Personal ornaments. Bijouterie. Coveted regalia. Hello, jewelry.
Because it’s more than just hand-me-downs or retail therapy. Jewelry today has become a sentimental and powerful tool for self-expression. The best part? In resale, it pays. Whether you’re selling a piece of fashion jewelry you wore to a bridal party for your friend’s wedding, or looking to invest in fine or high jewelry because you’re a collector (or, just because – props to you), the jewelry pieces you can find at FASHIONPHILE are so diverse. It’s precisely what makes this sought-after category so expansive… and so exciting!
This brings me to the point of this post. Since the world of jewelry is quite vast, a little education can go a long way. Now more than ever, jewelry rankings have become more apparent these days. We’re sharing everything you need to know about how jewelry is ranked, what brands you may find under these various rankings, and the ‘101’ behind understanding jewelry resale value and why that matters.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: What are some differences between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry?
Fashion Jewelry ($)
If you can picture the categories of jewelry structured as a pyramid, then fashion jewelry would fall at the base. Fashion jewelry, also known as ‘costume jewelry’ is catered to serve a broader demographic and consists of your trendier designer jewelry: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings galore. You can find gorgeous fashion jewelry pieces from Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more at FASHIONPHILE. Also included under this category are a number of fashion accessories, such as brooches and hairpieces.
In terms of affordability, this category is the most accessible category due to the materials used – often, fashion jewelry is crafted using base metals such as brass, copper, and aluminum, and dressed in stones including cubic zirconia and Swarovski crystals.
Care tips: These pieces of jewelry are sensitive to oils, perfumes, and other external substances and often tarnish or break if not stored properly. After use, gently wipe with a clean cloth, and keep inside a jewelry box, or store items in a secure container to give them the longest possible shelf life. Pst! caring for your items will give you more bang for your buck when (and if) you’re ever ready to sell them.
Fine Jewelry ($$$)
Fine jewelry is one step up from fashion jewelry. This category of jewelry is often constructed of sterling silver, solid gold, platinum, and other precious metals with gemstones included, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. We’re talking about styles that range from your favorite minimalist jewelry to above and beyond maximalist pieces. This is where the resale value really comes into play. If you’re shopping for jewelry as an investment, fine jewelry is where you should start. Fine jewelry pieces carry more value because of the elevated materials used.
Think John Hardy, David Yurman, Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Anita Ko, Suzanne Kalan, and more. As substantial as fine jewelry brands can be, the range in market value associated with its pieces can also be incredibly broad. For example, a gorgeous diamond earring set from David Yurman could be valued at a couple hundred dollars. But an extremely coveted diamond lapis Alhambra necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels could be valued at several thousands of dollars. The fine jewelry pricing spectrum can be extensive. But the good news is that fine jewelry gives you plenty of options regardless of what your budget may be.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many brands have products that fall under various jewelry categories. For instance, you may think of Gucci or Chanel for your next gorgeous fashion jewelry piece, but these brands also carry pieces that fall under fine jewelry, as well. With that in mind, when shopping for your jewelry at FASHIONPHILE, pay close attention to the title and description. This is where all information pertaining to materials is provided, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
High Jewelry ($$$$$)
It comes as no surprise that our favorite brands are also tapping into high jewelry. From Gucci serving biblical looks to Boucheron’s Carte Blanche collection and Chanel’s Collar Necklace, high jewelry, or ‘haute joaillerie’ in French, is incredibly niche. More creation and innovation come into play. This category falls at the top of the pyramid. Although small in scope compared to fine jewelry or fashion jewelry, this category stuns (arguably the most) and sometimes even breaks auction records.
How? High jewelry items are specialized and are often bespoke pieces crafted with the finest materials. With that said, they cater to a totally different market. But if you can afford them, they make quite the investment. Think Beyonce’s iconic Tiffany necklace (previously worn by Lady Gaga and Audrey Hepburn), or Zendaya’s head-turning spider web earrings as seen at the “Spider Man: No Way Home” movie premiere. In short, they’re one of the most coveted (and most expensive) pieces you can buy from legendary jewelry names such as Bulgari, Chopard, Cartier, Tiffany, Messika, and more.
