A lot of jewelry advice gets passed around that isn't quite right. Here are eight myths we hear at the counter, and what is actually true.
1. "Real gold never scratches"
False. Gold is a soft metal, and real gold scratches with everyday wear. Higher karat gold is softer and scratches more easily. Scratches don't mean a piece is fake, and a polish removes most of them.
2. "Higher karat is always better"
Not for everyday wear. Higher karat means more gold, a richer color and a higher price, but also a softer metal. For chains and rings you wear daily, 10K and 14K hold up better. See 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold.
3. "White gold is a different metal"
White gold is real gold mixed with white metals and usually plated with rhodium. It is stamped just like yellow gold.
4. "Diamonds can't break"
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, so they resist scratches. But hard is not the same as unbreakable. A hard knock at the wrong angle can chip a diamond. Take rings off for heavy work and the gym.
5. "You can't resize a ring with stones"
Most rings with stones can be resized. The jeweler protects the stones and checks every setting before and after. Rings with stones all the way around are trickier. See Ring Sizing: What to Know Before You Resize.
6. "Jewelers mark everything up 300%"
A piece's price includes the gold, the stones, the labor and the design. Comparing karat and grams between stores tells you far more than any rule of thumb. Read Why Gold Jewelry Costs More Than the Gold Price.
7. "Silver is cheap, so it's fake"
Sterling silver is real precious metal, 92.5% silver, stamped 925. It is more affordable than gold, not fake. Silver-plated pieces are a different story.
8. "Toothpaste cleans jewelry"
Toothpaste is abrasive. It leaves fine scratches in gold and can dull stones. Warm water, a drop of dish soap and a soft brush are all you need. See How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home.
Got a myth we missed?
Ask us at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800.
8 Jewelry Myths, Busted
A lot of jewelry advice gets passed around that isn't quite right. Here are eight myths we hear at the counter, and what is actually true.
1. "Real gold never scratches"
False. Gold is a soft metal, and real gold scratches with everyday wear. Higher karat gold is softer and scratches more easily. Scratches don't mean a piece is fake, and a polish removes most of them.
2. "Higher karat is always better"
Not for everyday wear. Higher karat means more gold, a richer color and a higher price, but also a softer metal. For chains and rings you wear daily, 10K and 14K hold up better. See 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold.
3. "White gold is a different metal"
White gold is real gold mixed with white metals and usually plated with rhodium. It is stamped just like yellow gold.
4. "Diamonds can't break"
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, so they resist scratches. But hard is not the same as unbreakable. A hard knock at the wrong angle can chip a diamond. Take rings off for heavy work and the gym.
5. "You can't resize a ring with stones"
Most rings with stones can be resized. The jeweler protects the stones and checks every setting before and after. Rings with stones all the way around are trickier. See Ring Sizing: What to Know Before You Resize.
6. "Jewelers mark everything up 300%"
A piece's price includes the gold, the stones, the labor and the design. Comparing karat and grams between stores tells you far more than any rule of thumb. Read Why Gold Jewelry Costs More Than the Gold Price.
7. "Silver is cheap, so it's fake"
Sterling silver is real precious metal, 92.5% silver, stamped 925. It is more affordable than gold, not fake. Silver-plated pieces are a different story.
8. "Toothpaste cleans jewelry"
Toothpaste is abrasive. It leaves fine scratches in gold and can dull stones. Warm water, a drop of dish soap and a soft brush are all you need. See How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home.
Got a myth we missed?
Ask us at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800.