People often make mistakes when wearing jewelry due to a combination of factors, such as lack of knowledge about proper care and handling, oversight in matching pieces with their attire, and overlooking maintenance routines. These mistakes can lead to damage, loss, or a less-than-optimal fashion statement.
We have outined what we think is the 10 most commonly seen mistakes when it comes to jewellery and how to avoid them.
1. Not understanding the materials used to make jewellery.
When shopping for jewellery, you should always find out the materials used in creating the jewellery. If the seller/store does not specify the materials, it is highly unlikely the items are made from genuine silver, gold or other precious metals. Just because a piece of jewellery looks or contains the word silver or gold in the product descriptions, it doesn’t always mean they are made from those specific materials. Especially in the case of gold. Gold is a very expensive metal so there is close to 100% certainty the jewellery is not solid gold if the pricing is inexpensive. It is more likely gold is thinly plated on cheap metals such as brass or nickel.
Find out about gold used in jewellery
Base metal such as brass and nickel tend to change colour quickly after minimal wear and can turn your skin black or green. Even worse, these metals may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. We recommend you avoid wearing jewellery made from these materials as much as possible. A safer alternative is wearing plated jewellery as this provides a barrier between the base metal and your skin. However, plating tends to wear over time and the metal below will become exposed to your skin. To combat this, invest in jewellery made from hypoallergenic materials such as gold, sterling silver, or platinum.
If you like the look of gold but want something more affordable than pure gold, we recommend you purchase jewellery made with hypoallergenic metals and then plated in gold. We offer jewellery made from sterling silver vermeiled in 18k gold.
What is 18k Vermeil Plated Jewellery?
Understanding Hypoallergenic Earrings and Skin Health
Different Types of Hypoallergenic Metals for Jewellery and Methods for their Care
If you are happy for a design to be relatively short lived and your skin can tolerate the materials, there should be no issue with purchasing such items.
2. Wearing the Same Jewellery Every day and Not Cleaning Your Items
It can be easy to put on jewellery and forget about them whilst living day to day. Every day jewellery can get grimy and slowly tarnish over time so it a good habit to remove them occasionally to give them a clean.
You can spot clean using polishing cloths made specially for jewellery. Or if you have the time, wash them with warm, soapy water using colorless and fragrance-free soap and a soft bristled brush.
See below for more tips about cleaning your jewellery:
Secondly, unless the item you are wearing has sentimental value, it is always good to rotate your jewellery to match the different styles and moods you are feeling. If you feel like you are lacking a variety in terms of jewellery, you can come up with a plan to add more pieces over time. If you have important dates coming up, dropping hints to your loved ones if they ask for ideas can be a good way to go.
If you would like some inspirations, have a browse at the different types and designs of jewellery we offer at KORYANGS.
3. Using Cleaning Methods Which Can Damage Your Items
Some methods of cleaning jewellery can be too abrasive and harsh on your pieces which can potentially damage them permanently.
The following 3 methods are NOT recommended:
- Using pure baking soda paste as this can be too harsh on your items.
- Using toothpaste as it is too abrasive and will deplete the metal over time.
- Using vinegar/ lemon juice as these are too acidic and may terminally damage pieces.
- Using any form of alcohol with gemstones is not recommended (especially for porous gemstones like opals or pearls)
4. Wearing Your Jewellery Whilst Swimming or Showering
Although convenient to wear your items whilst swimming or showering, it is not recommended. Firstly, there is the risk of losing your items in the water which may not be retrievable. Secondly, chlorine in pool water is a chemical which can permanently damage the metals and can potentially discolour porous gemstones. Thirdly, saltwater from the sea can dull diamonds and erode soldered parts in metal jewellery. Finally, residue from shampoo, conditioners and body wash can gum up your items, especially with earrings which can potentially cause an infection. If you must wear your jewellery when showering, it is a good idea to take them off every few weeks to give them a good clean.
5. Not Storing Your Jewellery Appropriately
Keeping your items in the wrong environment can greatly affect your jewellery. Humidity is the number 1 enemy when it comes to sterling silver jewellery as it can speed up the tarnishing process. Avoid storing your jewellery in a place where humidity is an issue. You should store your items away in an airtight bag to keep it away from open air.
Utilising jewellery boxes with compartments is a good idea as metal jewellery which gets jumbled up can easily rub against each other and get damaged. A dedicated jewellery box with padded compartments is a great option. Every online order placed at KORYANGS comes with its own jewellery box you can keep your items when you are not wearing them.
6. Not Clasping Necklaces After Taking Them Off
You should always clasp your necklaces when you take them off as this will help prevent tangled chains. No one wants to go through the frustrating task of detangling the chain, especially when you are in a rush and need to get ready in a limited time. Utilising tubing or straws is a good method of preventing tangling. You can put one end of the necklace through the straw before clasping it to keep it separate.
7. Neckline and Necklace Choice
It is a good idea to understand the different necklines and necklace lengths available. By understanding the different variants, you will be able to better match your necklace to the neckline of your outfit. Of course, this is just a suggestion as necklace choice is entirely given to the wearer. But doing so, you will find it will add more interest and style to your outfits.
If you need help understanding the different necklines and necklace lengths, we have some handy articles for you:
8. Failing to Determine You Ring Size Before Shopping
Before even looking for rings when buying online, it is a good idea to know exactly what size rings would fit your fingers. Ideally, you would know the size of each individual fingers so you can buy the ring accordingly; but if you are someone who prefers to change the finger the ring is on depending on the day and mood, knowing your average ring size may be handy.
Did you know, each finger represents a different meaning and wearing rings on a particular finger can hold significance. Read the article below to find out more
We suggest you either invest in a ring sizer or go to a jeweller to get your ring size professionally measured as it will leave little room for confusion as different articles give different ways of measuring your ring size. Alternatively, why not choose rings that are adjustable so you can adjust the size accordingly. Why not have a look at our adjustable ring collection.
9. Not Being Creative with Jewellery and Accessories
Some pieces may be universally suited as they are timeless and simple but be as creative as you want and can with combining different jewellery with different outfits. As the seasons change, you automatically change the kind of clothes you wear to fit the mood and weather. Why wouldn’t you do the same with jewellery?
10. Not Considering the Ethics Behind the Jewellery You Buy
With the rise of fad and fast fashion, not all items are made with the notion of sustainability and ethics in mind. Pieces are sourced from people working very poor conditions and the quality is not always the best from such resources. If you are looking for high end jewellery worth the investment, find smaller scale manufacturing jewellery businesses with a good reputation.
When buying jewellery, it is always best practice to consider how much of an effort the brand puts into sustainability and ethics. This approach to shopping for jewellery will result in a much better investment for you.
More Articles:
Which Should You Choose: Gold or Silver? Understanding Your Skin Tone