Fashion Jewelry vs Fine Jewelry: What Is the Difference?
Some jewelry is meant to live in a safe. Some is meant to be worn tonight. Knowing which is which makes shopping a lot more fun.
Fine jewelry is made from precious metals and genuine gemstones. Fashion jewelry, also called costume jewelry, is made from other metals and simulated stones, so you get the look in designs that change with your outfits, your occasions and your mood. Neither is better. They simply do different jobs.
What Is Fine Jewelry?
Fine jewelry uses precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum, and genuine gemstones such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds. It usually costs more, and it is often bought as a lasting piece or a keepsake. Many people choose a few fine pieces to wear for years.
What Is Fashion Jewelry?
Fashion jewelry uses non-precious metals and simulated or artificial stones and pearls to recreate a look. The terms fashion jewelry and costume jewelry are often used to mean the same thing. It is designed to be worn freely: for a festive evening, a party, or an ordinary Tuesday.
Fashion Jewelry vs Fine Jewelry at a Glance
| Fine jewelry | Fashion jewelry | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Precious metals and genuine gemstones | Non-precious metals with simulated stones and pearls |
| Price | Usually higher | More accessible |
| Purpose | A lasting piece or keepsake | Styling, occasions and trends |
| Resale value | May hold value | Not bought as an investment |
How to Read a Jewelry Product Page Honestly
The best way to shop is to read the words. An honest product page tells you what a piece is made of.
- Look for qualifiers. Words such as simulated, artificial or imitation tell you the stones or pearls are not genuine.
- Look for gold tone. It describes a finish that resembles gold, not a precious metal.
- Be careful with unqualified words. Pearl, gold or gemstone with no qualifier on a fashion piece deserves a second look.
- Check the materials line, not only the story. A good page has both.
Every Studio Fay product page carries a plain materials line, such as premium fashion jewelry with a gold tone finish, simulated pearls and simulated gemstones.
How to Care for Fashion Jewelry
Simple habits help any jewelry look its best.
- Put jewelry on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off first.
- Keep it away from water.
- Store each piece in a dry pouch or in its own packaging.
- Keep pieces apart so chains and drops do not tangle.
Which Should You Choose?
You do not have to choose. Fine jewelry suits milestones and keepsakes. Fashion jewelry suits everything else: the festive evening, the party, the outfit you want to finish with a statement. Many people wear both.
Premium Fashion Jewelry from Studio Fay
Midnight Pearl ($80). A layered necklace and earring set with simulated ivory pearl accents and dark stone detailing, set against gold tone florals.
Rang-e-Noor (Emerald) ($115). A necklace and earring set with emerald-green stone detailing and simulated pearl clusters inside gold tone floral settings.
Questions About Fashion Jewelry
Is fashion jewelry the same as costume jewelry?
The two terms are often used to mean the same thing: jewelry made with non-precious metals and simulated stones.
Is fashion jewelry made of gold?
No. Gold tone means the finish resembles gold. Studio Fay pieces are artificial fashion jewelry, not precious metal, and we say so plainly.
Shop Premium Fashion Jewelry at Studio Fay
Studio Fay is premium artificial jewelry inspired by South Asian and Turkish design, designed in Houston for festive, party and everyday wear.
Free US shipping. All sales are final, except if we send the wrong item. See our Refund Policy.
Shop necklace sets or shop earrings at studiofay.us.