Your Fashion Jewelry Shopping Guide

It’s well-known that the crown jewels of my summer closet are my accessories, with a special emphasis on jewelry. I find immense joy in combining my gold or silver pieces with vibrant beads, infusing a burst of color into my predominantly neutral summer ensemble.

Throughout the years, I’ve explored various fashion jewelry brands and familiarized myself with the nuances of materials and metals. In this blog post, I aim to pass on my knowledge and recommendations for picking durable, quality jewelry pieces that won’t tarnish easily, all within a budget that accommodates your financial comfort zone.

Gold Plated Jewellery

A majority of fashion or semi-fine jewelry brands utilize gold-plating in their production process. This involves applying a layer of gold onto a base metal using various techniques. When you’re considering making a purchase from a new jewelry brand, it’s important to investigate the base metal they use, their plating method, and the karat of the gold. These factors serve as reliable markers of the quality of the pieces you’re looking to buy.

How can you tell the quality of a jewelry piece according to its base metal?

Base metals will usually be brass, sterling silver, or stainless steel.

Sterling silver, while pricier, often signifies superior jewelry quality. However, it is prone to tarnishing over time, revealing the silver metal beneath the plating. For those with sensitive skin, opting for gold-plated pieces on silver could be an ideal choice, given that sterling silver is hypoallergenic. If you’re in the market for gold-plated jewelry on silver, I would suggest considering gold vermeil plating due to its enhanced durability. You’ll find more details on this in the plating section of this post.

Stainless steel is a robust base metal whose plating remains untarnished. Impressively, gold-plated stainless steel jewelry can withstand exposure to water, making it safe to wear in the shower or swimming pool due to its corrosion-resistant properties. My personal experience with such pieces has been largely positive. 

How can you tell the quality of the jewelry according to its plating?

Gold-plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry, and gold vermeil jewelry each have distinct characteristics. Gold-plated jewelry involves a thin layer of gold applied to another base metal, making it the most budget-friendly choice. However, its quality can fluctuate, and it’s not typically known for its durability. A fashion brand that creates reasonably good quality gold-plated jewelry is & Other Stories.

Gold-filled jewelry features a more substantial layer of plating on a less expensive base metal like brass or copper, striking a balance between affordability and durability. Gold vermeil, on the other hand, has a thicker layer of plating, but its base metal is sterling silver. This makes gold vermeil usually the priciest option among gold-plated pieces.

What does the gold karat stand for?

The karat of gold can also influence the price. A higher karat signifies a purer gold alloy mixed with other metals. Additionally, a higher gold karat will result in a more yellow hue for the jewelry due to the larger quantity of pure gold in the plating. However, a higher karat doesn’t automatically guarantee greater durability of the plating. This factor is more reliant on the type of plating utilized, as discussed earlier.

Solid Gold Jewellery

Lately, a number of semi-fine jewelry brands have begun crafting solid gold jewelry at more affordable prices. I suspect this is due to their minimalist designs which don’t require excessive materials, coupled with the use of 14k gold. Solid gold comes with its own set of benefits – it’s resistant to tarnishing and can be worn in water environments such as showers or the beach. Investing in timeless solid gold jewelry pieces could be a worthwhile consideration.

Silver Jewellery

If your preference leans towards silver jewelry,  The most long-lasting choice would be pieces crafted from 925 sterling silver, though some brands also provide a more economical alternative using silver-plated brass pieces. In such cases, it’s important to verify that it’s sterling silver plating and not merely a silver color. Some brands even provide a plating warranty, which is indicative of the quality. 

Vintage Jewelry

 my collection doesn’t include many vintage jewelry items. Vintage solid gold and sterling silver pieces can often be more budget-friendly. With gold-plated items, details about the base metal and plating type may not always be readily available. Nonetheless, I would advise seeking out pieces made of stainless steel for their enhanced durability.

Sustainable Jewelry

Like in fashion, jewelry making has its sustainable practices. Some brands use recycled metals like silver, gold, or gold vermeil. When it comes to diamonds, conflict-free diamonds or lab-grown diamonds are the ethical options. Other sustainability practices include ethically sourced materials, recycled packaging, or carbon-neutral shipping. Lastly, some brands offer repair services or warranties for their jewelry, allowing for the longevity of your pieces.

FAQ: “Your Guide to Shopping for Fashion Jewelry”

1. What is fashion jewelry? Fashion jewelry, also known as costume jewelry, refers to pieces designed to complement specific outfits or fashion trends. These items are typically made from non-precious metals and adorned with imitation gems and stones.

2. How does fashion jewelry differ from fine jewelry? The main difference lies in the materials used. Fashion jewelry is often made from less expensive materials like base metals, glass, plastic, and synthetic stones, whereas fine jewelry is crafted from precious metals and genuine gemstones.

3. Why choose fashion jewelry over fine jewelry? Fashion jewelry offers affordability and variety, allowing you to experiment with different styles without a significant investment. It’s ideal for following trends, adding a pop of color, or making a bold statement with your accessories.

4. How can I find quality fashion jewelry online? Look for reputable retailers with positive customer reviews, detailed product descriptions, and clear return policies. Checking social media platforms for recommendations and trends can also lead to discovering quality pieces.

5. What should I consider when shopping for fashion jewelry? Focus on your style preferences, the quality and materials of the jewelry, how frequently you plan to wear it, and if it complements your existing wardrobe. Also, consider any potential allergies to metals.

6. Can fashion jewelry be sustainable? Yes, many brands are now focusing on sustainability by using recycled materials and ethical production methods. Look for companies that prioritize eco-friendliness in their manufacturing processes and materials.

7. How do I care for my fashion jewelry to ensure its longevity? Keep it away from water, lotions, and perfumes to prevent tarnishing or damage. Store pieces separately in a dry place to avoid scratches. Clean gently with a soft cloth when necessary.

8. Are there any trends in fashion jewelry I should be aware of? Trends in fashion jewelry change frequently, but some enduring trends include layering necklaces, statement earrings, mixed metals, and personalized pieces. Keep an eye on fashion magazines and influencers for the latest trends.

9. How can I style fashion jewelry with my outfits? Consider the occasion, your outfit’s neckline, and color palette. For instance, statement necklaces complement plain tops well, while dainty pieces are perfect for everyday wear. Mixing and matching pieces creatively can also enhance your personal style.

10. Is it possible to trade or resell fashion jewelry? Yes, there’s a growing market for pre-loved fashion jewelry. Platforms like eBay, Depop, and Etsy allow you to sell or trade pieces. This is also an eco-friendly way to refresh your jewelry collection.

These FAQs serve to guide both newcomers and seasoned shoppers through the vibrant world of fashion jewelry, covering essential aspects from choosing the right pieces to caring for them, ensuring they remain a cherished part of your wardrobe.