumes, or any harsh chemicals which can fade or even ruin the item.
2. ALWAYS remove jewelry before sports, swimming, exercising, washing hands, showering, cleaning, doing laundry, or applying lotions or creams.
3. NEVER store jewelry wet. Always dry with a soft cloth before storing.
4. Store jewelry in a plastic ziploc bag or soft jewelry pouch away from other objects and jewelry items to avoid scratching.
5. Store jewelry in a clean, dry, cool, not cold place away from heat and dust.
6. 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.
7. Use a jewelry cloth for buffing.
8. Regularly check for loose stones.
Costume jewelry is a fun and inexpensive way to express your own unique style. When it comes to variety and affordability in fashion, costume jewelry is unparalleled.
Jewelry
Jewelry