By Jesse Whitehead
You don't have to spend a fortune on fashion jewelry to look fabulous. You can use inexpensive (do we dare say "cheap?") jewelry that can be used to create hundreds of different looks. And it won't bust your budget either.
With such a huge selection of designs to choose from, it's easy to mix and match items like rings, chokers, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, bangles and earrings in numerous combinations that will suit whatever fashion statement you want to express.
Many makers of fine fashion jewelry produce lines of costume or fashion jewelry that are affordable but look expensive. Here are seven tips to help you find and get the most out of jewelry that is trendy, fashionable and affordable.
1) When you shop for cheap fashion jewelry, go for the materials that will stand the test of time and hold up with repeated wear. For instance, colored glass beads are much more durable than painted beads.
2) Look for jewelry made with natural semi-precious stones, such as agate, shell and turquoise. Jewelry made of these materials are wonderfully inexpensive jewelry accessories that look great whenever you wear it.
3) Buy styles that use metal wire to connect beads rather than plastic or string. Metal wire is stronger and more durable, as well as looking like it cost more than you actually paid for it.
4) When you have that hot date, or you're going out for a night on the town, wear cheap fashion jewelry that has sparkle and glitter.
5) For ultimate dazzle, cubic zirconium (CZ) is the way to go. It has the expensive look of diamonds but cost a tiny fraction of the real thing. CZ is certain to make you look like a million dollars.
6) Use cheap fashion jewelry to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Look smart and sassy with bangles and necklaces in all the hot color combos of the season.
7) Shop online. Don't just shop at brick-and-mortar stores, because you probably won't get the biggest bang for the buck. Unless you have to see and try on the jewelry in person, you can find nearly everything you want online. There are many great online jewelry stores that offer the latest selection of styles that will fit your budget.
