Understanding the difference between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry can be quite simple: it all comes down to the materials that the jewelry is made with. Figuring out the quality of the metals and the gemstones is all it takes to determine whether a piece of jewelry is considered fashion jewelry or fine jewelry.
Continue reading to learn the differences between three different jewelry categories: fine, semi-fine, and fashion.
The line between them is thin, but understanding the distinction can help you make the right selection.
Fashion jewelry
Also referred to as costume jewelry, this type is made with lower-quality materials and often capitalizes on a specific trend.
Fashion jewelry is made with simulated, stainless steel, titanium, nickel, and tungsten, brass, copper, bronze, aluminum, (etc) or base metal (which is a combo of different metals), plated metals often electroplated with more precious metal), leather, fabrics (etc)
And the stone it uses including Swarovski crystal, rhinestones, cubic zirconia (etc).
Affordable
Fashion jewelry is not durable enough to withstand daily wear for long; however, it is a cost-effective way to try out fresh styles.
Polished freely
One of the benefits of not plating these materials is that they can be polished using any standard polishing cloth. If you purchase a brass bracelet and you find that it starts to look tarnished, grab a polishing cloth, give it a quick rub and it will be good as new in no time!
Semi-jewelry
The bridge between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry
These pieces are typically gold-plated or made with gold vermeil (a thicker version of gold plating) or gold fill. To find out the difference between gold-plated, gold-filled, and gold vermeil, check out 123
This is not a standard that experts and authenticators use to measure jewelry, but it is a term increasingly being utilized by jewelry designers to describe their pieces to consumers.
Stronger base metal
Fashion jewelry can also be gold plated, the difference being that semi-fine jewelry tends to be made with a stronger base metal, like sterling silver, that will stand the test of time better than copper or brass. Semi-fine jewelry also frequently uses genuine stones that are more affordable than something like a diamond, such as manganite, topaz, opal, quartz, agate, and freshwater pearls, etc.
“Semi-affordable”
This category of jewelry is one of our favorites as it allows us to offer a wide range of on-trend jewelry at affordable prices.
Fine jewelry
People manufacture fine jewelry solely manufactured from precious metals such as solid gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. This kind of jewelry often uses natural precious and semi-precious gemstones like Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Citrines, Garnets, Amethysts, Morganite, etc.
Make it as an INVESTMENT
Because people make it entirely of solid precious metals and gemstones, fine jewelry is so much stronger than fashion jewelry and will not tarnish with proper care and storage. In addition to that, fine jewelry can be repaired. Fine jewelry may come at an elevated price, but in truth, the value and longevity of these pieces are well worth the investment.
People make them with the highest quality precious metals and gemstones.
Will not tarnish (so long as you look after it!)
People can repair and resize it as needed.
Carries the highest price tag but is well worth it!
- Silver – 925 or .925
- Gold – K, with a number that marks the percentage of gold in the metal. This number will be between 10 and 24, with 24 being the highest: 99.9 percent pure.
- Palladium – PALL or PD
- Platinum – The word “platinum” next to a number that indicates purity. 950 would mean that the piece was 95 percent pure.
Now you’re armed with the knowledge about which jewelry is the one you can make the best decision for you. If you want to learn more, visit 316L STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY VS. STERLING SILVER VS. ZINC ALLOY JEWELRY to know about the material of jewelry.
We build our fine jewelry collections to last a lifetime, you can feel it in the quality and strength of each piece. Check out our full range here that includes elegant jewelry, punk jewelry, and casual jewelry.
Ten articles before and after
What are the differences between brass and bronze?
Pink Gold vs. Red Gold vs. Rose Gold : What is rose gold really made of ?
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOLD FILLED JEWELRY AND GOLD PLATED JEWELRY
What are the types of jewelry surface finishes and techniques ?
How to choose ODM and OEM ? Churinga will tell you
What are the Benefits of Stainless Steel Jewelry?
What Do Butterflies Symbolize?
