Fine vs. Fashion Jewelry
Everyone has different tastes in jewelry. Some like gold, some like silver; some like sapphires and some like diamonds--but something we can all agree on is the difference between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry.
It boils down to the materials of the actual pieces of jewelry.
Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry is made of precious alloy metals and set with precious or semi-precious pearls and gemstones. The metals used to craft fine jewelry are platinum, various golds (white, yellow, rose), and sterling silver. Gems used in the creation of fine jewelry are: sapphire, ruby, chalcedony, diamond, topaz, aquamarine and many more. Vermeil and gold-filled jewelry are also considered fine.
Fine jewelry is meant to last decades, even centuries. Many pieces of fine jewelry become heirlooms. It never goes out of style.
Fine jewelry never tarnishes and it can be repaired, resized, or reworked by skilled jewelers.
Fashion Jewelry
Fashion jewelry can be found in nearly every woman's jewelry box. It can be beautiful and even appear top quality--but it should never be mistaken for fine jewelry. Designers create fashion pieces that follow current trends. It is always meant to be worn as an accessory and you will find the pieces will go out of style, unlike fine jewelry. But, you can still make a big statement with a small price!
It is not crafted with precious metals, unless there is plating over the base metal. Many of the metals used in fashion jewelry are stainless steel, titanium, nickel, copper, brass, and tungsten. Fashion jewelry does not contain any precious or semi-precious gemstones. Gems included in the production of fashion jewelry are crystal, hematite, tiger eye, amber, cubic zirconia, quartz, and more. When it comes to fashion pearls, they are always faux or simulated; such glass pearls. They can still be stunning or even look real, but sometimes the quality is not there and they don't last as long as fine jewelry.
Let's look at an example:
This Oval Blue Sapphire Three Stone Ring with Pear Diamonds is offered at heirloom quality on the Angara website. It retails for $11,559. The intricacy and detail of this ring can only be achieved by the finest alloids and gemstones. This piece is ready to be passed down generations.
This Sterling Silver Round Swarovski Austrian Crystal Birthstone Ring is sterling silver with a high polish finish, encompassing a cubic zirconia stone. It retails for $72. This ring is a great choice for those who want a less expensive, yet finished look. With its simple design and silver plating, this ring completes many outfits without breaking the bank.
At Boston Designer Jewelry Imports, we strive to bring you top quality, fine jewelry for every occasion. Shop our collection at: https://bostondesignerjewelryimports.com/ and follow us on all your favorite social media.
The world is your jewelry.
Queen Elizabeth’s Favorite Jewels
Queen Elizabeth has one of the most extensive jewelry collections in England, but she still believes in attractive basics for her style. She has been passing on her style to the family, just as previous royalty has done to her. Queen Elizabeth wears a pair of pearl and diamond earrings she inherited from Queen Mary, which Queen Mary first received as a wedding gift in 1893. Here, she is seen wearing her pearl and diamond earrings along with her triple strand pearl necklace. Her brooch originally belonged to Queen Victoria, and dates back to the 19th century. Pearls are a staple in her jewelry ensemble, and she is never seen without her pearls at daytime events.
According to The Adventurine, Meghan Markle wore pearls to her first official solo outing, gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth. Markle's pair was strikingly similar to the monarch's--just smaller. The diamond and pearl earrings aligned perfectly with Markle's polished style and custom Givenchy dress.
Kate wore the same pearls as Markle when she gave birth to Prince Louis. The pearls signified the commemoration to the royal family and England on the day Prince Louis entered the world. The pearls are strikingly similar to Queen Mary’s Button Earrings (shown below), which are natural pearls that precede the introduction of cultured pearls. Since Kate has gained a deeper understanding of the royal family history, her jewelry collection has become more elegant and representative of her status as royalty.
The jewels are a thread line through the generations of the Majesties. The everlasting jewels are not simply daily accessories and embellishments, they are heirlooms that represent the history of the British Royal Family. The Queen’s vast assortment of jewels comes from those who reigned before her, and are also known as a collection that Princess Diana, for example, wore in great style.
The tiara worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding is another piece of jewelry that resides in the royal family estate.
The bandeau was originally created for Queen Mary, and the brooch was designed and given to Princess Mary in 1893 by the County of Lincoln as a gift for her wedding to Prince George, Duke of York. In 1953, both the brooch and the bandeau were willed by Queen Mary to Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Mary’s sentiment reflects how jewelry is a part of representing the royal family, and how this representation of the royal family is deeply rooted in their history.
For your wedding make your own family history by starting your heirloom, strand of pearl necklace and pearl, diamond stud earrings. Click on links for more information on mentioned pearl accessories.
https://bostondesignerjewelryimports.com/shop-bdji/royal-mabe-pearl-diamond-earrings/
https://bostondesignerjewelryimports.com/shop-bdji/loyal-akoya-cultured-pearl-necklace/
Meghan Markle's Sparkling Diamond Engagement Ring -Diamonds From Princess Diana
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced their engagement. I am sure everyone is wondering about the appearance of the ring.
Harry designed the Cleave and Company ring. The diamond engagement ring is a three stone ring. The center stone is a unique cushion diamond and 2 round stones on each side on a gold band. The three stone diamond ring are heartfelt and majestic as one would assume. Harry chose the center stone from Botswana where the love struck couple spent time together and the other two round stones are from Princess Diana's personal collection. Cushion cut diamonds are really unique and cut a little deeper, and appears a little smaller. (Photo: FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA, EPA-EFE)
The sparkle of the diamond ring resembles the display of their love when they look into each others eyes.
Exciting news along with Harry and Meghan's engagement, our designers are working on duplicating Meghan's engagement ring. Stay Tuned.
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