How to Identify Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry, also known as fashion jewelry, rose to popularity in the 1920s. These stunning pieces, seemingly ornamented with pearls, gold, precious gemstones and silver, are really nothing more than glass, plastic and paint. However, they are not all worthless. Some pieces have become rare collector's items sought after by antique collectors. Identifying costume jewelry can therefore be a pretty handy skill to have. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Feel the weight of the jewelry in your hand. If a large gold necklace or a heavy silver bangle weighs less than it should, it is probably costume jewelry.
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Scratch the gems lightly with your fingernail. If the gems are easily scuffed by your nail, they are likely rhinestones and not gemstones. This is a clear indication that the jewelry you hold is costume jewelry.
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Examine the jewelry for chips or signs of aging that go beyond what you would expect for a piece of its age. For example, if the jewelry is done in the style of the 1980s, but it shows significant discoloration, it is probably a piece of costume jewelry.
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4
Wear the piece for a night out, or just around the house. Check for any discoloration of your skin after a good amount of wear. If it appears that the color of the jewelry has rubbed off on your skin, it is likely gold plated, or simply painted, as most costume jewelry is.
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Buy some books or visit dealers to understand what the real costume pieces look and feel like. Fakes abound, and you need to carry a loupe with you to see signatures, pieces that are composed or repaired by using other pieces, whether or not rhinestone finish is intact (and this is just one type of costume gem used) and whether or not pieces were replated (which you don't want). Actually, some fakes are highly collectible.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
