Costume jewellery: find the piece you want at a good price
What costume jewellery is made of, and why it matters
The price of costume jewellery depends mostly on the material, not on how it looks. Surgical steel doesn't tarnish and rarely causes allergies, which is why people like it for earrings. Alloys with a gold-tone plating look the same in photos, but the plating can wear off within months, and nickel in the alloy causes irritation. If your skin is sensitive, say so plainly: sellers will offer hypoallergenic options.
Another detail is the thickness of the gold or rhodium plating. A seller can tell you how the plating is applied and whether it is protected with lacquer. Also ask whether the clasp is removable and whether it can be replaced with a more reliable one.
Size and style
Chain length changes the look: 16–18 inches sits near the neck, 20–24 inches falls below the collarbone. Choose a bracelet by wrist size plus a couple of centimetres of room. For earrings, the diameter of hoops and the length of the drop matter, and so does the type of fastening: studs, French hooks, huggies. Name the style too: minimalist, boho, vintage or statement party pieces.
What to put in your request
- Item — earrings, necklace, bracelet, ring, pendant, choker, brooch or a set.
- Material — surgical steel, gold-plated alloy, silver plating, wood, resin.
- Style — minimalist, boho, vintage, party.
- Colour — gold tone, silver tone, coloured stones.
- Size — chain length, hoop diameter, bracelet size.
- Quantity — one piece, a set or a batch for a boutique or gifts.
- Gift — a box or gift wrapping needed.
- Delivery city — or courier delivery.
- Budget — if you want to name one.
Example: “I'm looking for gold-tone hoop earrings in surgical steel, 2–3 cm in diameter, nickel-free, as a gift, with a box. Christchurch, courier delivery. Budget up to $12.”
How searching on BlaBlaPrice works
Costume jewellery is sold by shops, makers and private sellers, and in listings it is hard to compare materials. On BlaBlaPrice you write one request, and sellers send offers in the chat: what they offer, for how much, with what plating and how they deliver. The platform shows the best by content first, and next to each offer you can see seller reviews. Sellers see where their offer stands and can improve their terms.
When you compare, check the material, plating, size and packaging, because pieces that look alike in photos can differ a lot. Ask for photos from several sides and whether you can return the item. Only the seller you choose sees your contacts. Details are on the “How it works” page.
To store your pieces, look at jewellery boxes, and for pricier gifts, fine jewellery.
