Many people wonder why in some cases, a ring or necklace will have an exorbitant price, while one that is seemingly identical is incredibly inexpensive. This is most likely due to the fact that the former piece is a piece of fine jewelry, while the latter is a piece of costume jewelry. Parsing out the differences between the two can be a bit of an overwhelming task. Throughout the course of this brief article, you will learn a bit about what makes the two types of jewelry distinct.

What Is The Primary Difference Between Fine Jewelry and Costume Jewelry?

The main sticking point that separates fine jewelry from costume jewelry is the fact that fine jewelry is always crafted with natural gemstones. This means that the stones from which the jewelry was constructed were purchased through the jewel trade and painstakingly fashioned to the fit a particular piece. The metal from which a piece of fine jewelry is crafted is often times 10K gold, although this is not necessarily the case with every piece. Costume jewelry, on the other hand, is crafted from faux stones, or synthetic stones. The metals from which they are crafted are almost never forged from precious metals, and are often times crafted with nickel or copper.

How Long Will Either Piece Last You?

Simply put, a piece of fine jewelry was designed to last. Natural stones and precious metals are not only beautiful, but they are strong, as well. There are many instances where, if cared for well, a piece of fine jewelry can outlast generations of family members. The cheaper material from which costume jewelry is produced is, on the other hand, not meant to last. Nickel and copper can be easily bent, and, if gold plated, will generally flake over time. The synthetic stones from which costume jewelry is constructed can easily scratch and crack.

What Is The Re-Sale Value Of Both?

The re-sale value of fine jewelry is subject to change due to the whims of the market. The supply and demand of the stones used, as well as global market trends will dictate the re-sale worth of your fine jewelry. Costume jewelry essentially has no re-sale value. It is made on a large scale basis for trendier fashions that tend to go out of style much more quickly than fine jewelry.

To an untrained eye, there may not be a readily apparent difference between fine jewelry and costume jewelry. Dig a little deeper, however, and you will find the differences to be innumerable. If you're looking to purchase fine jewelry, visit a local shop like Mollie B Distinctively Different Fine Jewelry.