Costume Jewelry VS Fine Jewelry

The difference between Las Vegas costume jewelry and fine jewelry comes down to the jewelry item’s materials. You just need to figure out the quality of the metals and gemstones used in manufacturing jewelry items. Doing so will help you determine whether your items are mere costume jewelry or fine jewelry. Knowing this is important so you can learn the actual value of the jewelry your carry. That way, you can take care of them properly. This information can also help you avoid paying for more than what you tend to buy. 

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry, or fashion jewelry, usually contains metal alloys and imitation stones. The metal alloys usually include base metals like aluminum, brass, and copper, which can easily bend and tarnish. Some costume jewelry items are also made of textiles, leather, and gold-plated items. You will also find ones that carry plastic stones, Swarovski crystals, and cubic zirconia, which can mimic the brilliance of diamonds. 

Some enthusiasts insist upon a middle category of jewelry called “semi-fine.” This category includes jewelry with gold vermeil and the ones that are gold-filled. Jewelry with affordable (yet real) gemstones also falls under this category, such as opals and morganite. There are also “enhanced” gemstones, which are treated with heat or chemicals to make them appear clearer and flawless. 

Costume jewelry is affordable and easy to wear. However, it’s more prone to cracking and tarnishing and doesn’t have much shelf life. Moreover, they can be hard to fix once broken or damaged. Luckily, costume jewelry tends to be far more affordable than fine jewelry, so you can easily replace them. 

Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry consists of jewelry made of solid precious metals like gold, sterling silver, and platinum. They are also usually embellished with real, high-quality gemstones like genuine diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and more. Although fine jewelry often has intricate designs, its solid composition makes them stronger than fashion jewelry, which is usually made flimsy. As a result, fine jewelry can last a lifetime and can even be passed down to generations if cared for properly. They may cost a hefty price, but the craftsmanship and the materials behind each piece make fine jewelry worth all the investment. 

Meanwhile, we have “designer jewelry,” and nobody truly knows if it falls under the fine jewelry category. To help, you need to know the materials in their composition. Some designers craft fashion jewelry to make their brand more accessible, but these designer fashion jewelry can cost higher than unbranded ones. The same designer brands can also carry fine jewelry, so you must be careful before purchasing. Feel free to scan the item for hallmarks to help determine if it’s authentic fine jewelry or just fashion jewelry with a fancy name. 

Are Fossil Watches Worth Your Money

Fossil is probably one of the most popular names in the industry of watch-making. More than half of the world knows the Fossil watches, but they never seem to be too expensive. Even fabulous Fossil watches from Las Vegas are not as pricey as a Rolex or Patek Philippe. The affordability of Fossil watches makes them seem too good to be true. However, the low price can still make people doubt its quality. And nobody ever wants to spend their money on something they’re not sure of. To straighten things out, we’ve listed some reasons why you should get a Fossil watch anyway. 

Fossil watches are worth every penny. They perform very well and are always great when it comes to aesthetic appeal. The Fossil Group has been around since 1984, producing high-quality leather accessories, wristwatches, smartwatches, and even jewelry. 

Top Quality

Fossil stays on top of its game when it comes to making the most out of its resources in creating high-quality watches that could last virtually a lifetime. Additionally, aside from perfecting the secret to manufacturing conventional watches, Fossil has also shifted its world-class intelligence into the production of smartwatches. One proof of Fossil’s commitment to high-quality watches that are aesthetically pleasing is their customizable line of watches called the “Gen 5.” The watches in this collection boast breath-taking features that make Fossil proud of its brand. 

World-Recognized Brand

The Fossil Group, Inc. is licensed not only as a manufacturer of watches but also as jewelry, accessory, and leather producer and distributor. They offer watches all over the world, mainly because they are incredibly trendy and of impressive quality. 

Water Resistance

The majority of Fossil watches are water-resistant, especially the ones they make specifically for sporting activities. Although, it is still important to read the label at the back of a Fossil watch to know the full extent of water it can be exposed to. Of course, Fossil watches have a seal that helps with water resistance, so be careful when you get them cleaned or repaired. An expert jeweler can help you with this so that your watch can maintain its ability to function under water. 

