Demi-Fine Jewelry for a Fun and Fancy-Free Summer

As consumers start making their plans for summer, retailers are tempting them with the latest trends. Jewelry, as we know, moves much more slowly than fashion in terms of trends, and that is a wonderful thing—shoppers spending a pretty penny on a jewel for any particular reason can typically rest easy that the purchase is for the long term.

But jewelry also isn’t immune to trends, and it can be harder to convince customers to pay fine jewelry prices on styles that may or may not make it through the next several seasons.

It’s a perfect opportunity for demi-fine jewelry—the definition of which might change slightly depending on where you consult. For the most part, though, it’s basically a half-and-half sort of thing (demi in French means half). So gold plating is big here—either over bronze or silver—as are semiprecious gemstones, sometimes CZ, or even perhaps lab-grown diamonds.

Demi-fine jewelry isn’t just perfectly suitable for the trendier styles. Given that gold recently surpassed $3,000 an ounce, the pieces are also perfect for consumers looking to stock their collections with something new and lasting.

One might be inclined to say it’s not the kind of heirloom jewelry you necessarily pass down to your grandkids—then again, it’s not not the kind of jewelry to be passed down (the amount of costume jewelry I have acquired from relatives speaks to this). Many of these pieces are treated to prevent things from tarnishing like happening, so they’re intended to last, ensuring consumers can wear their pieces for a long time and then some. They should be worn with care and stored properly to keep them in good condition. A platinum or solid gold jewel these are not, but considering the style and approachable price points, they’re well worth a look.

Ser Magnetica collection bangle in 18k gold–plated silver with green crystals, €245 ($270); Uno de 50

Houlehan necklace in 14k gold vermeil with blue topaz “crushed ice” crystal, $1,550; Nickho Rey

Elppin shield earrings in 22k gold vermeil, $420; Carina Hardy

Happy Petals necklace in 18k rose gold–plated brass with CZ, $200; Callista by Vinita

Serpent climber stud earrings in 18k gold–plated sterling silver with garnet and CZ, $110; Astrid & Miyu

Maxi Vine leather cord necklace in sterling silver, $2,500; Bea Bongiasca

Moraine bracelet in 9k yellow gold and sterling silver, $1,917; Alicia Hannah Naomi

Irregular tennis necklace in 18k gold–plated brass with CZ, $430; Crystal Haze

Medusa cuff bracelet in 24k gold–plated bronze, $700; Peracas

The Charmer heirloom initial necklace in 18k gold vermeil, $150; Oak & Luna

Dancing Hearts earrings in 18k gold–plated sterling silver, $284; Bar Jewellery

Blossom Camellia choker necklace in 18k gold–plated copper with cultured freshwater pearls, $88; Arsis

Letra hoop earrings in 18k gold–plated sterling silver, $235; Kitty Joyas

Top: Juicy collection necklace in 24k gold–plated bronze with Midnight Maroon enamel, $336; Misho