Demi fine jewellery has become an increasingly popular category in recent years. But what exactly is demi fine jewellery? Here is a complete guide to understanding what makes demi fine different than other types of jewellery.
What is Demi Fine Jewellery?
Demi fine jewellery sits between fine jewellery and fashion jewellery. It combines aspects of both categories to create high quality, trendy pieces at an accessible price point.
Specifically, demi fine jewellery has these defining characteristics:
- Made with real metals like gold, silver, or platinum but with less precious gemstones or no gemstones at all
- More durable and higher quality than fashion jewellery
- Lower price point than fine jewellery, ranging from £50 to £500 per piece typically
- On-trend stylish designs inspired by runway and celebrity looks
- Often plated rather than solid precious metals to keep costs down
So in summary, demi fine jewellery uses real metals but lower cost gemstones or no stones to create great looking fashion-forward pieces that are better quality than fashion jewellery without the high prices of fine jewellery.
Demi Fine vs. Fine Jewellery
What distinguishes demi fine from fine jewellery comes down to the metals and gems used:
- Metals:Â Demi fine uses real precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum but frequently uses plating rather than solid metals. Fine jewellery always uses solid precious metals.
- Gemstones:Â Demi fine may use some precious gems like diamonds or sapphires but also uses more affordable semi-precious stones and crystals. Fine jewellery uses exclusively precious gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies.
- Price: The lower precious metal content and gemstones allow demi fine prices to range from £50 to £500, while fine jewellery costs several thousand pounds per piece usually.
- Purpose:Â Demi fine serves trendy fashion purposes, while fine jewellery indicates luxury and heirlooms.
So in summary, demi fine is designed to deliver the look of fine jewellery for much less by balancing real precious metals with lower cost production and affordable gems or no gems.
Demi Fine vs. Fashion Jewellery
Demi fine also differs from fashion jewellery in some important ways:
- Metals:Â Demi fine uses real precious metals while fashion jewellery uses cheap base metals like stainless steel or pewter.
- Gems:Â Demi fine may use semi-precious stones while fashion jewellery uses only plastic, glass or synthetic gems with no resale value.
- Quality:Â The real precious metals and gems make demi fine more durable and higher end than flimsily constructed fashion pieces.
- Price:Â Demi fine costs more than most fashion jewellery because of the precious metal content and gems but is still an affordable luxury.
- Purpose:Â Demi fine serves as an on-trend accessory that can be styled multiple ways, while fashion jewellery is very trend-dependent and disposable.
Overall, demi fine occupies a perfect sweet spot between fine and fashion by blending real metals and stones with affordable pricing and stylish designs.
Common Characteristics of Demi Fine Jewellery
Beyond the metals and gems, demi fine jewellery has some other typical characteristics that define the category:
Design and Styling
- On-trend – inspired by runway, celebrity and influencer looks
- Layering-focused – versatile pieces that stack and mix well
- Minimalist and delicate or chunky and bold designs
- Geometric shapes, nature-inspired and asymmetrical styles
Metals
- Gold, silver and platinum plating over brass or sterling silver
- Some solid 14k or 18k pieces
- Rose gold very popular
Stones
- Cubic zirconia and crystals frequently used
- Some diamonds and precious gems
- Lots of no stone, metal-only pieces
- Birthstones common in demi jewellery
Price Range
- £50 to £500 typical price range
- Fine jewellery brands’ demi lines on higher end
- Vertical demi brands at lower price points
This overview of the styling, metals, gems, brands and pricing show what sets demi fine jewellery apart in the marketplace.
Is Demi Fine Jewellery Worth the Cost?
With real precious metals and gemstones at accessible price points, demi fine jewellery offers great value for money. Here are some of the benefits that make it worth the higher cost over fashion jewellery:
- Durability – Gold, silver and platinum withstand daily wear better than fashion metals
- Lifespan – Demi pieces last many years instead of going out of style quickly
- Resale value – Precious metals and some stones retain resale value unlike fashion jewellery
- Versatility – Demi fine works for both everyday wear and special occasions
- Quality – Hand-finishing and good construction give a luxe feel
- Safety – Less likely to tarnish or irritate skin than fashion jewellery
- Investment – Demi fine holds value and can be added to over time
For all these reasons, demi fine makes sense for the savvy jewellery shopper looking for affordable luxury pieces. The higher quality and versatility offset the higher prices.
How to Care for Demi Fine Jewellery
Caring for demi fine jewellery involves some of the same practices as fine jewellery, given the use of precious metals:
- Storage:Â Keep pieces in a fabric-lined jewellery box or pouch to avoid scratches. Don’t let them tangle.
- Cleaning:Â Use a jewellery polishing cloth for occasional wipe downs. For deep cleaning, use mild soap and water.
- Prevention:Â Apply lotion, perfume, hair products etc. before putting on jewellery to avoid build up.
- Caution:Â Take special care to avoid knocks, drops or extreme temperature changes that can damage metals and stones.
- Expert help:Â Take demi fine pieces to a jeweller for occasional professional cleaning and maintenance, just like fine jewellery.
By caring for demi fine properly, you can enjoy your pieces for many years before any servicing is needed. Handle demi fine jewellery with care to maintain its beautiful, luxe look.
Frequently Questions About Demi Fine Jewellery
Is demi fine jewellery made with real gold/silver?
Yes, demi fine jewellery uses real precious metals, most commonly through plating over brass or sterling silver. Solid gold is used occasionally too but less common to keep price points lower.
How long does demi fine jewellery last?
With proper care, demi fine jewellery lasts 5-10 years or longer before signs of aging. Plated pieces may need replating after 2-5 years if worn very frequently. The real metals and gems hold up much better than fashion jewellery.
Why is demi fine jewellery so popular?
It fills a perfect gap between fine and fashion. The designs are on-trend and fun, it layers and mixes well, and the real metals and stones give great quality. Overall it provides affordable luxury to shoppers.
Is demi fine jewellery worth it?
For the money, demi fine provides excellent value through precious metals, durable construction and versatile styling. The pieces offer great cost per wear over time, holding value much better than fashion jewellery.
Is demi fine jewellery good for sensitive skin?
Yes, since it avoids cheap nickel and metals. The precious metals like gold, silver and platinum are hypoallergenic. Plated pieces can cause reactions for some, so solid gold demi fine is best for sensitive skin.
The Takeaway
Demi fine jewellery delivers the sophisticated look of fine jewellery with the affordability and on-trend styling of fashion jewellery. Made using real precious metals and quality gems or no stones, demi fine is versatile, durable and retains value. It’s the ideal jewellery category for statement pieces that hold up to daily wear and layer seamlessly. Demi fine gives you affordable luxury that lasts.
