Jewelry can be an accessory, asset, or a piece of art. Once worn only by royalty and nobility, it has become accessible to everyone, and men and women can choose from various budgets and finishes. The perfect earring or a dazzling necklace can reflect your taste and style; jewelry can also be worn like armor, lending confidence to the wearer. Read on to learn about jewelry types and buying tips for men and women.

The three major jewelry types
Knowing how jewelry is classified is the first step in understanding different styles and designs that are popular worldwide. The three major classifications of jewelry are:

Fine jewelry
Jewelry made with the most expensive metal and precious gemstones is labeled fine jewelry. The value of fine jewelry appreciates with age and is regarded as an heirloom and timeless as it becomes older.

The metals that are used to make fine jewelry are gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, fine silver, tungsten, and stainless steel. The precious stones that are used to make fine jewelry include diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.

Bridge jewelry
This is the term for jewelry that looks and feels similar to fine jewelry, except it is made with less expensive metal, alloys, and semi-precious stones. Metals and alloys used to make bridge jewelry include sterling silver, gold-plated silver, silver clays, rhodium, silvadium, and argentium silver.
Semi-precious stones used to make bridge jewelry include jade, topaz, citrine, garnet, amethyst, turquoise, and zirconia.

Costume jewelry
Also known as fashion jewelry, is made with a wide variety of materials, techniques, and inexpensive or imitation stones.

Most trendy jewelry for men
Gold, sterling silver, and platinum are the three most popular and best-selling metals in jewelry for men. While gold is best suited for rings and watches, sterling silver is bolder and more versatile for necklaces and bracelets. Platinum oozes luxury and is both durable and sophisticated. Some men wear jewelry as an accessory and can use it to make a style statement. Fashion-conscious men generally prefer trendy jewelry, however if trends are not a factor, individuals can wear pieces according to their preference, be it maximalist or minimalist.

The most popular jewelry for men includes necklaces, rings, bracelets, cufflinks, tie clips and watches. Leather bracelets, fun pearl necklaces, blingy rings, oversized rectangular watches, and bold and fun colored tie pins are some of the trending jewelry for men in 2023.

Most popular trends in jewelry for women
Designers have been pushing past known boundaries and trying their hands at more sculptural pieces that can make a statement when it comes to jewelry for women. Oversized and bold statement rings continue to be popular, as well as large pendants, body chains, and more. However, minimal jewelry for women in just as popular. Jewelry stores have collections made using rose gold, gold, and platinum finishes that can be worn everyday without looking gaudy or outlandish. Working women often opt for these since they match formal wear as well as evening dresses.

Best sites to buy jewelry sets
A jewelry set for women is typically a combination of matching necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. In some cases, the set may also include a ring and brooch. Jewelry sets are meant to be worn together, and the pieces in one can be made with the same gemstone or have the same basic design in all the pieces in the set. Though jewelry sets sound outdated, they remain popular choices for special or glamorous occasions like weddings, galas, or formal dinner parties.

Expert tips for buying fine jewelry
Whether you are buying fine or fashion jewelry, you may walk into a store with a specific piece in mind but end up buying something else. It is quite common, so having a plan may not work every time, and you may feel a little doubtful about your purchase. Follow these tips so that your jewelry shopping is fulfilling:

Fix a budget and brand so you can choose your jewelry without second-guessing too much. A known brand is an assurance of quality, the craftsman ship and priced correctly
Understand other costs, like taxes, that are added to the cost of the fine jewelry.
Know what jewelry you want to buy based on your requirements and how often you may use it.
Choose jewelry that can be worn on many occasions. If you buy an elaborate or expensive piece of jewelry and don’t have an occasion you can use it, you should go for casual and more informal gold jewelry.
While buying jewelry sets, consider abstract sets rather than only selecting ones with a similar theme.
Buy matching sets without gemstones, so you can use it for any occasion and use the pieces in the set separately.
Fine jewelry is expensive, and before visiting a store, you can compare similar products online from retailers who offer fine jewelry in multiple metal and stone choices. Comparing the different choices, and understanding the basic cost of the jewelry you have in mind, will help you make an informed choice when you visit the store.

If your interest in jewelry goes beyond a love for fine and fashion jewelry, you can consider making your own pieces using craft supplies, such as earrings made out of polymer clay. You can also pick up the subject as a career and look up jewelry designing courses.