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.