What is the Difference between Fashion Jewelry and Fine Jewelry?
When listing a jewel, it is necessary to distinguish between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry.
Fashion jewelry, or attire jewelry, is usually made with base metals and simulated stones. These pieces are often made with brass, copper, or aluminum, which bend and tarnish quickly. However, jewelry made entirely from textiles or leather, base metal alloys, and even metals plated with precious metals like gold or silver falls under fashion jewelry. Simulated stones include plastic stones, cubic zirconia, and Swarovski crystals.
Fine jewelry describes jewelry made of solid gold, sterling silver, platinum, and/or other precious metals. This jewelry often uses genuine precious gemstones like natural diamonds, rubies, sapphires, etc. Because it has made entirely of solid precious metals and precious gems, fine jewelry is so much stronger than fashion jewelry. It will not tarnish and requires proper care and storage. In addition to that, when broken, fine jewelry can be repaired.
Approved Listings for Jewelry and Precious Gems Policy
- Gold and Silver jewelry with the appropriate stamp in compliance with the law.
- Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries that comply with the FTC’s guides.
- Examples, but not limited, of fine metal:
- Gold of 10 karats or higher (yellow, rose, white).
- Silver of 925 parts per 1000 pure silver or above.
- Platinum group metals of 850 parts per 1000 pure platinum or above.
- Black rhodium plated silver
- Bonded gold and silver (if gold plated sterling silver)
- Brass plated gold (greater than 10k gold);
- Examples, but not limited, of fine Gems:
- Alexandrite
- Almandine-garnet
- Amber
- Amethyst
- Blue diamond
- Blue opal
- Champagne diamond
- Diamonds must comply with Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
- Gemstone cannot be irradiated.
- Diamonds cannot have done clarity enhancement.
- Rubies cannot be glass-filled
