Buying CZ Studs That Look Like The Real Thing

One of my recurring threads on this blog is about buying fabulous fakes that rock like the real thing. Purses, jewelry, clothing..........why not get the biggest bang for your buck? I don't want to spend my hard earned money and then look truck stop terrific instead of high end fabulous. Know what I mean?

I learned this lesson when I was 18. Back then, 'The Preppy Handbook' was pretty big. Everyone who was anyone wanted to look like Buffy and Bif in their popped collars, button down shirts and penny loafers. I didn't have too much money back then (I worked at KMart) but I did want to look as nice as possible. I happened upon a book (wish I could remember the title, I'm sure it's out of print) that detailed how to look rich on a budget. It was quite an eye opener. Who knew I could find pearl earrings (big preppy staple) at a discount store that looked as nice as the real thing? It was all about paying attention to color........some pearls look fake a mile away. Some are show stoppers because of their hue. I never would have known this had I not read up and did my research. It certainly paid off in having nice things that got compliments, but didn't set me back too much financially.

That lesson is one I've carried to this day, and it is extremely valuable when shopping second hand. You don't have to buy a designer purse (and pay the resulting $$$) if you find a similiar style minus the name for a lot less. Unless you're the middle schoolers at a former school of my daughter's who were so completely hung up on the name brand and store of every single piece of clothing anyone wore (and bullied anyone who shopped at Goodwill)it doesn't matter ONE BIT how you got the look. Just that you rock it like a pro.

Today, I'm talking cz stud earrings. Now, you'd be hardpressed to find someone who doesn't appreciate a beautiful pair of diamond studs. They go with everything! You can dress them up or down, and always be appropriate. They are as at home in an ensemble picked for a wedding as they are with t-shirt and jeans for a run to the grocery store. They won't look tacky or outdated like those shoulder sweepers you bought for your junior prom back in '93.

Since a very small percentage can afford a real pair of diamond stud earrings, enterprising companies started making cz studs. For the most part, you shouldn't have to spend too much for a cheap but tasteful sparkle. You DO have to pay attention to a few key elements though, or else a pair of cheapies will obviously be just that: CHEAP.

First off: are you an NFL player making millions? No? Then you probably shouldn't wear 5 carat studs. You will be better off finding a pair of 2 carat or smaller sized studs. They look far more real. On the other hand, don't go so small that you can't even see the earrings. What's the point?

Second, pay attention to the setting of the earrings. They can make or break the look you are creating.

These are 3 examples of 'costume jewelry' type settings. Regardless of how beautiful or real looking the cz stone, the setting is the defining item. If 'costume jewelry' is the look you're seeking, read no further. If not, buy studs with the following settings:

Both these pairs of earrings are set in what are called 'basket' or 'Tiffany' settings, which jewelers use to set their diamonds. These settings make ANY stone look infinitely more expensive and classy. I have found stud earrings with these settings for as low as $10 at Kohl's. Placed side by side, you'd have a hard time telling the real from the fake without a jeweler's credentials.

Does the metal make a difference? For me, it's personal preference and wearability. Are you only wearing them during the day, or to special events? You can get away with silver tone or gold plate. Are you taking them on vacation to wear 24/7 in the sand and surf? Go for sterling silver or real gold. The price point for each will vary. For all around wear, you can't go wrong with sterling silver, even if you're a yellow gold gal. In a pair of CZ studs, they'll still be flattering.

How about the earring backs? In order for the earring to sit correctly on the earlobe and not droop, go for the plastic disc backs. This is especially true for women my age. As we get older, stud earrings tend to droop forward on the lobe........NOT the look we're going for. Not all studs come with the disc backs, but you can buy them in bulk for very little $$$ at Walmart or Meijer. Make sure the backs fit tightly also, or you'll spend your day constantly pushing them back on the stud, or losing them if you forget.

Making a pair of lovely CZ studs the finishing touch on all your looks will always be the right move :)