Buying a piece of jewelry seems simple until you start comparing prices and you can't understand why two similar-looking necklaces can cost €15 and €85. The difference isn't just in the brand: it's in the material, the durability, the safety for the skin and the value that piece will hold two years from now.
This guide explains in an honest, clear way the difference between fine jewelry, semi-precious jewelry and fashion jewelry, so you know exactly what you're buying and can make the best decision based on your budget and your needs.
The three categories of jewelry: what each one means
Fine jewelry
Fine jewelry is made from pure precious metals: 18k gold or higher, platinum and 925 sterling silver. The stones are certified natural gems (diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires).
Characteristics: Lasts a lifetime with basic care. Doesn't cause allergies. Holds (or increases) its monetary value. Can be passed down as an heirloom.
Average price: From €150–200 for simple pieces up to several thousand for jewelry with significant gems.
Who it's for: Major gifts (engagements, weddings, milestone anniversaries), pieces to keep for life, investment.
Semi-precious or mid-quality jewelry (the segment Liora Madrid works in)
This category uses quality metals (925 silver, surgical stainless steel, gold vermeil) with semi-precious stones or crystals. It's the category with the best quality-to-price ratio on the market.
Characteristics: Lasts for years (between 5 and a lifetime depending on care). Doesn't cause allergies if the materials are certified. Engraving is permanent. The look is indistinguishable from fine jewelry for daily wear.
Average price: Between €30 and €150.
Who it's for: Personalized gifts with high emotional value, everyday jewelry, personal collections built up over time.
Fashion jewelry or costume jewelry
Made from base metals (zinc, unspecified alloys, brass with a thin plating) and synthetic stones or low-quality crystals. Designed to follow seasonal trends at a low price.
Characteristics: Very low price (€3–25). Oxidizes, stains or deteriorates within weeks or months. Can cause allergies on sensitive skin. Not suitable for prolonged daily wear.
Who it's for: Seasonal fashion accessories, one-off looks, accessories that don't need to last.
How to tell quality when buying jewelry: a practical guide
| What to look for | Fine jewelry | Mid-quality (Liora) | Costume jewelry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallmark on the piece | 750 (18k gold), 925 (silver) | 925, surgical steel | No hallmark or generic mark |
| Weight of the piece | Heavy, solid | Light but solid | Very light or hollow |
| Finish | Perfect, no imperfections | Very good | Irregular, visible seams |
| Skin reaction | Never any allergies | No allergies (certified materials) | Possible allergies |
| Durability | Decades or centuries | Years to decades | Weeks to months |
| Engraving | Permanent | Permanent (laser) | Wears off |
The 925 hallmark: what it means and why it matters
The 925 hallmark on a silver jewelry piece means it's made from sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% of another metal (usually copper) to increase its strength. This percentage is the international quality standard for silver jewelry.
A piece with a 925 hallmark guarantees that it won't easily tarnish, that the engraving will be permanent, and that it won't cause allergic reactions on most skin types.
How to verify it: Look for the "925" mark engraved on the inside of the pendant, on the chain clasp or on the inside of the bracelet. If there's no hallmark or it says something different, ask before buying.
Surgical stainless steel: the toughest material for daily wear
Surgical stainless steel (316L) is one of the most widely used materials in mid-quality jewelry for three reasons: it's hypoallergenic (contains no nickel), it's practically indestructible for everyday use, and it keeps its shine without needing special care.
It's the ideal material for people who wear jewelry all the time: in the shower, at the gym, in the sea. It doesn't oxidize, it doesn't stain and it withstands any condition.
Vermeil: accessible gold with a luxury look
Vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is 925 silver with a high-quality gold plating (a minimum of 2.5 microns thick). It's the option for anyone who wants the look of gold at a significantly lower price.
A good vermeil piece lasts for years with basic care: avoid direct contact with perfumes, creams and chemicals, and store it in a pouch when not being worn.
What's not worth buying cheap
There are some jewelry pieces for which a low price is never worth it:
- Engraved pieces: If you're going to personalize with a name, a date or a phrase, do it on a quality material. Engraving on costume jewelry disappears. On 925 silver or steel, it's permanent.
- Pieces for sensitive skin: Costume jewelry made from unknown materials can cause allergies. If the person has sensitive skin, 925 silver or surgical steel are always the right choice.
- Pieces for daily wear: A piece worn every day needs to withstand water, sweat and friction. Costume jewelry can't handle that.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between silver and sterling silver?
Pure silver (100%) is too soft to make jewelry. 925 sterling silver is the standard mix of 92.5% silver + 7.5% reinforcement metal. Every quality silver jewelry piece must carry the 925 hallmark.
Is stainless steel as good as silver for a jewelry piece?
For daily wear, 316L stainless steel is even tougher than silver. It doesn't tarnish, requires no care and withstands conditions silver can't. Silver has more aesthetic and traditional value; steel has more practical durability.
How do I know if a silver jewelry piece is real or fake?
Look for the 925 hallmark on the piece. If you can't find it, you can do the magnet test (silver is not magnetic) or take it to a jeweler for verification. Quality platforms always state the material in the product description.
