Fine Jewelry vs. Costume Jewelry

What is costume jewelry?

Costume jewelry, also called fashion jewelry is inexpensive jewelry that is made of low-quality materials. Costume jewelry is often made with base metals, such as brass, aluminum, or copper. These inexpensive metals become tarnished easily and can even cause irritation or allergic reactions. Jewelry that is plated with precious metal, like gold-plated jewelry, is also considered costume jewelry.

Costume jewelry also uses simulated stones, such as cubic zirconia or plastic to create the illusion of precious or semiprecious stones.

​RELATED: What is Cubic Zirconia?​

What is fine jewelry?

Fine jewelry is jewelry that is made of solid precious metals, such as solid gold, solid sterling silver, or solid platinum. Fine jewelry also uses genuine precious or semiprecious gemstones, like real diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds. It is made to last for years to come, while costume jewelry has a much shorter lifespan.

You can easily identify jewelry containing precious metals. Fine jewelry should have a stamp, or a hallmark, indicating the purity of the gold.

How to tell if gold is real

Authentic gold jewelry should have one of the following hallmarks or stamps to identify its fineness:

*24K gold is incredibly soft and therefore is rarely used in jewelry.

How to tell if platinum is real

Authentic platinum jewelry should have one of the following hallmarks to identify its purity:

*The amount of platinum the piece contains.

How to tell if sterling silver is real

Sterling silver jewelry should have this hallmark to identify its purity:

 *The amount of silver the piece contains.

To verify if your gemstone or diamond is real, it is best to visit a jeweler who can assist you.