What is Fine Jewelry? What is Fashion & Costume Jewelry? (2024)

FAQs

What is Fine Jewelry? What is Fashion & Costume Jewelry? ›

Fine jewelry is typically made of high-quality gold and silver which are naturally quite heavy. Fashion jewelry is commonly composed of pewter or brass, producing a lighter weight. Thickness of a gold or silver chain means very little if it feels hollow on the inside, a good indication you are handling a costume piece.

High-end fashion jewelry follows trends while fine jewelry has a classic style that transcends time. (Think diamond stud earrings, tennis bracelets, and pearl strand necklaces.) These elegant pieces endure as wardrobe staples for decades.

The term “fine jewelry” is used for any jewelry that is made from precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. Fine jewelry typically uses genuine gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or emerald. Fine jewelry is durable and made to last.

Fine jewellery has a story, a reputation, a crafter, and love behind it. It's been created by a master jeweller and designed to be kept for generations to come. Costume jewellery is made en-masse to satisfy a trend or complement an outfit. It's often made from cheaper, synthetic materials such as cubic zirconia.

At the same time, a lot of fine jewelry includes precious and semi-precious gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, pearls, opals, amethyst, aquamarine, peridot, topaz, and more.

Fashion jewelry is made from base metals (like copper and brass), leather, or plastic and may include simulated stones made from plastic, glass, or crystal. This category also includes jewelry made from a base metal that's plated with gold or silver.

The term “costume jewelry” originated in the early 20th century, for pieces that complemented specific fashion or costume ensembles. The appeal of costume jewelry lies in its diversity, vibrant designs, and ability to keep pace with the latest fashion trends.

Fine jewelry is typically made of high-quality gold and silver which are naturally quite heavy. Fashion jewelry is commonly composed of pewter or brass, producing a lighter weight. Thickness of a gold or silver chain means very little if it feels hollow on the inside, a good indication you are handling a costume piece.

Fine jewelry is pieces that will retain their value for a lifetime. Masterpieces born of inspiration, precious materials and craftsmanship. They are made of solid precious metal such as 14 to 18K gold, silver or platinum and adorned with natural, precious gemstones like diamond, sapphires or pearl.

Fashion or costume jewelry pieces are not worthless, but when you're wanting valuable fine jewelry, how can you tell the difference between fake and the real thing? We've listed several “at-home” tests for you to try, however, the safest course of action is to take your pieces to a jeweler to be tested.

What is most cheap jewelry made of? ›

Costume jewelry is often made with base metals, such as brass, aluminum, or copper. These inexpensive metals become tarnished easily and can even cause irritation or allergic reactions. Jewelry that is plated with precious metal, like gold-plated jewelry, is also considered costume jewelry.

The most important aspect, perhaps, is the material: fine jewelry is generally made of solid precious metals, like solid gold, solid sterling silver or solid platinum, per New York jeweler Ritani. Costume jewelry, on the other hand, is usually fashioned from base metals, like brass, aluminum or copper.

and sterling silver (. 925), which are considered 'fine' jewelry, must have a primary stone that is natural to be listed as fine jewelry.

The jewelry world can feel rather expansive, but almost all types of jewelry boils down into just three categories: fashion jewelry, semi-fine jewelry, and fine jewelry. These categories are differentiated primarily by the materials used and price point.

Jewelry made with (genuine) gold, platinum, silver (etc). = Fine Jewelry. Jewelry made with anything else - brass, copper, bronze, aluminum, (etc, etc) or Base Metal (which is a combo of different metals), plated metals, leather, fabrics (etc).

In the search for the perfect accessories, you may have wondered what kind of jewelry to buy. Fine jewelry will always have traditional appeal and an allure through classic designs. On the other hand, semi-fine and fashion jewellery present new, contemporary designs and stylish ways of wearing them.

Fashion or costume jewelry pieces are not worthless, but when you're wanting valuable fine jewelry, how can you tell the difference between fake and the real thing? We've listed several “at-home” tests for you to try, however, the safest course of action is to take your pieces to a jeweler to be tested.