Jewelry can be broadly classified into Fine jewelry, Bridge and Costume or Fashion jewelry. The term "semi-jewelry" refers to another group that overlaps both bridge and costume jewelry.

Fine jewelry in its purest form is Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires or Pearls set in Silver, Gold or Platinum. (Although last year Tanzanite surpassed Emeralds in sales).

The price- points/markups for fine jewelry is very high.

Bridge is the area of jewelry that falls between the Costume and Fine price point. Bridge normally refers to sterling silver, gold filled, and semi-precious stone products.

If an item cost $16.00 wholesale the opening price point is $30-$60 for Bridge Jewelry. Most department stores try to keep their Bridge lines distinct from their Fashion Jewelry lines. The markdowns are different and the marketing is done separately.

42% of all jewelry is "Bridge" jewelry, and it is one of the top gift items in America today.

Costume or as its called now Fashion Jewelry is made of plated metals, glass or plastic. Often the components are stamped; this is the type of jewelry that you would expect to see in Clare's Accessories in the Mall, or on display ranks in Burdines.

Fashion Jewelry makes up approximately 58% percent of Jewelry sales in a department store. Companies like Nine-West or Liz Claiborne brand often Fashion Jewelry.