While reading a womens magizine the other day, I noticed some really nice fashion jewelry.  Most of these articles have a section where the reader can see what that item cost and where to get one just like it.  The choker I was looking at could be found at a store for the "low price" of 200.00!  I was astounded!  How can a person spend that kind of money on a piece of jewerly that isn't even real?  It wasnt long after that that I was able to find the same item on ebay for less than a fraction of the price.  Because I sell fashion jewelry, I am very intrested in what people like, and what they are paying for an item.  And I know that even in the name fashion, there is such a thing as "too much". 

    So, you ask, how can I get the ultra hip and sparkling gems I see my favorite stars wearing without pawning what I have to get it? Well its really quite simple.  Here are some things to look for on ebay:

Silvertone: This is a silver colored metal.  It looks like and even feels like silver.  It generally won't tarnish like silver and is cheaper than .925 silver.

Goldtone: This is a gold colored metal.  It isn't as soft as real gold, but has all the glamor.  Some of the goldtone items may look less like gold, but it will be far cheaper than the real thing.

Silverplate: This is an item made from another metal (brass, copper, etc) and then plated with real silver.  It can tarnish and the silverplating can eventually wear off. 

Goldplate: This is made from another metal like copper, silver or brass and then plated with real gold.  It can tarnish and the goldplating will eventually rub off.

Silver: .925 purity is about the best you can get in the silver market.  Real silver jewerly will cost more than silverplated items, and often will require more maintance.  Silver tarnishes unless it is coated with a special coating. 

Gold: 10k, 14k, 18k and 24k are all labels that refer to how pure the gold is.  The higher the number the softer the item will be.  I generally buy 10k or 14k when I hae to have a piece of gold jewerly.  Gold is expensive!

Other metals you may find are Pewter, copper and brass.

    The real sparkle comes the stones not the metal.  Genuine stones are very pricy.  One less expensive choice is Cubic Zerconia.  CZs have all the fire and sparkle of precious stones like diamonds, emeralds and such, but cost far less.  Some semi-precious stones like garnet, topaz and peridot are also less expensive choices yuo can make to achieve the same look as the stars but without the Hollywood price!

    Yes, You too can find that perfect pendant, bracelet, or other jeweled item thats fashionable for a price thats affordable.  Look for silver and gold tone items as well as CZ and semi precious stones.  Only you will ever know the difference between your fashion jewelry and their more expensive versions.  And with all the money you'll save, why you can afford another pair of shoes, or a new purse, or even more fashion jewelry!