Jewelry is often considered a girl’s best friend, and high-end jewelry is no exception.
But what exactly makes this type of jewelry so special? What are the defining characteristics that set it apart from other types of jewelry?
The term “high end jewelry” can apply to many different types of jewelry. What it refers to is the level of craftsmanship and quality that goes into making the piece, as well as the quality of gemstones and how they are sourced. Typically, high end jewelry is limited in production by highly regarded designers.
However, one of the most distinctive features that separates high end jewelry from other types is its value that goes beyond the designer. This article will explore 5 characteristics of high-end jewelry, as well as what distinguishes it from other types.
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Characteristics of High End Jewelry
When you think of or hear the term “high end,” what comes to mind?
Super expensive?
High quality?
Possessions owned exclusively by the super rich or inherited from the elite?
Well, let’s break it down and give it some definition according to the everchanging modern day use of the word and concept.
We must start by drawing your attention to a few characteristics such as materials, cost and design, followed by features that can be distinguished by using labels or marks by those who market such jewelry for a living.
If you are in the market to impress yourself or others by owning such things, then you must pay particular attention to the latest trends or to designer jewelry that has had its name brand tested over time.
Let’s unwrap the most distinguishing features.
1) Quality of materials
There is no room for substandard gemstones or using low cost metals when an item aspires to leap into the High End classification.
Gemstones must be naturally mined and of the highest clarity, color and cut regardless of the type of stone.
Setting milky or heavily included gemstones, or poorly cut diamonds into a designer mounting could result in simply lowering the standard of what is considered as high end in the unlikely event of success.
Gold must usually meet the standards of being at least 18 karats, and platinum 950. Sterling Silver is also a popular metal choice for high-end jewelry designers.
2) Craftsmanship
Aside from precious metals and stones, craftsmanship is another distinguishing factor in high end design pieces.
All components including screws, hinges and clasps are usually made of gold or platinum.
An example of superb craftsmanship is the invisible setting which requires a high degree of skill to make sure that all the tiny stones are flush with the metal. This type of setting is often used in fine jewelry because it does not detract from the beauty or symmetry of the gemstones.
Another example is fine wire work which requires an expert to make fine gold links that are soldered together.
You’ll notice that the links in a bracelet from Tiffany & Co., for example, are completely smooth and solid, without any signs of soldering.
A well-made piece will also be finely finished and often times, hand-engraved.
3) Designers mark and name.
When designs are appealing to the eye, and IF they are well marketed, they can earn a name for themselves and can rise to the top of being a luxury brand.
Before you know it, a designer’s name will be talked about in social circles of the elite like the newest scandal over the water cooler.
Curiosity will naturally drive the person who “wants what few can afford to own” to take a peek at what is being marketed.
The key is that the design needs to be different enough to stand apart from the rest of what is presently on the market.
This usually means that the pieces need to be limited in availability, and sometimes that limitation comes in the form of price.
If a company aspires to make a name for their product, they cannot skimp on creativity before they stamp their name on the product. Take Tiffany & Co., for instance, where quality materials and designs were successfully marketed.
Even their sterling jewelry commands pricing on the highest end, not because sterling silver has such a variation in quality, but because of the sleek designs artistically created by their designers.
There are other sterling silver designers in Israel for instance, who far surpass the beauty and whimsical designs of Tiffany & Co. Oftentimes, the difference in being considered “high end” only fell flat due to the lack of professional marketing of their name.
4) Marketing
If a piece of jewelry is found in a “high end” store, it is automatically going to command the highest price tag regardless of cost of materials and/or workmanship.
Why? Because of marketing.
Something is needed to turn heads.
”Elite’s” heads to be specific, because high end designer jewelry aspires to reach a smaller market to those who have the greatest resources to spend.
This is where the rubber meets the road, even if the designs themselves are not particularly stunning and gemstones are not particularly rare.
It is assumed that once a designer or a particular store has made a name for themselves, then anything inside the cases qualifies as being the best of the best.
Marketing plays heaviest into the psychological acceptance of such items, and soon enough, everyone with a fat wallet will think nothing of paying crazy high prices as long as there is the right stamp and box with certificates of authenticity attached.
5) Rarity.
Diamonds are not rare in general, but near flawless, naturally colored or perfectly cut ones are. The same goes for gemstones.
Can you recall going into a common jewelry store and finding gems that are boasting about being unheated or untreated? Do you even know what that means?
95% percent of gemstones that have flooded the market since the 1960’s have been treated to alter their appearance in some way.
When was the last time you saw a clean natural Alexandrite, or a cherry-colored natural untreated ruby, or a beautiful color-change sapphire that has not been altered in any way?
These are the stones that are considered high end, because they are exceedingly rare. Any designer who wants to command the big bucks for their pieces must insist on using stones that keep in step with their aspirations.
Consider the video below of an exceptionally rare diamond and the work involved in making it a high-end piece:
Is High End Jewelry Worth It?
The answer to this question is subjective, as everyone has different opinions on what they value.
One person may find a piece of jewelry that is high end to be worth the investment because the craftsmanship and materials are of excellent quality or they want to flaunt their wealth with status symbols, while another person might only care about how rare the gemstones are in comparison to others on the market.
There is an argument by many high end jewelers that their pieces are great investments, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality is that fine jewelry, especially diamonds and gemstones, lose a large percentage of their value the minute they leave the store and you will be lucky to get half of its value should you ever need to sell it.
In most cases, if you’re looking to invest, you’re better off buying stocks or real estate than you are spending money on high end diamond jewelry, but this isn’t financial advice.
What causes a piece of jewelry to have a “high end” price?
As the saying goes, “it’s all about who you know.”
If a piece of fine jewelry is to be considered high end, then it must come from the right sources and/or have been blessed with the approval of those in power; such as celebrities or royalty.
If an artist has not yet made their mark on society, then their fine pieces of art would be considered “mid range” and not worthy of the fine jewelry label.
As mentioned above, gaining the endorsement of those considered to be “elite” would require attention to the fine details, such as gemstone rarity, clarity, craftsmanship, etc.
They are particularly picky.
Market demand plays a major role as well.
If design and quality of materials were to be weighed evenly with marketing, we could not really presume anything.
Marketing is going to set the price initially.
If the market is not flooded with something, and if the product is sold exclusively by one high end store, then the price will naturally be higher because the product will be much more difficult to come by.
Which Brand Of Jewelry Is The Best?
There are many fine jewelry brands out there, some of which are considered to be high end while others are not. It really depends on what the individual considers to be important in regards to quality and value.
Some people might prefer well-known designer brands such as Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Cartier, or Bvlgari.
Others might prefer fine jewelry made by independent artists who are not as well-known.
The important thing is that you do your research before investing in fine jewelry and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
There are many unscrupulous jewelers out there who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers with knock offs that aren’t real or that lack appraisals by independent gemologists, so it’s important to be informed before making any purchase.
Final Thoughts
High end jewelry can be identified by the quality of its precious metals and stones.
Some people may find fine jewelry to be worth it because they care about craftsmanship and quality, while others will argue that fine jewelry is not a good investment for their money.
At the end of the day, you are the consumer.
You get to decide if “high end jewelry” is something you have discretionary money to spend on. Some of the finest jewelry in the world never sported a designer’s name nor spent millions on company logos and marketing.
If you’re looking for fine quality and craftsmanship without the high end price tag, then you should consider taking a look at our collection of fine estate jewelry.
Whatever you decide to buy, get something that won’t sit in a box somewhere after the bragging rights have worn off.