Is that a fabulous fake gathering dust in your jewellery box or is it the real thing?

You can find out at a two-day workshop on antique jewellery at the Adult Education Centre in Winchester.

"All that glitters isn't gold," says Alycen Mitchell, who is running the workshop. "But just because a piece of jewellery isn't real does not mean you shouldn't value it."

The best costume jewellery was always highly original and beautifully made, according to Alycen, an antique clothing and jewellery specialist.

"A fabulous older piece of costume jewellery costs a fraction of what you might pay for its real "counterpart", she says.

"Jewellery lovers started to appreciate this about 20 years ago and the prices have climbed steadily ever since."

Alycen encourages participants to share their antique pieces at her workshops. She says she couldn't believe it when, at one of her workshops, an American lady brought in some Miriam Haskell jewellery inherited from her mother.

"This lady had a jewellery box filled with Haskell," says Alycen. "There were rare pieces --collectors will pay £700 and sometimes more for one of Haskell's really special necklaces. She had no idea what she had. We were absolutely amazed."

According to Alycen, Haskell was one of the greatest costume jewellers of the pre and post-World War II era.

Her designs were renowned for their intricacy and sophistication. No two Miriam Haskell designs are identical, every one is set by hand. Now she's hoping for more finds of this sort.

"There are plenty of "fashionistas" locally so I'm hoping someone will top the Haskell by bringing some vintage Chanel pieces to show," she says.

The two-day antique jewellery workshop will be held on consecutive Saturdays, January 26th and February 2nd, from 10am-4pm. To apply contact the ACE Centre, Stoney Lane, Weeke, Winchester, Tel: 01962-886166. For further details, contact Alycen Mitchell on 0780-8441284.