When shopping for jewellery online you’ve probably come across terms such as fashion jewellery, artificial jewellery, imitation jewellery, costume jewellery, and gold-plated jewellery.
Although some people may use these terms interchangeably, there are differences in their meanings.
So what do we mean when we say fashion jewellery as opposed to artificial jewellery?
When we say fashion jewellery, we are referring to jewellery which has more of an emphasis on how it enhances and complements a person’s sense of fashion and style. In comparison, the term artificial jewellery is used when describing jewellery that is not made of real precious metals and gemstones.
Using our definitions, a necklace could be described as fashion jewellery as well as artificial jewellery. Everyday fashion jewellery could be described as artificial jewellery.
Just looking at the definitions, you may not be able to understand the actual qualities of a piece of jewellery. The best way to evaluate a piece of jewellery is to look at the materials used to make it, as well as the design, construction, finish and how it is intended to be used.
What is Fashion Jewellery?
As the name suggests fashion jewellery is jewellery that is designed to provide its owner a means of adding style and flair to their everyday clothing. Depending on the tastes and preference of the wearer fashion jewellery can include necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, bangles, pendants, and brooches.
As with other items of clothing and accessories, fashion jewellery can be designed to reflect and follow the latest trends. However, it need not be purely trend focused. Many pieces of fashion jewellery are designed to be worn to work, and to events and functions.
Fashion jewellery allows its wearer to creatively blend different pieces to reflect and enhance their personal sense of style.
Our jewellery is designed for the way women dress today. Our collections include designs for every day and for special occasions. We offer a wide range of styles for women of all ages. All of our designs are created using the highest quality materials.
What is Artificial Jewellery?
Jewellery made of bases other than solid gold or platinum is referred to as artificial jewellery in India.
There are a variety of materials used in artificial jewellery including, but not limited to:
- Stainless steel
- Other metal alloys
- Plated metals
- Crystals
- Cubic Zirconia
- Other synthetic and/or decorative stones
Artificial jewellery can also contain other materials used in jewellery.
Again, using the term artificial gives no insight into the quality of the jewellery.
Jewellery can be made with several materials and still be classified as artificial.
Fashion jewellery is created to be stylish and typically used to complement outfits. Artificial jewellery can also be jewellery created to serve a styling purpose.
For example, a necklace created using a stainless steel base and 18K gold plate is artificial jewellery as it is not composed entirely of gold. Additionally, it is fashion jewellery for styling.
So, while there are similarities in the use cases for fashion and artificial jewellery, they do differ.
While terminology in jewellery can be vague, the best route is to get past the broad categories and read the specifics of the products.
What Do You Need To Check Before You Buy Jewelry Online?
No matter what name a site uses, be it fashion jewellery, artificial jewellery, or imitation jewellery, there are several aspects that must be analysed.
1. Base Material
Finding the base material of the jewellery is essential.
2. Finish
The jewellery may have one of the following:
- A gold-plated finish
- A silver-plated finish
- A different type of plating
- A polished finish
- A decorative coating
Finish plays a big role in the overall look of the jewellery.
3. Decorative Material
Jewelry can contain any of the following:
- Crystal
- Cubic Zirconia
- Natural gems
- Synthetic gems
- Pearls
4. Care Instructions
The care sheet of jewellery must be of some help in maintaining the finish of the jewellery.
There are numerous things, like perfume and other products, that can adversely impact the finish of the jewellery.
5. Other Information
There are several other aspects that must be analysed like, is it premium? is it luxurious? what is the quality of the gold? is it solid gold?
What is 18K Gold Plated?
When talking about Selforia, we can say that 18K gold plated means that the base material of the jewellery is of some other material and it is gold plated to give it a gold finish.
Because our catalog includes both silver-finish and gold-finish pieces, it is inaccurate to say the entire Selforia collection is “18K gold-plated jewelry.”
For our brand materials, we will call the gold-finish pieces “18K Gold Tone Plated” and the silver-finish pieces “Silver Tone Plated.”
This language gives our audience more accurate information.
Is Artificial Jewelry Low Quality?
Not necessarily.
As with all jewelry, the quality of a particular piece depends on the materials used, the finish and the construction.
You should evaluate a piece of artificial jewelry the same way you would evaluate any jewelry. For instance, you should consider how the piece is finished and what materials were used.
You should ask:
“Is this a good piece of jewelry?”
Rather, you should ask:
“What materials was this jewelry made with? How was it finished? What, if any, are the potential care requirements for this piece?”
Which pieces of Selforia’s artificial jewelry are suitable for daily wear?
Pieces that are constructed with a comfortable and sturdy base and plating, and that have a finish appropriate for daily wear.
There are collections of Selforia’s jewelry suitable for everyday wear, including pieces for the neck, ears, and wrist.
