If you havent been a part of my quick on-line designer survey go to wmrichey.com/survey.html and take part. It is easy and fun and I
would appreciate the input.
But in the meantime, I have a question(s) for all you Orchidians:
What are the differences or definitions you use regarding the
following jewelry terms? Are there any definitive standards or
definitions for this terminology? How would you describe these
different segments or areas of jewelry design?
Costume
Fashion
Bridge
Industry
Fine
Couture
Designer
Fine craft
High end designer
Craft
Art
My metal`s instructor gets told often that he is a jeweller if at a
sculptor show and that he is a sculptor if at a jewellery show. He
defends that if it has function then it is craft, if not then it is
art. I like functional things so I have no problem being a
craftsperson
Hello Marlene: I would say that Costume and Fashion jewelry are
basically one and the same. They are items made of non precious
metals and imitation stones and made to look like real fine jewelry.
Bridge Jewelry is very thin and light weight Karat gold items with
lesser quality stones. The term Bridge denotes that it is a line of
jewelry that is in between Fashion and fine and is more affordable
and has the appearance (from a distance) that it is a substantial
item. Industry jewelry I’m not sure about unless it is award pins and
items given for years of service?
Fine jewelry is karat gold or platinum and quality gems and
diamonds. Many bridal lines and many of the more well known designer
lines are considered Fine. This is the term I think is the most
abused since many Fine jewelry stores carry both fine and not so fine
items. I believe well designed items with very good quality gems that
are made of off colored 18K white gold and Rhodium plated are not as
fine as the same item in platinum. Couture is a trade show and I am
not familiar with it’s meaning in relation to jewelry other than it
is probably the same as Fine. Designer is as it states and can range
through Costume to Fine. I think most would define it as well made
with quality stones. Fine craft is maybe an Oxymoron? High end
designer would have to be the same as Designer just well known among
the prosperous public and sought out and more expensive because of
it’s name. It could also mean that the stones used were one of a
kind or just very expensive with large carat weights. Craft is bead
stringing and cab set simple items. Piecing together stuff from the
Rio Grande catalog. Wire twisted items and glued together items. Art
is Craft with artistic ability. One step further along and some
ability with fabrication and function. Remember these are just my
opinions of the terms and may not be the opinions of others.
best Charles Charles Lewton-Brain/Brain Press Box 1624, Ste M, Calgary,
Alberta, T2P 2L7, Canada Tel: 403-263-3955 Fax: 403-283-9053
Email: @Charles_Lewton-Brai1
