| Jewelry is more than an accessory; it can be a | | | | amethyst, citrine, turquoise, jade, topaz, fresh |
| promise, a remembrance, a statement or a | | | | water pearls, garnet and others. Much Bridge |
| frivolous decoration. Fine jewelry, Bridge jewelry | | | | jewelry is artisan-made, but it can also be mass |
| and Costume Jewelry all contribute to the choices | | | | produced. |
| you make as you create your look. The terms | | | | Of course other combinations such as using |
| Bridge jewelry and Artisan jewelry are | | | | precious metals like 14k gold with amethyst are |
| sometimes used as if they are synonymous. This | | | | used and not so easily classified. Price points are |
| is a misconception. | | | | another way to define the three types of jewelry |
| Fine jewelry is generally thought of as jewelry | | | | with Fine jewelry as the most expensive and |
| that uses at least 14 kt. Gold or other precious | | | | Costume jewelry as an inexpensive alternative. |
| metals and precious gems like diamonds, | | | | Bridge jewelry falls between these two on price. |
| sapphires, rubies or emeralds. Fine jewelry can be | | | | Bridge jewelry is a unique addition to your jewelry |
| mass-produced or artisan-made one-of-a-kind | | | | collection. You may see some familiar names in |
| pieces or limited-edition. | | | | galleries or fine department stores and begin to |
| Costume jewelry can also be artisan-made or | | | | recognize them as producers of Bridge jewelry. |
| mass produced. Materials used in the designs are | | | | When you attend an art show, take a special look |
| base metals, glass, plastic and other synthetics. | | | | at the jewelry and you will recognize that much |
| They also may use shell, wood and other organic | | | | of it is fine artisan-made Bridge jewelry. It can |
| materials. | | | | provide you a good value because of the |
| Bridge jewelry is called that because it is the | | | | combination of quality materials; creativity and |
| bridge between Fine jewelry and Costume | | | | workmanship provided by the designers of these |
| jewelry. It may use vermeil, gold filled or silver as | | | | unique one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces. |
| the metal and uses semi precious stones such as | | | | |