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By: Lauren Sherman

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Costume jewelry, on the other hand, can be affordable and a perfect match with current fashions–and it doesn’t have to look cheap.

In fact, synthetic and alternative materials look so good these days because of improved production, wearing them has become a full-fledged trend, says Noga Edelsztein, head of creative content for Erayo, a Tel Aviv-based online accessories marketplace for small to midsized businesses. Although Erayo sells mostly fine jewelry, Edelsztein doesn’t hesitate to add costume pieces to the mix.
In Pictures: Costume Jewelry That Doesn’t Look Cheap

“The design is what makes the difference between junk and costume jewelry,” she says. Right now, popular materials include laser-cut plastic, acrylics, hammered metal and even rubber, all used in necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

For example, Brooklyn-based designer Alex Bittar, best known for his monochromatic plastic rings, has designed a Lucite bangle for summer that’s decorated with a hand-painted floral motif. At $375, it won’t break the bank, but it will up your style quotient.

Oxidized silver–another trendy, and cheap, material–shines in Fallon’s hammered sterling silver collar, $325, lined with silver studs in several shapes. This piece looks great with formal and casual looks alike.

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Budget-Friendly Bling
Jayne Mountford, vice president of trend forecasting at New York-based market-research firm Style Sight, says the current economic climate has a lot to do with the demand–and supply–of cheapie baubles. “People are a little strapped for cash right now,” says Mountford. “If you can buy a beautiful cocktail ring at Banana Republic for less than $50, updating your wardrobe becomes easier.”

What do you think of costume jewelry–is it truly fashionable, or just a trend? Weigh in. Add your thoughts in the Reader Comments section below.

Banana’s delicate, coral-tinged glass stone set in brass for just $49 is fetching, but if your style skews toward the quirkier, estate sales often have quality costume pieces. The Brimfield Antique Show–which takes place in Brimfield, Mass., three times per year–is great for sourcing second-hand jewelry.

For those who love vintage looks but don’t have time to scour sales, several new designers are reworking antique materials to create modern pieces. Designer Lisa Salzer, whose Lulu Frost line sells everywhere from Satine in Los Angeles to Barneys in New York, uses rare vintage materials to craft her line of delicate jewelry. Salzer’s clear, antique glass dome studs, $122, are uniquely ribbed, yet subtle enough for everyday wearing.

Most importantly, whether you find your favorite costume piece in a department store or at a yard sale, don’t take these purchases too seriously, says Edelsztein.

“You can go completely crazy with costume jewelry. It’s trendy, fashionable and playful,” she says. “Have fun with it.”

Article Source: http://www.forbes.com/