How do you define “Fine Jewelry?”
Wearing jewelry can help you express yourself, show off your personality, and accentuate your style. Whether through a pair of earrings, a statement necklace, or a simple and classic ring, these can all do wonders in making you look and feel good. That said, if you have ever shopped for jewelry before, you might have encountered words like fine jewelry and semi-fine jewelry and wondered what exactly fine jewelry is.So, what is fine jewelry? How does it differ from fashion jewelry and other types? Generally, the difference between each type of jewelry has to do with their quality and the value of materials used. However, getting to know the specifics will be useful to know how to evaluate pieces carefully and choose the ones that will best fit your needs, style, and budget.
To better understand what fine jewelry is, check out the information below to see its characteristics and how it differs from other kinds of jewelry.
What is Fine Jewelry?
A good way to think of fine jewelry would be to think of special occasions where you might get jewelry, whether it be for yourself or as a gift to someone. It is made with precious metals such as gold, sterling silver, and platinum. Common examples would be engagement rings.
Given the material fine jewelry is made from, you can expect it to come at a higher price point, but it is justified by durability and craftsmanship. With proper care, maintenance, and storage, your pieces will last a lifetime. Since they are made with genuine stones and solid metals, they are built to last. Likewise, if you have a broken piece that needs fixing, a professional and skilled jeweler can help you repair it.
As a whole, fine jewelry is perfect for anyone seeking value and longevity since you can wear the pieces, day in and day out. That said, it is best that you do extensive research before purchasing to make sure you select the right jeweler and get high quality pieces at all times.
What is Fashion Jewelry?
Now that you know more about fine jewelry, you might find it easier to understand how it differs from fashion jewelry, which is also called costume jewelry since it is not made with precious metals. Instead, it is usually made with base metals like aluminum, brass, zinc alloy, and copper, and simulated stones like Swarovski crystals and cubic zirconia.Fashion jewelry can also be made with textile, leather, or plated base metals. Pieces like your beaded bracelets are part of this category. It is designed to be inexpensive, so its materials are much cheaper than those used in fine jewelry. However, since the pieces have significantly lower costs, they are also more prone to scratches, cracks, and tears, so you would have to replace them more often.
What is Semi-Fine Jewelry?
Jewelers may sometimes also use the term semi-fine jewelry to describe a quality that falls between fine and fashion jewelry. While it is not an actual standard used in the jewelry industry, many refer to this as jewelry that are gold vermeil, gold-plated, or gold-filled. In most cases, semi-fine jewelry can be made with real gemstones or enhanced and lab-treated gemstones, which look similar to genuine ones but come at a lower cost.Some experts may argue that this type of jewelry still falls under fashion jewelry since it still uses base metals. However, since semi-fine jewelry is usually gold-plated, you must be cautious about maintenance. For one, you cannot wear these pieces while showering or in the pool and you have to be careful when using lotion or oil-based skincare products since these may affect the plating of the jewelry.
As a whole, semi-fine jewelry can be a good alternative to fashion-conscious people who want more affordable pieces. While it usually comes with a more versatile selection, you may also have to replace it more frequently.
Why Choose Fine Jewelry Over Costume Jewelry?
Though it may seem obvious, fine jewelry makes for a worthwhile investment because of its value, durability, and longevity. Ultimately, you get lasting pieces that stay beautiful with proper care and can be passed on from generation to generation. If your fine jewelry does get damaged or broken along the way, you can always seek help from a skilled jeweler.While fine jewelry is generally more expensive than fashion jewelry, it does not necessarily mean you always have to break the bank. You will also be able to find more affordably priced pieces, especially if you opt for secondhand jewelry or get those with lower karat gold.