People have been adorning themselves with jewelry for 135,000 years – archaeologists have found shell beads dating from that time period, the Middle Stone Age. Jewelry fashions have changed throughout the ages for both men and women, but the desire to adorn ourselves has been constant.
In the present day we can choose from a huge variety of jewelry styles, for many occasions. Most jewelry falls into one of a few general categories: fine, bridge, costume or fashion, and art. I don’t believe that these categories are hard and fast, some pieces fall between categories and could fit in either. Price isn’t a good guideline, either, as I’ve seen some jewelry that I consider “costume”, that costs as much as some “bridge” or even “fine” jewelry!
I hope my descriptions of the different categories will increase your appreciation of jewelry. I welcome your comments, especially if you have additional knowledge to share or if your opinions differ from mine. Learning is a good thing!
The highest category of jewelry is “fine jewelry,” made of precious metals and gemstones, such as 14 karat gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and so on. Fine jewelry may be mass-produced, made by artisans, one of a kind or limited edition. The materials used are the key point in defining fine jewelry.
The next category is “bridge jewelry,” probably a new term for some of you. It “bridges” the gap or lies between fine jewelry and costume or fashion jewelry (the next category we will discuss). Bridge jewelry can be an afford
able alternate for fine jewelry, since it is made of higher-quality materials than fashion jewelry, such as sterling silver and gold-filled for the metals, and semi-precious gemstones. The designs of bridge jewelry range from classic and timeless to more fashionable than those of fine jewelry, but generally do not go out of style as quickly as those of fashion jewelry. Frequently bridge jewelry is made by artisans, though it may also be mass-produced.
Costume or “fashion” jewelry (the current term) is the most common type. This is the jewelry that goes in and out of fashion with the season, generally made of base metals, perhaps plated with silver or gold, glass, plastic, resin, or wood beads, and leather. The prices range widely, but for the most part are more affordable than bridge and especially fine jewelry. Often mass-
produced, fashion jewelry is also handcrafted by artisans – you’ll get more unique pieces that are still affordable and fashionable. “Steampunk” jewelry, a style currently in vogue combining watch or other mechanical parts with vintage and modern components, falls into this category. Although less expensive, some costume jewelry has enduring value – collectible vintage jewelry is mostly costume, like Sarah Coventry, Coro, Vendome, Florenza, Trifari, Miriam Haskell.
“Art jewelry” is a category that spans the previous three. Usually one of a kind or limited edition, this jewelry is wearable art that expresses the artist’s unique concept. It may be made from any material,
from precious metals to cloth and paper. For me, as a jewelry artisan, this is the most fun to make since there are no constraints on what I can do except what the materials impose.
In Silver Willow Gallery, you’ll find bridge, costume or fashion, and art jewelry, something for all tastes, even some for men. Stop in at the gallery, if you live or visit in the area, or look through the catalog on our web site, and look at the jewelry not only for what you like, but also with an analytical eye to style and materials. Become a “connoisseur” of jewelry, one more way to enjoy it!
underthesilverwillow 