Give Artisan Made Jewellery A Place in Your Jewelry Box

Most people have no trouble defining the difference between fine jewelry and costume jewelry, but when it comes to defining jewelry items that fall between the two, it’s harder to find a consensus. In the jewelry industry, there are two terms used that fit the mid-priced niche between costume and fine jewelry: bridge jewelry and artisan made jewellery. What’s the difference between them and how do you tell one from the other?

Some Definitions

Fine Jewelry: gemstone rings, bracelets, pendants, barrettes and other adornments made with high quality gemstones and fine metals by skilled craftsman. These one-of-a-kind pieces transcend fashion trends and are designed to become heirlooms, handed down from one generation to the next.

Costume Jewelry: Rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry pieces that are mass-produced of base metals and synthetic gemstones or plastic. They are trendy and “disposable” but not necessarily “cheap.” They run the gamut from inexpensive plastic barrettes stamped in sheets to designer necklaces, pendants and earrings created by such names as Chanel, Monet and Dior.

Bridge Jewelry: Meant to be a bridge between inexpensive costume jewelry and high-priced fine jewelry, bridge jewelry is generally made of a precious metal, including sterling silver and gold-fill, and is set with semi-precious gemstones, crystals and pearls. Gemstone rings and gemstone pendants made with turquoise, opals, alexandrite, tiger-eye and other semi-precious stones often fit this category. Bridge jewelry is most often mass-produced and sold at fashion boutiques and better department stores.

Artisan Made Jewellery: Sometimes considered a segment of the bridge jewelry market, artisan made jewellery has one major difference that sets it apart from the typical items that are mass-produced in factories. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand using precious metals and semi-precious gemstones or pearls, and is either one-of-a-kind or one of a very limited edition. Since these pieces are not necessarily designed to appeal to a mass market, they often feature a distinctive style that really allows the wearer to express his or her individual style. The unique style can raise their value far above the intrinsic value of the materials.

Artisan made jewellery like gemstone rings, bangle bracelets, dangle earrings and stamped barrettes are affordable, high quality jewelry items that deserve a place in your fashion wardrobe. You’ll find a wide selection of finely made jewelry crafted by artisans and skilled craftsmen from around the world when you shop online for beautiful jewelry.