Jewellery is a lot more than just a few pretty things you wear to look good. Jewellery can really show off who you are and make you look better. More than this, the right jewellery can make you feel good too – and that’s so important.
To buy and take care of jewellery, you need to know at least the basics about the material it’s made from, its life, and how to care for it. People often make the mistake of buying whatever they think looks nice and fits their budget without really looking into the type of jewellery and what it takes to keep it in good shape.
So, here’s a quick guide to help you avoid making the most common mistakes people make when buying, wearing, and taking care of jewellery.
Not Knowing What Material It’s Made From
When you’re shopping for jewellery, you should always know what it’s made of. If you don’t understand something, you should always ask before buying, especially for more expensive items.
A piece of jewellery may have the appearance of gold or silver, but this does not guarantee that it is actually created from any of these metals. This is especially true if the jewellery isn’t extremely expensive but looks like gold; it’s probably not gold at all and is, at most, very thinly plated. You won’t find any cheap gold jewellery because gold is so pricey.
Jewellery made from base metals, such as brass or nickel, will not last long and may cause skin discoloration. Nickel in particular should be avoided at all costs because it can trigger severe allergic reactions in some people. Thinly plated jewellery can be worn down to the base metal quite rapidly.
You should also be aware of the origin of any gemstones you come across, whether they were created in a lab, mined from the earth, or are wholly synthetic. You should know where your money is going, but in the appropriate circumstances, any of these options is great.
Not Setting A Budget
The cost of jewellery can quickly get out of hand if no limits are placed on spending. It’s tempting to go overboard when you’re surrounded by so many lovely pieces of jewellery, but that will only lead to problems later on when you can’t afford something you need, or you find you’re relying on credit cards. Only buy what you can afford.
So, be firm and realistic about how much you want to spend, and try to stick to it. One great tip is to first set a budget for clothes and then a budget for jewellery. So, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to match certain outfits.
Think about the kinds of jewellery that will go with the clothes you want to wear. Then think about how much each piece of jewellery might cost. Mixing and matching prices can be fun, and you might find you can create some stunning looks when you focus on budget – after all, necessity is the mother of invention.
Wearing The Same Things Every Day
It’s easy to get used to wearing the same jewellery every day and hardly ever taking them off. But there are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to stop this and start changing things up when you can.
First, because the changes happen slowly, your everyday jewellery will get dirty in places you can’t see or in ways you might not notice. This is especially true for stud earrings, where a part of the earring is hidden behind your earlobe, where it can collect chemicals and grime from washing your hair; this can actually cause infections. Taking off your usual jewellery and washing it in warm soapy water with a soft-bristle brush is the best way to keep it in good condition and free from germs.
Another reason to make some changes every now and then (or more often if you prefer) is because there is so much lovely jewellery out there that if you stick to two or three pieces, you’ll never get to experience the fun of using other types. To begin with, think about the jewellery you already own and how you can use it more often – some of it will be left in a box and never used at all right now if you’re like a lot of people. If you don’t have a lot of jewellery or your collection is missing some pieces, make a plan to add more over time. Perhaps it would be good to add an ear cuff or two to your collection, or maybe a brooch would be a good addition. Make some changes and see what happens.
Buying Pieces You Won’t Wear
On the other side of this coin is the mistake of shopping for jewellery – either online or offline – knowing you won’t wear the pieces (or being fairly certain you won’t).
When you shop, it’s easy to find many different kinds of jewellery. This can be both a blessing and a curse for some people who shop. It’s great to be able to see a lot of different things, and you might find something you love while you’re looking around, but it can also be distracting.
When you shop online, for example, it’s easy to put things in your cart without giving them much thought. Some people may be more likely to buy things that just catch their eye on a whim because of this. If you give in to that urge, you might end up adding things to your wardrobe that don’t really fit your style or way of life and won’t get worn very often.
Before you check out, think about what you’ve chosen and where you’ll wear the items. Do you wear them every day or just for special events? Do you have a certain outfit in mind that they will go with? Do they go with the jewellery you already have, or are you looking for something new? Do they reveal anything about who you are?
Taking a moment to think about your purchase before you make it is a great way to avoid buying jewellery you might later regret.
Thinking Expensive Is Better
It’s easy to be fooled by the idea that “bigger is better,” and this can lead people to think that spending more on jewellery is the best option. Surely that means better quality? It’s a sound investment, right?
That may not be the case. It really depends on what you’re buying. Diamonds, for example, tend to be better quality the higher the price, and this is why, as we said, it’s a good idea to set a budget.
However, it might be that you fall totally in love with a much less expensive piece of jewellery. Why would you want to spend more on something you don’t like as much when you can spend less on something you’re sure to cherish – and actually wear? This is why it’s good to be aware of price and know what your limits are, but it’s also good to think about what it is you like; that might not be the most expensive item in the store.
Not Asking For Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from a sales associate if you’re not sure how to choose jewellery for the first time. Ask a friend who knows what they’re doing if you want to buy jewellery online. It’s possible that they, along with other friends, can provide you with helpful fashion advice.
And if you’re doing your jewellery shopping in a store, don’t be afraid to get the opinion of a seasoned jeweller. Even if they’re utterly wrong about what you want, having a second opinion can force you to try on pieces you might not have considered before.