Understanding the difference between fashion jewelry and fine
jewellery can be quite simple - it all comes down to the materials the jewelry
is made of. Finding out the quality of the metals and gemstones is all that is
needed to determine whether a piece of jewelry is considered fashion jewelry or
fine jewelry. We walk you through the definitions expert authenticators use
when it comes to ensuring jewelry quality so you know what to look for when
shopping for new additions to your jewelry collection.
Fashion
Jewelry
Fashion jewelry, also known as costume jewelry, is generally
made from base metals and simulated stones. These parts are usually made of
brass, copper or aluminum, which bend and tarnish easily. Jewelry made entirely
of textiles or leather, base metal alloys, and even metals plated with precious
metals such as gold or silver are also included in fashion jewelry. Simulated
stones include plastic stones, cubic zirconia, and Swarovski crystals.
Some jewelry enthusiasts will insist on a medium category
called "semi-fine", which is reportedly characterized by jewelry that
is made with gold vermeil or is filled with gold. (To discover the difference
between gold plated, gold filled, and gold vermeil, check out this post on
jewelry metals.) "Semi-fine" jewelry is also made with real gemstones
that are much more affordable, such as morganite and opals, or
"enhanced" stones, which are heat or chemically treated in a lab to
make them appear clearer or flawless or to change the color. of the stone.
The "semi-fine" category may be helpful for
jewelry manufacturers to more accurately compartmentalize their jewelry, but it
is not a standard by which jewelry experts and authenticators measure. In the
eyes of an expert, "semi-fine" jewelry is still considered fashion
jewelry due to its incorporation of base metals; Again, the materials that make
up the jewelry are the deciding factor behind whether a piece is considered
fashion jewelry or fine jewelry. .
Because fashion jewelry is made from materials that are
prone to cracking or tarnishing, they don't have a long shelf life. On top of
that, they are almost impossible to repair once they have broken because the
level of heat that would be required to solder the brass or copper parts would
put them back together would simply leave the gold or silver blackened.
Fortunately, fashion jewelry tends to be priced much lower than fine jewelry,
and a broken piece could easily be completely replaced.
Fine Jewellery
Fine jewellery is used to describe jewellery made from solid
gold, sterling silver, platinum, and / or other precious metals. This type of
jewelry also often uses genuine gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, real
sapphires, etc. Because it is made entirely of solid precious metals and
gemstones, fine jewelry is much stronger than fashion jewelry and will not
tarnish with proper care and storage. . Besides that, when they break, fine
jewelry can be repaired. (For tips on fine jewelry repair, read this post on
what to do at such an event.) fine
jewellery can be expensive, but in reality, the value and longevity of
these pieces are well worth the investment.
If you don't know where designer jewelry falls between these
two categories, just look at the composition of the piece. Some designers raise
the prices of fashion jewelry simply because of the association with the brand
name, which makes it appear that a low-quality piece is actually worth more.
But most brands only produce high-quality parts made from precious metals and
genuine gemstones. Pay attention to the hallmarks of your jewelry to determine
whether it is fashionable jewelry with an elegant brand or truly fine jewellery.
If you are interested in investing in fine jewellery, but
the price puts you off, you should definitely consider buying used items. You
get all the high quality materials and excellent craftsmanship at a much more
reasonable price. LimeLite Jewellery
sells premium quality jewelry and watches, all of which have been authenticated
by our in-house team of experts.
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