Demi-Fine Jewelry: Filling the Gap

You see new jewelry designers popping up everywhere, and you aren’t quite sure how to classify them.  You see larger fashion companies launching new lines of jewelry, and the lines are new in concept… sort of.  They are bridging a gap.  Filling a hole unfilled previously. 

Demi-Fine Jewelry. 

What is it?  What is so special about it?  Why do you need to know about it?

First, let’s talk about jewelry categories as you have always known them.  There is of course fine jewelry and then there is costume or fashion Jewelry.  Fine jewelry usually costs thousands of dollars and is reserved for special occasions such as engagements, anniversaries, etc.  Fine jewelry consists of precious gemstones (diamond, sapphire, ruby or emerald) and 14k solid gold or greater.  Styling usually centers on classic and timeless looks that can be worn for generations.

Costume or fashion jewelry is more flamboyant and fun to wear.  Its materials consist of glass, beads, crystals, acrylic, brass, bronze, and leather.  Price point can range from $1 to $50, and these pieces will not last for long.  The gold tarnishes or wears off and the glass (stones) can break or easily fall out.

Now for that gap I was talking about…  The huge hole left between $30 necklace and $1000 necklace… Do you see it??

In the last couple of years a new category of jewelry has emerged called Demi-Fine Jewelry. 

What is it?  Well, it is a category of jewelry that consists of both precious and semi-precious stones and uses precious metal such as gold and/and silver, but perhaps at a lower carat.  Its exterior can consist of gold plating (electro plated with very thin layer of gold over brass base – does not last long as layer wears off),  vermeil (a thicker gold plating over silver – layer can wear off but over longer period of time), or be gold filled (2-3 layers starting with silver or brass core and gold layer bonded to the core with total weight being at least 5% or greater 14k gold— can last for a very long time and can be treated just like 14k gold).

The stones are genuine and can be precious or semi-precious, including opals, aquamarine, amethyst, or turquoise; or may not be stones at all but organic matter such as pearls, coral or amber.  Lab created stones are often used in this category to provide a lower price point and greater sense of environmental and/or ethical wellbeing for buyers.  

What is so special about this category of jewelry?  You can have the look of fine jewelry but at an affordable price point, and no one but YOU will ever know the price you paid!  You can stay on trend because demi-fine jewelry is usually fashion forward yet made to last for many years to come. Design for this category is usually subtle vs the ostentatious or super trendy look of costume jewelry. 

Why do you need to know about it?  Because…This category of jewelry isn’t going anywhere!!  In fact, it grows at least 6% year over year in the marketplace.  So you, my dear jewelry lover, can stay current, but maintain minimalist styling which will work for many years to come.  Demi-fine jewelry was created specifically for YOU – the woman buying a luxury for herself!  

Some care tips for demi-fine jewelry. Pay attention to the gold plated vs gold filled, etc.  For gold plated pieces, take care in wearing it to avoid excessive sweat, lotions or spending any length of time in a pool, as plating can wear off.  If it contains certain types of stones, do not use an ultrasonic cleaner, as these might shake the stone loose (especially if it is glued). Sometimes soap and water with a soft brush (I like using an old soft toothbrush) is all you need to clean it.  Always check with the seller on care instructions.  If you care for it properly, it can last for many, many years!

So embrace the semi-precious stones!!  Embrace the gold filled chains (they look and act just like solid gold!)!  They are on trend and really fun to wear! Start accessorizing!

Shop these gold filled earrings here!

Shop 14k, gold-filled, and silver stack rings here!

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