You want fashion jewelry when you want:
- Up To Date Designs
- Jewelry With Many Ways To Wear It
- Jewelry With Different Ways To Style It
- Jewelry That You Can Wear Every Day
- Jewelry That You Can Wear With Your Everyday Clothes
- Jewelry That Adds To Your Style
When you want to purchase artificial jewelry you should look at:
- What The Pieces Are Made Of
- How The Pieces Are Put Together
- The Quality Of Stones
- How Big The Pieces Are
- How Hard The Pieces Are To Clean
- How Transparent The Brand Is
- The Specifications Of The Piece
Keep in mind you don't have to choose between artificial and fashion jewelry.
A piece can be both.
Confusion with Terms in India
There are many synonyms for artificial jewelry and people in the industry use many different terms to describe the same thing.
Some of those terms are: fashion jewelry, imitation jewelry, costume jewelry, gold-plated jewelry, gold-tone jewelry, silver-tone jewelry.
Commercial listings for the same products can vary wildly.
A brand can't rely on terms like fashion jewelry and expect customers will understand the material composition of a product.
Selforia uses fashion jewelry to describe design elements and style elements of a piece. For example we may use fashion jewelry to describe a necklace and 18k gold tone plating to describe a finish.
We believe this is a clearer system than referring to all of our products as artificial jewelry.
Our designs are contemporary. Our pieces can be worn everyday. We encourage self-expression with our pieces and believe jewelry can be worn anywhere. Our mission is to give women control and choice over their self-expression and offer them pieces they can incorporate into their lifestyle.
Some have referred to our designs as ‘advanced’ or ‘fashion-forward’. We offer necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings in a variety of styles.
We believe Selforia answers an untapped need in the Indian market for high quality, contemporary jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fashion Jewelry?
Fashion Jewelry focuses more on style and less on metal purity. Artificial Jewelry is a broader term that encompasses fashion and costume jewelry.
Is Artificial Jewelry Real Jewelry?
Artificial jewelry can be made of real gemstones and silver/gold/other metal alloys and thus, can be considered real jewelry. However, the purity and quality of the metal alloys can vary.
Is Fashion/Artificial Jewelry Good Quality?
Not all fashion or artificial jewels are made equally and depend on the quality of the base metal. Jewelry can tarnish based on the metals used and the plating. In a lot of cases, the base metal isn’t as good as the finish of the jewelry would lead you to believe.
Is Selforia Artificial Jewelry?
We believe our designs are more fashion-forward. It is a preference of our consumer base to wear contemporary designs rather than traditional and more “luxurious” jewelry. Selforia uses high-quality metal alloys and stones to create our pieces.
Is Selforia 18K Gold?
Although some of our designs reflect a 18K gold tone, Selforia uses gold tone plating on the majority of our designs. Our designs can also reflect a sterling silver tone.
Our goal is to provide our customers with freedom and choices in self expression, with product descriptions and quality that are beyond expectations.
What's the difference between gold plated and gold tone plated?
Different brands may use different terminology. In these cases, it’s best to review product specs to evaluate the construction of the product. For Selforia, we use the term “18K gold-tone plated” to describe a product finish.
Can fashion jewelry be worn frequently?
Absolutely. The pieces in our collection are designed for frequent wear. If there are materials in the jewelry construction that require a finish or coating, then directions for care of the piece should be reviewed.
Is it possible for jewelry to tarnish if it’s artificial?
Artificial jewelry can tarnish, discolor and fade over time. In order to lessen the effects of discoloration and tarnishing, an artificial jewelry piece may be coated or plated. But this does not mean the piece will not require maintenance and upkeep.
In what ways do fashion jewelry and artificial jewelry differ from each other?
Fashion jewelry is focused around design and self expression. Artificial jewelry is defined by as a jewels that do not contain a single solitaire of a precious metal. Fashion jewelry is a part of artificial jewelry.
When purchasing fashion jewelry, is it important to understand the materials?
Yes! Similar to any piece of jewelry, a consumer should be able to identify the materials used in the piece as well as how the piece will be finished. The care and upkeep of the piece should also be taken into consideration.
At Selforia, we strive to provide this information in our product descriptions of fashion rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Final Thoughts
So, fashion jewellery vs artificial jewellery - which is the difference?
The simplest answer is:
Fashion jewellery is primarily about style, design and self-expression. Artificial jewellery is a broader term commonly used for jewellery that isn't made entirely from solid precious metals.
The two categories can overlap.
What matters more than the label is what's actually behind the jewellery.
Check the base material, finish, construction, stones and care instructions before buying.
And if you're shopping at Selforia, you'll find contemporary fashion jewellery across necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets, with product-specific details such as 18K gold-tone plated or silver-tone plated finishes clearly communicated where applicable.
Because jewellery should be beautiful - but knowing exactly what you're buying makes the experience even better.
