Costume jewelry: Neil Zevnik’s hobby becomes an obsession

A closeup of three bracelets shows the detail in these vintage costume pieces: at left, art glass is made to resemble agate with matte silver metal hardware. The center bracelet pairs black glass medallions with enameled flowers. On the 1960s bracelet, serpents surround art glass stones.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This detailed floral necklace is a Dominique Aurientis piece from the 1980s, with rose and peridot-colored rhinestones.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A close-up of the rhinestones and roses. Zevnik lends his jewelry to friends and acquaintances and sells only a few pieces that he can bear to part with.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The earring is another fold-plated Dominique Aurientis piece with rhinestone detailing.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This massive 1950s bracelet features hinged segments with lots of floral detail. The larger stones are confetti lucite cabochons with emerald Swarovski crystals set in the center of each flower.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This bracelet from the 1950s features ice-white Swarovski crystals in a rhodium-plated setting. Zevnik loaned it to journalist Bay to wear at the 2011 Academy Awards.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

“I love the fact that these things have had a life. In the 1800s, the way people behaved was so different, yet here is a piece from that time that still performs its function. I find that exciting,” says Zevnik. Here, a jewelry set from about 1900 features Austrian crystals set in three-dimensional gold-plated filigree. This set went to President Obama’s first Inaugural Ball.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This vintage D&E Juliana set from the 1960s pairs “flawed emerald” stones with clear pieces in a silver-plated metal setting.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This huge vintage necklace hails from 1920s Czechoslovakia, with lavender and amethyst crystals that adorn the gilded brass. Gryphons and floral details can be spotted along the strands.   (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

“Costume jewelry is a weird thing for a guy to collect, but it has always attracted me,” Zevnik says. The pieces of jewelry that Zevnik sells benefit a variety of charities.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)