If you have ever shopped for a necklace online, you have probably seen the words fashion jewelry, costume jewelry and fine jewelry used in different ways. They are not the same thing, and knowing the difference helps you spend your money on the right piece. Here is a simple guide to what each term means, what the pieces are made of, what they cost and how long you can expect them to last.
What Is Fashion Jewelry?
Fashion jewelry is affordable, trend-led jewelry made from non-precious materials. It is designed to match what people are wearing right now, so you can try a new look without spending hundreds of dollars.
Most fashion jewelry is made from:
- Base metals such as brass, copper, zinc alloy or stainless steel
- Plating, a thin layer of gold-tone or silver-tone metal over the base
- Stones and accents such as rhinestones, crystals, cubic zirconia, glass, acrylic, faux pearls, shells and beads
Because the materials cost less, fashion jewelry lets you own many styles at once: a layered necklace for work, a beach anklet for vacation and a glow in the dark necklace for a night out.
What Is Costume Jewelry?
Costume jewelry is an older name for the same idea. The term became popular in the 20th century, when designers and film studios made bold, inexpensive pieces to go with a specific outfit, or "costume". Fashion designers such as Coco Chanel helped make wearing these pieces stylish rather than something to hide.
Today, most people use costume jewelry and fashion jewelry to mean the same thing. The main difference is in tone:
- Costume jewelry is often used for vintage pieces and for bold, dramatic styles.
- Fashion jewelry is the more modern term for current, everyday trends.
What Is Fine Jewelry?
Fine jewelry is made from precious metals and genuine gemstones. Think solid 10K, 14K or 18K gold, platinum, and real diamonds, sapphires or emeralds. It is made to last for decades and is often passed down in families.
Between the two sits demi-fine jewelry: pieces made from sterling silver or gold vermeil (a thicker gold layer over sterling silver). It costs more than fashion jewelry but much less than fine jewelry.
Fashion vs Costume vs Fine Jewelry at a Glance
| Fashion jewelry | Costume jewelry | Fine jewelry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Base metals with plating, crystals, faux pearls | Same as fashion jewelry, often bolder or vintage | Solid gold, platinum, genuine gemstones |
| Typical price | About $10 to $100 | About $10 to $100, more for collectible vintage | Hundreds to thousands of dollars |
| Best for | Trends, gifts, travel, trying new styles | Statement looks, themed outfits, collecting | Engagement rings, heirlooms, daily wear for years |
| Lifespan | Months to years, depending on care | Months to years; well-kept vintage can last decades | Decades |
How Long Does Fashion Jewelry Last?
A well-made piece of fashion jewelry can look good for a long time, but plating is thin, so it can fade or tarnish with heavy wear. How long it lasts depends mostly on how you treat it:
- Water: take it off before swimming, showering or washing dishes.
- Beauty products: put jewelry on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, not before.
- Sweat: remove it for workouts and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth afterward.
- Storage: keep pieces separate, in a dry pouch or box, so they don't scratch or tangle.
For step-by-step tips, read our guide on how to care for gold-plated jewelry.
Does Costume Jewelry Tarnish?
Yes, it can. Base metals react with moisture, sweat and air, and once the plating wears thin, the metal underneath can darken or change color. Following the care tips above slows this down a lot. If you have sensitive skin, check the materials listed on each product before you buy, since some base metals can irritate skin.
Is Fashion Jewelry Worth Buying?
Fashion jewelry is worth it when you want variety, a trend you are not sure you will wear forever, or a thoughtful gift that doesn't break the budget. Fine jewelry is the better choice for pieces you plan to wear every day for many years, like a wedding band.
Many people mix both: one or two fine pieces for every day, plus fashion jewelry to change their look with the season. If you want to judge a piece before you buy, our guide to telling if fashion jewelry is worth the price walks you through what to check.
How to Style Fashion Jewelry
- Layer it: stack two or three necklaces of different lengths. See our necklace layering guide.
- Pick one statement piece: let a bold necklace or a floating necklace be the focus and keep the rest simple.
- Match the moment: anklets and shell pieces for the beach, sparkle for nights out, matching jewelry sets for events.
- Stick to one metal tone for a polished look, or mix gold and silver tones on purpose for a relaxed one.
Shop Fashion Jewelry at WoW! Gotta Have It!
Our pieces are fashion jewelry: gold-plated and silver-tone designs with rhinestones, crystals, faux pearls, shells and beads, most priced around $10 to $30. Browse our necklaces, anklets and jewelry sets. Every order ships free in the US, arrives in a gift box and is covered by our 90-day returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fashion jewelry the same as costume jewelry?
Mostly, yes. Both describe affordable jewelry made from non-precious materials. "Costume jewelry" is the older term and is often used for vintage or bold pieces, while "fashion jewelry" is used for current trends.
Is fashion jewelry real gold?
No. Gold-tone fashion jewelry has a thin gold-colored plating over a base metal. Solid gold is fine jewelry and is marked with its karat, such as 10K or 14K.
Can you wear fashion jewelry every day?
Yes, as long as you take it off for water, workouts and sleep, and store it dry. Daily wear will shorten the life of the plating faster than occasional wear.
Can fashion jewelry get wet?
It is best to keep it dry. Water, especially salt water and pool water, can dull plating and loosen settings over time.
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