Know The Difference: Fashion Jewelry Vs Fine Jewelry

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Are you looking to add a few accessories to your jewelry collection? Or are you on the hunt for timeless pieces to invest in? For your reference, here are the differences between fashion jewelry vs fine jewelry!

The world of fashion and fine jewelry can be a bit confusing. There are plenty of ways to tell them apart, but it’s easy to misidentify one as the other.

Understanding what separates the two types will help you make smarter purchases in both arenas so you’re not left with something that looks cheap or not uniquely beautiful.

What Is Fashion Jewelry?

It’s a common misconception that fashion jewelry is made of silver and gold. Although it’s true that some pieces are made with just a little hint of these precious metals, most fashion jewelry pieces are made out of non-precious metals and simulated, synthetic stones.

Fashion jewelry, also known as costume jewelry, is usually made with aluminum, brass, copper and other materials that are soft enough to bend and tarnish easily, which is why they usually come with a pretty affordable price tag.

The simulated stones used in fashion jewelry include semi-precious stones, cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystals, and in some cases, plastic gemstones. And because this type of jewelry is made out of materials that are prone to tarnishing and cracking, they only really last for a pretty short period of time with regular use.


Fashion jewelry is different from fine jewelry in that they’re usually found in department stores and even in drug stores. As the materials are often affordable, fashion jewelry tends to be very trendy and current, although this is not always the case.

With this said, there are many jewelers whose fashion pieces also use gold vermeil or sterling silver. Gold vermeil is a term used for quality jewelry coated in at least 10 karats and has sterling silver as its base metal. It’s definitely a cheaper alternative to buying solid gold jewelry, but it doesn’t last as long as the latter. With this said, high-quality plated fashion jewelry can definitely last years with regular use and proper care.

Since fashion jewelry comes at a much lower price, expect a piece to cost anywhere from $15 – $200, unless you’re buying expensive costume jewelry from luxury brands like Chanel, where prices often go up to $2,000, like in the case of this choker necklace.

All of this being said—there are some beautiful pieces out there that aren’t necessarily high-quality but can definitely make an outfit pop!

What Is Fine Jewelry?

Fine jewelry, also known as high-end jewelry, is made with solid precious metals including solid gold, silver and platinum, as well as genuine diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other genuine gemstones.

Fine jewelry is the best of the best. It’s made from the finest and most precious metals and gemstones, and you can be sure that it stands the test of time, making it a good gift to yourself or a loved one.

In many cases, fine jewelry can also be tarnish-proof and handles tough conditions such as water very well, which means that technically, you don’t need to take off your jewelry when you hop in the shower. (With this said, check your particular jewelry before doing this, just to be safe!)

In addition to this, these pieces are not just pretty—they’re often valuable. As opposed to fashion jewelry, fine jewelry pieces have real worth because they are made of expensive, high-quality materials, so they’re not just something you should throw away when you’re done wearing them.


Fine jewelry pieces are also incredibly well-crafted, with attention to detail that you’ll never find in mass-produced accessories. They can be passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that your family’s most valuable heirlooms remain intact for years to come.

However, not all fine jewelry contains gemstones; some pieces are simply made from intricately designed metalwork depending on the design.

The craftsmanship that goes into making fine jewelry can vary greatly depending on the designer and where the item was manufactured; however most high-end designers pride themselves in creating unique pieces that make an impression on whoever sees them for the first time.

When it comes to price points, expect that fine jewelry will range from $500 to $10,000 – some pieces go even beyond that.

Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry Vs Fine Jewelry Picks

When it comes to buying accessories, you may be a lover of either fine jewelry or fashion jewelry, or both. Some ladies buy incredibly expensive pieces as an investment, while some ladies buy fashion jewelry for, well, fashion.

Either way, these pieces of jewelry featured below will instantly elevate your outfit!

1. Necklaces

Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry: Rope chain necklace from Mejuri
Get this fashion chain necklace on Mejuri
Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry: Gold Cartier necklace
Get this pre-loved Cartier necklace on Fashionphile

Necklaces are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry you can own. You can wear a necklace with just about anything, from casual to formal clothing, and they’ll look great! Necklaces come in so many different styles and materials that you might have trouble deciding which one you want to add to your collection next.

The rope chain necklace from Mejuri is chic and dainty: your can wear it as it is, or add a pendant of your choice. It is coated in 18k gold vermeil with a sterling silver base, meaning you’ll get the feel of real gold with just a fraction of its price. Get this necklace for only $128.

If you’re more of a fine jewelry kind of lady, when we have the perfect piece for you. Cartier is known for producing some of the world’s finest jewelry (with a high price tag to boot), so this is a great brand to check out if you’re looking to invest. The Cartier 18k Yellow Gold necklace features a motif pendant with their signature LOVE screw symbols, as well as two round-cut diamonds.

You can get this necklace pre-loved for $2,160.

2. Bracelets

Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry: Dainty birthstone bracelet from Etsy
Get this fashion bracelet on Etsy
Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry: Rose gold T-squared Bracelet from Tiffany & Co
Get this Tiffany & Co bracelet at Selfridges

The second piece of jewelry you should be aware of is the bracelet. Bracelets are one of the most versatile accessories out there, because they can be worn anywhere and on any occasion. Bracelets come in all different sizes, styles, and materials. They can also be made from real gemstones or fake ones to fit your budget.

This dainty, birthstone bracelet from Etsy comes with zircon gemstones, and they’re the perfect finishing touch to any outfit there is. Best part is these bracelets only cost $43!

The iconic Tiffany & Co. T-Squared Bracelet is one of the jewelry brand’s finest work, and it’s an 18 karat rose gold band that is perfect for special occasions and casual wear alike – although with its $5,110 price tag, we’d be wary to carry this around anywhere.

3. Earrings

Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry: Double hoop earrings from Etsy
Get these fashion earrings on Etsy
Our Favorite Fashion Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry: Brilliant cut diamond earrings from De Beers
Get these De Beers diamond earrings on Selfridges

Earrings are sometimes overlooked, especially if you’re the type of lady who always wears her hair down. But if you’re going on an event soon and you want to look nice and all dressed up, earrings will add some sparkle and glam to your already-gorgeous face.

These dainty, double hoop earrings on Etsy come in either 18k gold plating or sterling silver, and they include tiny cubic zirconia gemstones. They’re tiny, so they’re perfect for casual everyday wear – and what’s great is that they’re only for $25 per pair.

For something a little bit more timeless, De Beers is one of the world’s best fine jewelry brands. Their super dainty “My First De Beers Clea” earrings are made with 18ct white gold, with a pair of round brilliant-cut diamonds that were ethically sourced from mines. This pair retails for a whopping $1,265.

Conclusion

These are all things that you should keep in mind when buying earrings and other types of jewelry.

For many, costume jewelry is the way to go, as it’s more affordable and allows you to experiment with different styles more freely. And let’s be honest, many of us get bored of our pieces quite easily, and are constantly on the lookout for something new.

However, if you want something that will last as long as you take proper care of it, and you’re happy wearing similar jewelry styles for years to come, then go all out and invest in a piece of fine jewelry.

We hope this article has helped you learn the difference between fashion jewelry vs fine jewelry. If you’re still looking for more fashion and jewelry tips, check the posts down below.

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