Top Chef in South Florida Celebrate Your Kids! - HERLIFE Magazine

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fine things Costume Jewelry vs. Fine Jewelry By Rachel C. Murphy D iamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? We all learned that from Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. As she extols the virtues of earth’s hardest stones, we can all daydream of diamonds and gold. Back in reality, diamond jewelry costs a pretty penny. Does that mean that we have to go unadorned? Absolutely not! Costume jewelry fills in the gaps between those pieces that we will pass down to starry-eyed little girls as they play in our jewelry boxes. In an age where man-made materials are almost as durable as gold and silver, what’s the difference between costume jewelry and the good stuff? We’re going to find out. Most jewelry in the past has been forged from gold, silver, platinum or an alloy. As many of these metals are very soft in their original state, metals are mixed to increase their strength and ability to resist corrosion. According to most reputable jewelers, fine jewelry is defined by the materials from which it is comprised. Fine jewelry will contain real gemstones, whether organically sourced or lab created. Precious gemstones are typically considered diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and pearls. These stones will also be set in fine metals, such as gold, silver and platinum. Costume jewelry is much more widely worn, since it is typically much more affordable. While it is less expensive, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a lack of quality. Another term for costume jewelry is fashion jewelry. While costume jewelry still contains jewels, they are typically made of glass, plastic or paste. They give off the same sparkle for a lot less coin. Many people must be careful when wearing costume jewelry because of metal allergies, such as nickel. It is common now to make costume jewelry as nickelfree, or hypoallergenic. There is now emerging a third category, often known as Many fine jewelry designers are now working in mediums that were once the domain of costume or bridge jewelry. bridge jewelry. Bridge jewelry will contain higher quality metals, such as sterling silver, and semiprecious stones. Sterling silver is an alloy that increases its strength and durability. Semiprecious stones include jade, turquoise, amethyst, lapis lazuli and garnet. Many birthstones are considered semiprecious stones. While the basic differences are in materials, costume jewelry has made great strides towards the style that fine jewelry once set. Many fine jewelry designers are now working in mediums that were once the domain of costume or bridge jewelry. Tiffany and Co. is a perfect example. Their iconic Tiffany charm bracelets are priced in the fine jewelry range, but they are forged from sterling silver. While much of the price difference is because of their name and reputation, the materials that they are working with are the same as much lower priced pieces. David Yurman is another example. His twisted rope jewelry is made of sterling silver and semiprecious stones such as topaz and onyx. Just as clothing goes in and out of style, so does jewelry. Some materials that were once considered precious have now decreased in value when more stores of them were found. Amethyst is one such example. Once thought to be one of the 26 HERLIFEmagazine.com
arer stones, new deposits have flooded the market, making lower quality stones more widely available and thus able to be incorporated in more costume jewelry. When looking for jewelry to wear on a day-to-day basis, costume jewelry definitely wins out. With creative designs at rock bottom prices at your local boutique or even Target, it’s hard to pass up. Wooden beads, hammered copper, feathers and rhinestones all help flesh out a well-accessorized wardrobe. If you want costume jewelry that isn’t mass-produced, check online sites such as etsy.com. This online store provides a venue for thousands of unique artists working in both commonplace and fine metals. If you’re looking for a specific piece and still can’t find it, many of the artisans will make something specifically for you. Fine jewelry is generally given to commemorate a holiday, birthday or special occasion. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring, tennis bracelet or a beautifully crafted pair of earrings, fine jewelry designers are available all over the country. Whether you breakfast at Tiffany’s or start your kisses with Kay, there are plenty of people designing exquisite fine jewelry. Another great place to look for both fine and costume jewelry is estate sales and antique markets. Many vintage pieces will sparkle just as brightly today as they did when the original wearer slipped them on. Either way you go, jewelry is a way to express yourself in big or small ways. Know what you’re looking for and you can create a sparkling personality in gold and silver every day. HERLIFEmagazine.com 27
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