PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

If your skin reacts to cheap costume jewelry, put a coat of clear nail polish on the back of necklaces, on earring hooks, and on the inside of bracelets. It acts as a barrier between the cheap metal and your skin.

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo by Michael Baxter, Santa Clara, California.

• Can't find a rhinestone necklace to match the colors of your new costume?
• Can't find the one you need right now for this show?
• Can't find 14 matching necklace/earring sets for a troupe?

ANY clear crystal rhinestone necklace can be whatever color you want using a Sharpie (permanent marker pen designed to write on all surfaces) on the face of the stones.

Now DO NOT do this to your lovely quality vintage necklace because it is hard to completely get it off without damage, but most of what we use for dance are cheaply made modern pieces so why not?

Sharpie ink can eventually come off with skin oils. Therefore, if this is definitely the color you want this necklace to remain forever, you might want to put a very light coat of clear nail polish over the top of the colored ink, being careful not to get it on the connecting joints between the stones.

Use your good sense and try this on something you don't care about first. (My official disclaimer!) However, I've done this forever myself, and had no problems.

Buy yourself a bulk discounted set of a dozen cheap imported necklace/earring sets that suit you, along with the Sharpie package of pens in 24 colors, and you'll have whatever combination you want when you want it!

Your mileage may vary, but sometimes matching that coral-fuchsia-periwinkle costume can drive you insane. This tip can help avoid that.