What's the difference between fine fashion jewelry and costume jewelry?

Fashion Jewelry Vs. Costume Jewelry

Any jewelry lover can tell you that there are several different types of jewelry to choose from. Fine fashion jewelry and costume jewelry make up two parts of the jewelry spectrum. However, the multitude of interchangeable terms used to describe jewelry can certainly take the sparkle out of the day. There’s no need to worry. For those seeking basic costume jewelry or fashion jewelry, the difference between the two is pretty simple, quality.

Quality materials and quality craftsmanship are the main difference in these two types of jewelry. An example in quality materials is that fashion jewelry uses .925 silver. The top fashion jewelry designers use rhodium, a metal in the platinum family to provide a protective hypoallergenic barrier preventing any tarnishing and a durable scratch resistant layer. Rhodium actually cost more than 24 karat gold, and is harder than platinum.

Fine Fashion Jewelry by ELLE Jewelry

The Main Difference Between Fashion Jewelry and Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry is often created from plated base metals and even plastics. Fine fashion jewelry is made from solid precious metals (sterling silver, gold, platinum) and uses precious and semi-precious gemstones.
Costume jewelry is only plated with a thin layer of gold or silver, and often causes skin irritation like allergic reactions. This lessens the value of the piece of costume jewelry, as it contains a lot less value due to less in the way of precious metals.
The same goes for the stones that are used in costume jewelry, most often colored glass. Ultimately, the main difference between costume jewelry and fashion jewelry has to do with the materials used.

Where the Idea of Costume Jewelry for Outfits Came From 

In the 1920’s Coco Chanel popularized the idea of buying “outfit” jewelry. A set of inexpensive accessories that matched the outfit and finished it up for a finished and fabulous look. Back in the 1930’s after the great depression when Hollywood opted out of using fine jewelry and instead, showered their actresses in fabulous fakes. This costume jewelry was much less expensive than investing in fine jewelry that could get lost, stolen or broken. There is nothing better than having the perfect accessories for your newest outfit, unfortunately sometimes that fabulous new outfit may out last your costume jewelry.

The Problem with Costume Jewelry

The problem with costume jewelry is that if it breaks, it can be next to impossible to repair. It may be completely unworkable to solder a post back onto a costume earring. This is due to the fact that the heat generated from the soldering flame causes the thin gold coating to evaporate or blacken. Or the plastic to simply melt. Most costume pieces just can’t stand the heat!

Fine Jewelry Can be Repaired and Re-worked

On the other hand, fine 925 silver, fine karat gold and platinum jewelry can be soldered any number of times. This type of jewelry can be worked on again and again. It can be passed on for generations and last for over a hundred years. I have seen some amazing pieces of jewelry from the Egyptian tombs that were thousands of years old. They held their beauty and fascinating looks.

Costume Jewelry as Gifts, Not Always a Good Choice
There’s nothing more maddening than a broken piece of jewelry that can’t be fixed and can never be worn again. It’s like being told your Corvette has to be junked because it has a flat tire and can’t be driven anymore. That’s not right. Fortunately, Corvettes can be repaired. Not so, the plastic and gold tone Corvette earrings your boyfriend impulsively bought for you at the car show last month. He should have sprung for the precious metal jewelry instead, if he wants it to last!

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If you're looking for an affordable extravagance and the highest quality fashion jewelry product visit InStyleSilverJewelry.com. We are always happy to help and ship for FREE. You will be surprised how inexpensive fine fashion jewelry is when getting it from the right source.