Stacking Gold Bracelets

With the current necessity to wear masks, accessorizing has become tricky. Hence, a lot of fashion enthusiasts have come up with ways to spruce up multiple outfits. One of these genius ways is to wear stacks of bracelets that can make even the most basic attires look chic and trendy. It may be hard to pull off stacked bracelets, especially if you don’t do it often. For first-timers, it’s important to remember that the key is knowing where to start, which pieces to put together, and what outfits to wear with your stacked look. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it; just remember that the goal is to feel good about yourself. Although this may sound fairly easy, there are still quite a few things you must avoid when mixing, matching, and stacking. Today, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you start. 

Sizing

Bracelet chain sizes are a personal preference. Combining a variety of sizes and textures can result in a personalized look that can add depth to your outfit. For thick pieces, you can probably go for three to five if you’re feeling a bit bold. On the other hand, if you’re playing with thin bands, you can go for as many as your wrist can handle. A good rule of thumb is to not cover more than ⅓ of your forearms. Also, wear snugger pieces closer to the base of your wrist near your hand to help you keep your wider bracelets behind them.

Mix & Match

Incorporating colors is an easy way to elevate your stack. Feel free to go for fun pieces with interesting shapes or colors. A beaded strand or Las Vegas gold bracelets with gemstones are also good choices. Always keep your outfit in mind when selecting the color for your bracelets. You want to wear colors that coordinate with your clothes. If you’re having a hard time, you can use an all-metal stack. You probably already own good pieces for this look, which will always result in a slightly modern ensemble. 

What to Wear With Stacked Bracelets

No one should stop you from wearing literally whatever you like, especially not a stack of bracelets. You can go and wear it with a basic t-shirt and jeans combo or even with your favorite black dress. A white shirt can act as a blank canvas that can work well with colorful bracelets. Meanwhile, a plain and simple black dress can turn into an edgy yet classy ensemble if you elevate the look with stacked metal bracelets. Just remember to keep it chic and straightforward. Avoid loud statement pieces to help keep you from going overboard.

How Swiss Watches Dominated the World of Horology

When it comes to luxury watches in Las Vegas, Swiss-made watches are the first thing that comes to mind. This is a no-brainer because they are known for their quality and accuracy in time-keeping. Not only that but they are also known for their multi-functionality.

Switzerland was not always the world’s leader in watchmaking. The Dutch and the French were the first ones to dominate the industry of clocks. Then, just before Switzerland made watches their pride, Germany earned the lead in the game, especially after inventing the portable clock back in 1509. These portable clocks are small enough to be worn as pendants or attached to clothing. Historians credit this invention to Peter Henlein, a clockmaker and locksmith based in Nuremberg. So how did Switzerland catapult itself into dominating the world’s watchmaking industry? 

In the early 1500s, the Protestant Reformation ignited a series of violent religious revolutions with Germany at its epicenter. During this era of intense violence, even peacetime industries such as watchmaking became severely affected. Violence slowly spread through France, and it affected France’s watchmaking industry. 

Switzerland became a haven for the French protestants during the reformation as Switzerland is a neutral country. Many French watchmakers also fled to Switzerland, and most of them settled in Geneva. As a result, Switzerland became the epicenter of skilled watchmakers.

A prominent Protestant reformer, John Calvin, led a revolution in Geneva as the French protestants immigrated to the city. John Calvin was also a very religious and strict person, especially when it came to a person’s outward appearance. And because of Calvin’s piousness, he decreed that residents of Geneva should not wear jewelry. As a result, Geneva’s thriving jewelry-making and goldsmithing industry was severely affected.

Jewelers, goldsmiths, and other artisans who were affected turned towards watchmaking instead of leaving the city. Significant innovations in the watchmaking industry were conceptualized and actualized in Switzerland; examples of these are the invention of chronometers, perpetual movements, and tourbillon, among many others.

Today, as smartwatches and mass-produced cheaper watches are found everywhere, Swiss-made watches are still the pinnacle of quality. The care and attention to detail in crafting every piece of watch is an art. And top watchmakers such as Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and the others are still constantly striving for innovation in their pieces. As a result, Swiss-made watches are not your ordinary timepieces; they are a work of art and tiny machines that will survive the test of time.