In a world where we’re constantly being bombarded with products and prices, it’s getting harder and harder to know what you should be saving up for. Should you spend $20 on a pair of earrings that won’t last past the weekend? Or should you save up for that $2,000 necklace that takes a little bit longer to pay off?
Well, there are actually two kinds of jewelry out there: fashion jewelry and gemstone jewelry. And they’re not quite the same. Here are the key things to consider when looking at each type of jewelry.
What Is Fashion Jewelry?
Fashion jewelry is made from base metals, like steel or pewter, and can be either plated in gold or silver or have enamel or embellishments on it. The price is generally lower than gemstone Custom Jewelry, but it also doesn’t last as long.
What Is Gemstone or Fine Jewelry?
Gemstones are durable and beautiful, but because they are produced in nature it’s important to choose a reputable seller who ensures that their gems are ethically sourced. This can be done by asking your seller whether they provide full disclosure about how they get their gems. Gemstones also give off subtle energy, so many people choose them based on the type of energy they want to receive (for example love, passion, creativity).
While both types of jewelry are beautiful, there are a few things that distinguish them:
Suitability for Various Occasions
Fashion jewelry can be a great option for day-to-day wear. It’s often more affordable than fine jewelry, and because it’s less expensive, you may feel more comfortable wearing it on the weekends, to work out, or when you’re going out and might get sweaty.
Not only that, but fashion jewelry can make your outfit POP without making a huge statement about your finances—you could have tons of gems on your fingers or around your neck without people necessarily knowing how much money you’ve spent on them.
Differences in Prices
Fashion jewelry is also great if you want a lot of variety in your wardrobe—you can build up a collection of gorgeous pieces that won’t break the bank but will allow you to express yourself through fashion every day of the week. (Not everyone has the budget to do that with fine jewelry.)
On the other hand, fine jewelry is generally considered a status symbol—and not just because it costs more, but since it carries lifelong value. Fine jewelry is typically more expensive because it uses sterling silver and precious metals like gold or platinum. It’s also usually set with gemstones that are mined and cut by hand.
Difference in Materials
Fashion jewelry is meant to look like gemstone jewelry, but it’s made with synthetic materials. This means that it doesn’t have as much value as gemstone jewelry, because it’s not made from precious metals and stones. Fashion jewelry might look amazing in the store, but it doesn’t have the durability of gemstone jewelry—so you’ll need to replace it sooner rather than later.
Custom-made jewelry is the real deal: all precious metals and stones. It lasts forever, which makes it easy to pass down from generation to generation with just a little maintenance (which is why people love heirloom pieces!). But all that quality comes at a price: gemstone jewelry will cost you more upfront than fashion jewelry because it has higher material costs.
Differences in Styles
Fashion jewelry is more like apparel—it’s meant to be trendy and fun, but it’s not going to last forever. Fashion jewelry is usually made from materials like plastic or costume pearls, which are far less valuable than real gems.
On the other hand, gemstone jewelry is meant to be passed down through generations and can retain (or even increase) its value over time. It often has intricate designs while fashion jewelry is designed to provide the appearance of real pieces without all the fuss of precious metals and stones.
So, if you’re looking to invest in something that might be passed down through your family for centuries, then gemstone is for you.
Differences in Astrological Benefits
Gemstones have always been valued for their astrological benefits: by wearing a piece of gemstone jewelry, you can harness the power of its specific astrological sign. Gemstones are thought to hold certain properties that help with healing and astrological balance. For example, turquoise is said to help promote good mental health and fortitude, while amethyst is said to help promote good sleep and provide relief from headaches.
You can buy rings, necklaces, or bracelets with your birthstone on them to show off your sign and provide yourself with some extra astral projection in an accessory form!
On the other hand, fashion jewelry is generally made from imitation stones. It’s usually more affordable than gemstone pieces, and sometimes incorporates other materials such as plastic beads or metal charms. But this jewelry has no strong metaphysical properties or astrological benefits to change your life positively.
How to Choose the Right Type of Gemstone Jewelry
The type of gemstone pieces you’ll want to wear depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and the jewelry’s purpose.
If you’re looking for everyday jewelry, you may want to go with a gemstone that is durable and doesn’t require special care. For example, amethyst is not only beautiful, but it’s also extremely durable.
It belongs to the quartz family (along with gems like citrine and rock crystal) so it has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale. So, it is a good choice for an everyday ring or necklace because it will withstand regular wear and tear.
If you’re looking for jewelry that makes a statement or is more formal, you may want to choose something with a higher hardness rating. For example, sapphires and rubies have hardness ratings of 9—so they’ll be tougher than. If you’re looking for something that is more subtle, try choosing an emerald or turquoise necklace.
Choose a stone that matches your favorite outfit or select one that brings out the flecks of color in your eyes. Selecting the right cut for your gemstone will influence how light enters and reflects from the stone. From round brilliant cuts to princess cuts and more, gemstones can be cut in many ways depending on their natural shape when mined.
Most importantly, buy jewelry made from natural and untreated gemstones available at stores like GemPundit with a free lab certificate.