$700. I’ve invested this much if not more into my fake jewelry collection. So where is it today? In the trash, most likely in a landfill adding to everyone else’s costume jewelry. After years of giving in to the rush of buying such flashy things, I’ve finally learned my lesson. Buying real jewelry can actually save money, will last a life time, all the while easing the tension on our environment. Knowing where to look and what to look out for in finding “the real” is more affordable and reasonable than you think.

If you are looking for the latest trends in fashion, costume jewelry is always up to date. They have funky colors, ridiculous sizes, and ultimate bling at a mostly affordable cost but the down side is it only lasts for a few years if you’re lucky. Thinking back, I regret buying those frivolous items and not the real deal because I could’ve invested all that money into elegant pieces of jewelry. So I’m going to teach you the tips I used to find my affordable real accessories.

Know your metals*

Choose your color(s) of metal. The most common long lasting metals sold on the market are as follows: platinum (durable, strong, usually expensive), gold (white, yellow, rose, etc.)(the more pure the more weak, usually affordable), silver (the more pure the more weak, affordable), tungsten, stainless steel, and titanium (these three are super strong and affordable). In costume jewelry, you will find nickel with a mix of brass and copper which is what turns your skin green or black according to the acid level of your skin. It will fade in color and rust at a fast rate.

Watch out for the fake labels!

Online is a good place to buy, but be warned a lot of companies will try and fool you. Even in stores they trick you with labels. Here are a few to look out for.

Gold (or any metal) plated – means the outside of the jewelry is coated in a precious metal and the inside can be whatever material they choose. It’s costume jewelry in disguise! The precious metal will eventually dissolve and expose what’s underneath.

Diamond accent – it’s the metal cut to look like diamonds. A trick of the eye.

Hollow – exactly as it sounds. The metal is hollowed out meaning its weak and can be easily crushed. Sometimes they don’t even tell you it’s hollowed out! If it feels super light be a little skeptical of your purchase.

Lab grade/lab created gems – The gem was created by science. I’m actually not against wearing these and love them as alternatives to the real thing because they are just as pretty and last just as long. But if you want real, keep your eye out for this label. The label might also be shortened on the tag or under some other code name. Be sure to ask the jeweler what all the letters on the price tag stand for. Leave no stone unturned.

No engraved stamp – If there’s no karats listed for gold (14k, 24k etc.) be cautious that what you’re buying might not be real. Gold must be labeled with this somewhere on the jewelry. Silver is the same (925) is a weaker grade of silver with a blend of other metals (926) is the more pure form. Either one should be stamped on your jewelry usually on the inside.

That being said, sometimes small startup jewelry designers don’t stamp their jewelry, but they are quite honest so I wouldn’t be too worried about being misled. It’s actually the chain stores who do most of the swindling through labels.

Where to find*

Online is a key source in finding yourself some fashionable real jewelry, but it’s not the most reliable because you can’t check the product yourself. Do your research, check reviews, and buy something small at first from the website you choose. If you have any great recommendations feel free to post your favorite sites on this blog!

I’m more of a person who has to see to believe so here are some stores you can shop around.

Big chain stores such as Walmart, Macy’s, or any big name jewelry company you are guaranteed to find authentic metals at somewhat reasonable costs, just be aware of those tricky labels.

My favorite places are local mom and pop shops or antique stores because they sell local designer made jewelry at a good price. They may not be perfectly symmetrical, but the designs are fresh and modern.

Lastly are tattoo and piercing shops. They have a vast amount of jewelry especially for the ears and some cool designs you won’t find elsewhere.

The most expensive option is looking into custom designed jewelry. Especially if you know what you want and will wear it forever. I’ve never done it, but I’ve seen many of my friends use a company to get the perfect piece to fit their personal taste.

What to buy*

With so many colors of metals out there its best to choose a single color to start with. Does your skin look good with a certain metal? Mine looks best in silver, but yellow gold occasionally looks nice in the summer time. Narrow down what you want and how long you want it to last.

Here is a small checklist to help before you buy.

– Type of metal and color

– Big, medium, or small

– Kind of design: simple, artistic, flashy, gothic, rocker, elegant etc.

– Specific design: hearts, geometric shapes, skulls, roses, etc.

– Price range

– When will it be used – only for holidays and nights out, every day work, never take it off, etc.

Keeping my accessories to only a few options instead of a whole box of unused jewelry makes planning my wardrobe easy. Not only can it save you money, but it can help save the environment too. Think of all that costume jewelry thrown away every year. Precious metals will eventually return to the earth, but synthetic materials? They may last forever but not the way we intended it to.

Still can’t part ways with your costume jewelry? See my next article on how to preserve your costume jewelry so it will last longer!

Search for more articles below!