Fine Jewellery vs Keepsake Jewellery: What’s the Difference?
When you are shopping around for jewellery, you’ll find there is a big difference between fine jewellery and keepsake jewellery. Both are intended to be kept for a long time, but while one is seen as an investment, the other has purely sentimental value.
That’s not to say that memorial jewellery cannot be crafted to the same standards as keepsake jewellery, just that this is far less common. Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one will often have to make difficult decisions about how to commemorate their loved one, and this can be incredibly difficult to navigate.
To help you with the process of choosing between fine jewellery and keepsake jewellery, we’ve put together this simple guide.
Why These Two Categories Exist
There is demand for both types of jewellery, which is why both are widely available. There’s a place for fine jewellery and a place for keepsake jewellery. One isn’t inherently better than the other, because they serve very different purposes.
Fine jewellery might be a statement piece or an investment. You might purchase it with the intention of keeping it in your family and passing it down through the generations. With keepsake jewellery, it’s all about creating something to commemorate the passing of a loved one or a special occasion. There may be less of an intention to wear the piece every day, so the materials don’t need to be as durable or long lasting.
Above all else, the main reason for the existence of both categories is that it ensures shoppers have a choice. Not everyone is looking for fine jewellery or would even enjoy wearing this. Sometimes, a keepsake is just a gesture, or a way to feel close and comforted by a loved one after their passing. If the intention is not to wear it for very long, then a simple keepsake might be more fitting.
Materials Used
The biggest distinction between fine jewellery and keepsake jewellery is in the materials used. As the name suggests, fine jewellery is made out of the finest materials. This could include precious metals like silver, gold or platinum. It could also include gemstones like diamonds or rubies. Glass gemstones are another popular choice for fine jewellery.
In contrast, traditional keepsake jewellery will be crafted from cheaper materials, such as resin or plastic. It could also be made from stainless steel, with gold or silver plating to keep the costs down. Since this is often designed to be worn temporarily, the materials often aren’t as durable or long-lasting.
Durability: Years vs Months
The biggest difference between fine jewellery and memorial jewellery is in its longevity. Fine jewellery should last a lifetime and beyond. This would include items like engagement rings, bracelets and necklaces. Cufflinks and earrings should also be able to stand up to regular wear without facing significant damage.
With resin keepsake jewellery, the lifespan is likely to be much shorter. Resin is a plastic, and it will start to break down over time. This is one reason that keepsake jewellery often doesn’t make it into the everyday rotation. You’re more likely to keep this jewellery in a special place and only bring it out when you want to be reminded of your loved one.
Repairability & Aftercare
With fine jewellery, you can be confident that any damage will be able to be repaired with ease. This could include things like scratches or broken links in the jewellery. A jeweller will be able to repair these with ease. If the jewellery contains precious gemstones like diamonds, it will be essential to regularly check the fixtures holding the gems in place.
With keepsake jewellery, particularly resin jewellery, repair is much more difficult. Protecting the piece from damage by not wearing it very often would be a much better choice. If the resin breaks down, the memorial ashes or hair could come loose, which can be very distressing.
Cost & Value Differences
Keepsake jewellery is often cheaper, and the value of the piece is purely sentimental. Although many people who wear keepsake jewellery will confirm that the item is priceless to them. It really isn’t about the monetary value, but about the sentimental value.
In contrast, fine jewellery will be more costly because of the materials and craftsmanship involved. This type of jewellery often retains some of its value, simply because of the materials involved. Although, if this fine jewellery is also a piece of high end memorial jewellery, then the piece will also be priceless to the owner.
When a Keepsake Is a Good Choice
Keepsake jewellery can be a good choice in some situations. Firstly, if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend a lot on the keepsake. You might opt for cheaper materials in this instance, as you know that you won’t be wearing the piece all of the time.
People will often wear a piece of keepsake jewellery often in the months and even years after their loss, but over time, they might find that it spends more time in a jewellery box.
Keepsake jewellery could also be a good idea if you’re looking for something that keeps the memorial ashes or hair visible. Resin can be a popular choice if you want to be able to see what is inside.
When an Heirloom Is the Right Choice
If you’re looking for a piece of jewellery that is discreet and beautiful, then fine jewellery, or an heirloom piece may be more suitable. Your loved one’s ashes or hair can be safely contained within a small hidden compartment. So while you won’t be able to see the ashes, you’ll know that they are there.
To the outside viewer, your jewellery will look like any other piece of fine jewellery. This means that it can be worn for special occasions like your wedding day or milestone birthdays. Some people will even have memorial ashes added to the band of their engagement ring or wedding band, as a touching tribute to those who cannot be there on the big day.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Choosing between fine jewellery and classic keepsake jewellery for your memorial piece is always going to come down to a deeply personal choice. You need to think about how often you plan to wear the piece, if you are worried about how the piece will look, and if you need it to be made from precious materials like gold or silver due to allergies.
You should also think about whether you want the piece to be obvious in its purpose, or if you would prefer that the real meaning of the piece is kept hidden.
Lastly, think about how much you want to spend on your jewellery. If you have a modest budget, then you might be limited in your choices. However, there are plenty of options for fine silver jewellery that are sleek and sophisticated that don’t cost the earth.
Think carefully before making your final decision so you can be completely satisfied with your final piece. If you choose a resin keepsake piece, you won’t be able to retrieve the ashes once they are set in resin, so you need to be confident in your decision.
