HOW TO
BUY FINE JEWELRY

The rising prices of precious metals, especially gold, have changed the types of jewelry available. Gold-filled jewelry in 197, for example, could cost what karat gold cost in 1958 or even in 1968 As a result, the price gap between fine and costume jewelry ..5 even wider every year.

Beginning about 1975, that gap began to be filled in by designer jewelers, and other stores that realized there were plenty of customers who wanted better jewelry than costume jewelry and yet is not afford the rising prices of fine jewelry, in particular jewelry diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The consequence is what often called "bridge" or "boutique" jewelry because it fills the price gap.

Bridge jewelry may be karat gold or gold-filled. Or it may combine karat gold with sterling silver. Damascene and vermeil jewelry are examples of this kind of jewelry. The addition of silver lessens the of gold used and puts the jewelry into a price category , from about $20 to $200 or a little more. The point to keep i is that this is still fine jewelry, because it uses precious metals. gems, too, it may contain the less precious gems, such as tigereyes, or agates.

The lower price range has worked out advantageously for designer that permits them to use their imaginations and experiment on that they may be reluctant to try on more expensive jewelry same time that they are still working in precious metals and ms. It also means that younger designers, with less financial backing can move more easily between handicraft and costume and fine jewelry. interest in this jewelry by designers and stores is definitely I advantage. It enables you to buy fine jewelry made by leading designers at reasonable, if not low, prices.

At the same time, do not expect karat-gold bridge jewelry to be identical in design to the fine jewelry for which you would pay a much higher price. A 14-karat gold chain, for example, will be much more delicate in bridge jewelry than a 14-karat chain in the more expensive jewelry department. Any decorative tab or pendant will be similarly scaled down in size. The delicacy may appeal to you or you may want to look at the gold-filled jewelry or jewelry combining gold and silver, despite the fact that the latter does not have the same intrinsic value as karat-gold jewelry. The point is to buy the bridge jewelry because you like it and will be happy wearing it, is simply because it is karat gold.

In looking at bridge jewelry, nevertheless, you want to keep - mind that it is fine jewelry and use the same judgment, care, and criteria in buying it that you would for more expensive fine jewelry That means looking around to compare prices, although this is - always necessary. At least one trade name is being nationally advertised, which means it is the same price-within a few dollar-wherever you go. The same price is not always the case with v - jewelry.