Two rings can look almost identical online, yet one costs $35 and the other $350. The difference is not always obvious from a photo, but it shows up within weeks of wearing. This guide explains the difference between fine, demi-fine and fashion jewellery, and where Prism & Pearl sits.
Quick answer
Fine jewellery uses solid precious metals and genuine or certified stones, and is priced in the thousands. Fashion jewellery uses base metals and glass or cubic zirconia, and is made to be worn for a season. In between is demi-fine: a precious metal base such as sterling silver, a protective finish, and certified stones, at a price you can wear every day. Prism & Pearl is demi-fine.
Fine jewellery
- Metal: solid gold (9ct to 18ct) or solid platinum.
- Stones: natural or lab-grown diamonds, sapphires and other precious gems.
- Lifespan: generations, with care and occasional servicing.
- Price: typically thousands of dollars for a tennis bracelet or solitaire.
Fashion jewellery
- Metal: brass, copper, zinc alloys or stainless steel, often with a thin flash of plating.
- Stones: glass, acrylic or cubic zirconia, sometimes glued in rather than set.
- Lifespan: months. Plating wears, stones cloud and some alloys can irritate skin.
- Price: low, made for trends rather than years.
Demi-fine jewellery
- Metal: S925 sterling silver, a genuine precious metal, finished in platinum or 18K gold plating.
- Stones: certified stones such as GRA-certified moissanite, properly prong or bezel set.
- Lifespan: years of everyday wear with simple care.
- Price: a few hundred dollars for a tennis bracelet, solitaire or pair of studs.
Why moissanite changes the equation
The stone is usually what pushes fine jewellery into the thousands. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond, and it has more fire than diamond. It will not cloud or fade. With a GRA certificate you know exactly what you are getting. That means you can have a stone that looks and wears like fine jewellery, set in a precious metal base, for a fraction of the price.
How to spot quality in any piece
- Check the stamp. S925 means sterling silver. No stamp often means a base metal.
- Look at the setting. Stones should be held by prongs or a bezel, never glued.
- Ask for certification. Moissanite should come with a GRA certificate and warranty card.
- Check for nickel. Nickel-free pieces are kinder to sensitive skin.
- Read the warranty. A brand that offers a lifetime warranty expects its pieces to last.
Where Prism & Pearl sits
Our pieces are S925 sterling silver with a platinum or 18K gold finish, and every moissanite we set is GRA certified. Each order arrives in our custom box and gift bag with a polishing cloth and its certificate, and every piece is covered by our lifetime warranty. It is jewellery made to be worn every day, not saved for best.
Shop the collection or read is moissanite worth buying for everyday wear?
