The Costumer

As part of my continuing series for first time LARPers and renaissance faire-goers, I’ve been writing about basic costume elements. Today we are going to cover jewelry and weapons.

PART IX: Jewelry

Jewelry is an essential element of most medieval fantasy/LARP costuming. Adding some jewelry pieces to your costume is not as expensive as you think (nor should you wear expensive jewelry to a LARP).

First, look at home. A lot of the items you have can double as appropriate jewelry for your costume. Claddagh rings, though not actually used in Ireland until the 1800s, are popular with ladies of Irish descent at the renaissance faire, and many of us already have them. 

Silver isn’t too expensive. You can buy new silver online for very little money if you know the right retailer. Use general search terms at first, such as “celtic silver” to find the best prices. Online retailers often sell in bulk, also, so if you have a group of friends or want to purchase a lot of jewelry, take advantage of the discount, which usually includes a shipping discount. (This also makes such retailers ideal for bridesmaid jewelry.)

Custom made jewelry isn’t as expensive as you think. You can get a really nice set for under $100.00 if you use an etsy retailer like Carolyn Buss (she made the “Twilight Bracelet” pictured here).

Specialty stores (online or brick and mortar) and renaissance faire stands might be more charming or enchanting, but they tend to cost more.

Imitation materials are also excellent, especially for pirates, who wear a lot of gold and pearls! I didn’t even think about this until a pirate at a renaissance faire offered me faux pearls. These are very inexpensive to purchase and can often be found at second hand stores. 1928 Jewelry offers some beautiful replica vintage jewelry, some of which can be used in a medieval/fantasy or LARP environment.

PART X: Weapons! Fight fight!

Arguably, the best part about a LARP or faire costume is the weapon. It’s also pretty cool to have a weapon at Halloween. However, safety is the first priority.

Each renaissance faire or festival has its own rule regarding weapons. Some do not allow live steel (real weapons) at all, but others will allow you to bring weapons in if they are peace bound. You will find that conventions also have such policies. Generally, security at these events will help you bind your weapon, but it’s recommended that you arrive with your weapon already bound to avoid confusion or worry. Also, staff often uses neon yellow zip ties to bind weapons, and it certainly doesn’t look as authentic or inconspicuous as a regular leather tie, so be sure to bring one along. Please also note that some events do not allow ANY weapons, even if they are completely made of foam. Always check the policy!

Unless you are attending a historical-fighting event, you will not be allowed to bring weapons to any combatant event, including LARPs. Even tournament events hosted by groups such as Markland have very specific rules about which types of weapons are allowed, who may carry them, and when they may be displayed or used.

Your safest bet is to sport a boffer weapon or a latex weapon. Latex weapons tend to be more expensive, but they’re safe and realistic. Not all LARPs allow latex weapons or have restrictions–in cold months, it hurts a lot to get hit by one of these things. Boffer and latex weapons come in (and can be made in) all different sizes and types–everything from bows, arrows, and daggers to exaggerated bastard swords, axes larger than men, and staves.

Unless you are very set on your first costume, try to select a weapon that is somewhat generic-looking–that way, it will fit in with future costumes and will remain a good costume investment.

Check back tomorrow for the conclusion of this series, focusing on full-length costume pieces such as dresses.

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