I have a confession. I love cheap costume jewelry, especially in the summer. There’s nothing better than buying a pair of cute earrings, rings or bangles from a quick fashion store or an NYC street vendor. However, sometimes the jewelry just screams costume and cheap.
And you know my motto. Just because you’re dressing on a dime, you don’t have to look like it. That’s why I’m sharing five tips to make your cheap jewelry last longer and look way more expensive than it really is. Here’s what to avoid and what to do to make the cheap look chic!
Pair with Luxe PiecesThis is a handy styling trick I regularly use. Have a $2 bangle you scored from a random store or vendor? Simply mix it in with expensive {or more expensive than $2!} jewels. When you’re mixing and matching, who can really tell the difference? Bottom line: an arm full of 2 buck bangles will look like a stack of fakes. Also, use your wardrobe of luxe prints, fabrics and hues to distract the attention away from other wallet-friendly goods.
Prevent Tarnishing
Clear nail polish or gloss spray paint should be your BFF if you love costume jewelry. A light coat of either will act as a built in barrier so the jewelry’s material doesn’t irritate your skin, won’t chip or tarnish. I always apply a coat of clear nail polish to my bangles, rings and earrings. Check out this short tutorial here.
Clear nail polish or gloss spray paint should be your BFF if you love costume jewelry. A light coat of either will act as a built in barrier so the jewelry’s material doesn’t irritate your skin, won’t chip or tarnish. I always apply a coat of clear nail polish to my bangles, rings and earrings. Check out this short tutorial here.
Go Small
You ever see women with tons of really obnoxiously large jewels? Yeah, don’t do that with costume jewelry. This typically applies to necklaces and earrings with a ton of dangly parts or beads everywhere. The bigger the fake jewels, the more you can see the shoddy craftsmanship. On the flip side, a smaller chain or stud earrings has less cheap material on display and comes off as a bit more luxe.
Avoid Perfume
I’m not a huge fan of perfume, but I do have a few favorites I like to spritz right before I’m heading out the door. But, that’s not the way to do it! Or at least not in that order. Perfume and alcohol-based products can break down your jewelry’s coating. Accessories are the last finishing touches, so throw them on right as you’re walking out the door and spritz your perfume right as you get out of the shower. So no more spraying perfume on your neck or wrist after you’ve already put on your necklace or bracelets.
I’m not a huge fan of perfume, but I do have a few favorites I like to spritz right before I’m heading out the door. But, that’s not the way to do it! Or at least not in that order. Perfume and alcohol-based products can break down your jewelry’s coating. Accessories are the last finishing touches, so throw them on right as you’re walking out the door and spritz your perfume right as you get out of the shower. So no more spraying perfume on your neck or wrist after you’ve already put on your necklace or bracelets.
Store Properly
Your clothes shouldn’t just be thrown on the floor and your shoes should never be tossed around. Well, the same goes for jewelry, whether it’s costume or the real deal. Keep your jewels in a cool, dry place as humidity can affect them. The best location is a lined jewelry box, drawer or closet. When traveling, store your jewelry in individual jewelry bags. And definitely don’t shower with your jewelry or wash dishes with rings or bangles on.
These are just a few of the tips that will keep your costume jewelry looking fresh, chic and luxe.
How do you make jewelry look more expensive? Have you ever tried using clear polish or spray paint on jewelry?