How do you define fine jewelry?

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#46
I think fine jewelry is platinum, 18 k gold or higher, diamonds , rubies, sapphires, emeralds and some pearls. Anything with 14k gold or less or semi precious stones I don't think is fine jewelry.
 
#47
I don't think the fine jewelry in most department stores or mid-to-low priced mall jewelry stores is really fine jewelry. I'd define fine jewelry as having high quality materials and craftsmanship in platinum, 18k gold (and sometimes 14) and fine quality gemstones and diamonds. Red spinel, paraiba tourmaline, etc are very high priced and can be equal or more expensive than some of the "precious" gems. So it is high quality materials and fine craftsmanship that make fine jewelry to me,
 
#48
Interesting thread! I've been "mis-thinking" this all along!
I've always thought that there were only 2 categories - Costume Jewelry or Fine Jewelry.
I thought, "Costume Jewelry" = base metal, plated, vermeil, crystals, rhinestones, imitation pearls, etc. . . And I mistakenly thought that ,"Fine Jewelry" = "K" gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, diamonds, pearls, etc. . .

Is there another term for my many 14 & 10 K and silver pieces?
 
#52
goldengirl123 said:
To me, "fine jewelry" really depends on the individual piece. I see a difference between the 14k gold items you purchase at Macy's and the 14k gold items at a jewelry store. I look more towards the weight of the item and the craftsmanship that went into creating it - not so much the brand name. Having said that, Tiffany's silver has a great weight to it. Much more so than what you would purchase in the mall. In my opinion, that (the weight and quality) would make Tiffany silver "fine jewelry" - not just the name associated with the piece.



I've always thought of "costume jewelry" more as something that is not intended to last more than one season.



Just my 2 cents [emoji3]
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I have a sterling silver necklace from Tiffany's, and it's incredible how you can really feel the difference! I used to think it was overpriced for just being Sterling silver, but their pieces are most definitely quality.
 
#54
Is silver considered costume? Where I live, it's not considered costume (I think so), when you try to sell a silver piece, you at least get its scrap value, which is not the case with base metal jewelry.
 
#55
suchi said:
Is silver considered costume? Where I live, it's not considered costume (I think so), when you try to sell a silver piece, you at least get its scrap value, which is not the case with base metal jewelry.
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I definitely don't think it's costume! I think fine jewelry encompasses sterling silver, gold, platinum, etc. I think some get high end jewelry and fine jewelry confused. Fine just means it made of nice metals, not the finest metals out there.
 
#56
Molly0 said:
Would 14k be considered costume?
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No, absolutely not..you can even pawn it..it has value...14k is still gold and thus fine jewelry in my opinion...lets put it this way, fine jewelry is anything that the pawn shop accepts...go there and try to pawn a costume jewelry they wont accept it..
 
#57
Mcandy said:
No, absolutely not..you can even pawn it..it has value...14k is still gold and thus fine jewelry in my opinion...lets put it this way, fine jewelry is anything that the pawn shop accepts...go there and try to pawn a costume jewelry they wont accept it..
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Good point, some one I knew when I first came to this country kept their good jewellery in a pawn shop and redeemed it when she occasionally wanted to wear it. Didn't feel comfortable with her roomies and their friends.
 
#58
Mcandy said:
No, absolutely not..you can even pawn it..it has value...14k is still gold and thus fine jewelry in my opinion...lets put it this way, fine jewelry is anything that the pawn shop accepts...go there and try to pawn a costume jewelry they wont accept it..
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Yes, but a pawn shop will take Chanel jewelry - and as lovely as it is, that isn't fine jewelry.
 
#59
UniC said:
I definitely don't think it's costume! I think fine jewelry encompasses sterling silver, gold, platinum, etc. I think some get high end jewelry and fine jewelry confused. Fine just means it made of nice metals, not the finest metals out there.
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Mcandy said:
No, absolutely not..you can even pawn it..it has value...14k is still gold and thus fine jewelry in my opinion...lets put it this way, fine jewelry is anything that the pawn shop accepts...go there and try to pawn a costume jewelry they wont accept it..
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I think you're right. There are only the two categories. "Fine" (convertible to cash) or "Costume" (not convertible to cash).
 
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