Demi Fine VS Fine Jewellery: What’s the Difference?
There comes a time in every jewellery lover’s life when they have to ask themselves a very serious question: am I ready to graduate to fine jewellery? And following this: now that I’m a fine jewellery owner, is that the only type I should buy from now on?
When it comes to curating a considered jewellery wardrobe, there’s room for both fine and demi fine pieces in your collection. Both types serve a purpose, and both are made with quality materials, so you won’t be choosing a throw-away style.
Read on to discover what demi fine jewellery is, the difference with fine jewellery, and when you should choose one or the other.
What is fine jewellery?
Fine jewellery is the pinnacle of precious materials and craftsmanship. It’s made with luxury materials such as solid gold, platinum, diamonds, and precious and semi-precious gemstones.
Fine jewellery is the most long-lasting type, being crafted with the highest quality materials. These highly valued materials do come with a higher price tag, so fine jewellery is much more of an investment than demi fine or costume jewellery.
For many people, fine jewellery is reserved for those extra special or heirloom-worthy pieces, such as engagement and wedding rings, or a wear-forever gold chain necklace or bangle. These days, though, fine jewellery is much more accessible; with minimalist styles crafted in 10k gold, featuring semi-precious stones, laboratory-grown diamonds, or even tiny natural diamonds, offering the perfect inspiration to gift yourself for your forever-collection.
What is demi fine jewellery?
Demi fine jewellery is the perfect blend of quality and affordability. These pieces stand the test of time while making those chunkier or more trend-driven styles more accessible (while still offering a considered choice). Demi fine jewellery combines plated gold or affordable yet still precious 925 sterling silver with precious and semi-precious stones, as well as high quality simulants like cubic zirconia in some cases.
Diamond Fine Wave Huggie Earrings in 10k Gold VS Mini White Topaz Pave Wave Dome Huggies in 18k Fine Gold Plated
What is the difference between fine and demi fine jewellery?
Knowing whether your jewellery piece is fine or demi fine, is as simple as checking the materials it’s made from. When you’re purchasing from a reputable jeweller, the details of the piece should be provided, so you know exactly what you’re buying – for instance, natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, a certain gemstone, or plated metal. Solid gold jewellery and sterling silver jewellery will also feature a hallmark stamped on the piece which denotes the gold karat, or ‘925’ for sterling silver.
There’s really no ‘right or wrong’ choice between fine and demi fine jewellery. Many people love a demi fine style when they’re going for a chunky statement piece, or something that’s trend-based while still wanting to make a considered choice. Fine jewellery is perfect for those true forever-pieces, like a minimalist necklace, a classic pair of gold hoops, or some dainty rings that you stack every single day.
We say, let the piece choose you. With that in mind, get inspired by some of our fave demi and fine styles of the moment…
What is the difference between gold plated and solid gold jewellery?
Demi fine jewellery is a step below fine jewellery, but it still makes use of high-quality, genuine materials and will give you extensive wear if cared for properly. ‘Demi’ literally means ‘half’ or ‘partial’ – so basically, it’s partly fine.
Gold-plated jewellery is an example of demi fine: these pieces still use real gold to achieve the lustrous look of gold jewellery, but it’s layered over a metal core, making it much more affordable than solid gold (at Medley, we only use 925 sterling silver as the base for our plated pieces, never brass or steel, ensuring the best quality).
Demi fine shouldn’t be confused with costume jewellery, which only imitates the look of fine jewellery. Costume jewellery might be made from gold or silver coloured metals that don’t contain any actual precious metal; plastics; or simulant stones.
Diamond Fine Wave Stacker Ring in 10k Gold VS White Topaz Pave Wave Dome Ring in 18k Fine Gold Plated
How to tell the difference between demi and fine jewellery?
Knowing whether your jewellery piece is fine or demi fine, is as simple as checking the materials it’s made from. When you’re purchasing from a reputable jeweller, the details of the piece should be provided, so you know exactly what you’re buying – for instance, natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, a certain gemstone, or plated metal. Solid gold jewellery and sterling silver jewellery will also feature a hallmark stamped on the piece which denotes the gold karat, or ‘925’ for sterling silver.
There’s really no ‘right or wrong’ choice between fine and demi fine jewellery. Many people love a demi fine style when they’re going for a chunky statement piece, or something that’s trend-based while still wanting to make a considered choice. Fine jewellery is perfect for those true forever-pieces, like a minimalist necklace, a classic pair of gold hoops, or some dainty rings that you stack every single day.
We say, let the piece choose you. With that in mind, get inspired by some of our fave demi and fine styles of the moment…
