A definite advantage is that you can layer several different pieces and wear them together. They can dress up your outfit and if you get bored with them and feel like something different then you haven’t spend lots of money on one piece and so you are able to change them according to your mood.

Another great thing about costume jewelry is that it can be very bold and experimental. You can have eccentric pieces and bold statement designs in all faux jewels and styles. You can find tiaras and bracelets and brooches and you can find many unique designs that won’t break the bank.

So where can you find fashion costume jewelry. It is available through many stores online and you can find vintage stores that specialize in these types of pieces. You can stumble across some similar great treasures in antique stores and flea markets and they often have unique, one of a kind pieces that are a real find. Part of the fun here is in looking for pieces.

Its origin lies in the theater where actors would don this type of fashion jewelry and the bigger and gaudier the better since the audience would need to see them from a distance. Many actors continued to wear them outside of the stage and made them popular. Costume jewels also feature in many big budget and iconic films as worn by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Madonna.

Some pieces of costume jewelry can be very expensive, in particular the bolder pieces and those that require a lot of work and design. Many fashion labels have created their own vintage style pieces which are often expensive as are the antique items which vary in price. Your best bet is to research what you like and if there is any particular historical period you are interested in. The 1920s for example may have some decadent pieces that may cost more because they are collector’s items.

On the other hand, more inexpensive pieces are a welcome find to those on a budget. They can also be useful to people that can afford the real thing, but don’t want to wear it out for fear of losing it through theft or whatever else. It can be more secure to know that the piece being worn did not cost a small fortune so that if it should be lost then you have not lost the crown jewels.

They are made carefully using tin, paste and glass. The jewels are set with the paste and polished up to look authentic and sparkle. The tin part can be painted to look like gold or silver. The best thing about them is their versatility. You can get faux jewels that are replicas of expensive Victorian brooches and diamond necklaces and you will not worry about theft or loss.

1. Look for bottles or jars of jewelry cleaners that specifically say they are safe for costume jewelry.

2. Read labels to be sure that the product doesn’t contain ammonia, vinegar, acid or alcohol. These substances can be too harsh for delicate materials. If your piece contains pearls or stones, be sure that the cleaner indicates that it will not harm them.

3. Buy a small, extra-soft toothbrush that you can use to clean your jewelry.

4. Keep a very soft cloth that can also be used to wipe your pieces and polish them to a shine.

5. Always dry your jewelry after washing, because moisture can damage surfaces and cause them to rust or become pitted.

6. Store your costume jewelry separately in soft pouches or boxes so the pieces don’t scratch each other.

7. Keep your jewelry away from dust, which can be damaging to the stones.