Handmade Fashion Jewelry
Q: I was wondering...what are the actual meanings of the lables, "Costume
Jewelry" "Fine Jewelry" and is there something that falls on either side
(or in between) those categories?
At the LA Gift Show, I am listed as "Handmade Costume Jewelry", even
though I work exclusively with sterling silver, which, I thought took me
out of the "costume" category. I'm thinking that if a gallery owner sees
that kind of a discription, they would think plastic and beads instead of
art and technique.
Are the definitions based on technique?
Do you think I'm being too sensitive on this issue?
A:At the TEG we categorize Jewellery as follows
Costume Jewellery
Jewellery made from items of non-precious metals and normally
also excluding items made from titanium and niobium. Usually
cheap but no actual top price.
Fashion Jewellery
Costume Jewellery designed and manufactured to be worn for one
fashion season.
Fine Jewellery
Items of Jewellery made with high caratage Gold or platinum usually
with high value gemstones.
Any other item is just labeled Jewellery or _style_ Jewellery i.e.
Celtic Jewellery