Fashion Top Five: Unapologetically Costume Jewelry

According to a glitz-loving writer from the New York Times’s style magazine, fashion house heads are currently “claiming that jewels are the new handbags.” Indeed, there are lots of (no longer) over-the-top costume pieces floating around the fashion world. Even better, this season’s big, sparkly jewelry isn’t pretending to be real; the huge, colorful pieces are unmistakably costume – and that's fine by us. We’d much rather be the cool gal with a fabulous faux necklace than spend time searching for something that most resembles a diamond.

You can adjust the length of this Multi-Gem Bib Necklace ($79) to ensure the big gems lie correctly with your neckline.

There’s a ton going on in this Stone Cluster Ring ($235), but it all works together surprisingly well.

The tasteful shape and design of this gold-plated cocktail ring ($92) make the huge, not-found-in-nature green jewel look cool, not cheesy.

Big crystals and brass look incredibly fancy on this Janis by Janis Savitt necklace ($1,565).

The sparkly pave snake at the top of this Kenneth Jay Lane ring ($99) contrasts so well with the black dome it sits on.