1. It's a little childish and you've grown up.
Bracelets with pendants, pendants of animals and butterflies rarely look expensive. It doesn't matter if they cost $ 20 or $ 2000 - they are childish and no one thinks that children have expensive jewelry.
Stay away from cute shapes, especially in bright or pastel colors.This means no hearts and nothing that looks like a child's toy or fantasy creature.
Rose Perlenhorringe, BALL HASTE, $28;pearl cuff, JEWELIQ, US$ 25
2. It's really just a few random beads on a piece of string.
Why spend good money on something that looks like it was made at home with a few loose beads and a string? Not to mention the fact that pearl necklaces are usually a very mature look and should be avoided in your 20s and 30s.
Really, you should stay away from pearls altogether, but when you absolutely must have them, less is definitely more.Stick to pieces that only use pearls as highlights, and prefer small pearls over large or medium pearls, which are more likely to age your look. Using pearls and semi-precious stones instead of glass and plastic also goes a long way in making your pearl jewelry more expensive.
More from Cosmopolitan
long pearl necklace, ANTROPOLOGIA, US$68
And stay away from those tiny earrings that are so popular at craft markets and malls.A simple teardrop earring with clean lines looks much richer than a set of rounded beads held together with pieces of twisted wire.
emerald cut hops, DIANA WARNER (available with Max and Chloe), $95
3. Email work is sloppy.
A good enamel should be smooth and even with sharp, clean edges where the enamel meets the metal.
Cream and navy blue bracelet, KATE SPADE NEW YORK (available at Saks Fifth Avenue), $78
4. The metal is very clear and shiny.
A lot of cheap jewelry is made from cheap alloys or even plastic that is just painted and coated to look like metal. Polished gold, silver and bronze are shiny, but not too shiny.
Choose metals that are slightly darker than really bright, shiny metals.A little body and a slightly darker tone add weight to the piece, making it more expensive.
silver tassel earrings, TED BÄCKER, $ 65;golden bracelet, CALVIN KLEIN (available from Overstock), $92
Also, don't think that false distress fools anyone.The weird black garbage that cheap brands smear on their jewelry to make it look old usually just makes it look cheap.
Fist of Bars Pavê de Ouro, MICHAEL KORS (available at Bloomingdale's), $145
5. It is weak.
Heavier metals (and gemstones) look more expensive. That's not to say that delicate, lightweight jewelry looks cheap, but if you have a big pendant or a flashy necklace that wobbles like it's made of aluminum foil, then, yes, it will look cheap.
Jewelry must have a weight appropriate to its size and the material from which it is made (or imitated).A garment's weight affects how it hangs and how it moves on your body. So, if this movement doesn't seem to be in tune with the look, it's a sure sign that the jewel is cheap. You too want your jewelry at leastI seelike it's built to last - that means the latches and latches are sturdy and secure and the various pieces are welded together or held together with hinges and screws, not just a bunch of flimsy metal rings and cables.
Fist made of gold beads, C.WONDER, US$ 68
6. The gems are obviously fake (and not even good).
No more cheap imitations! The red plastic doesn't look like rubies. It looks like red plastic.
If you want the sparkle without breaking the bank, it's best to go for clear crystals (also known as dirty diamonds).And stay away from those dull jewelry that look too cheap and plasticky.
Clear crystal ear cuff, BAUBLEBAR, US$ 32
And if you really like the look of big stones, opt for semi-precious or non-precious stones over those cheap plastic crystals.The fact is that a beautiful piece of polished quartz or granite looks much more sophisticated than a large artificial crystal.
blue stone bracelet, LELE SADOUGHI, US$ 150
7. Makes your skin green.
Copper often turns the skin green. Nickel and silver can also react with the skin and discolor it. Gold, on the other hand, rarely discolors unless it has been mixed with one of these other metals, which is usually done to make gold stronger and - wait for it - cheaper! How much of these other metals it takes to create a reaction in your skin depends on your unique body chemistry.
There are tricks that can help you avoid those dreaded green marks.Polishing silver pieces regularly will help prevent them from damaging you or your clothing. You can also apply clear nail polish to the parts of the jewelry that touch your skin to act as a barrier between you and the metal. And keep in mind that the longer you wear cheap jewelry, the more likely it is to mark you, so try to only wear it for short periods of time, for example. B. at night instead of all day. By sticking to 18k gold or higher, you can avoid marks altogether, as can wearing jewelry made from platinum, titanium, and stainless steel, although these materials are also more expensive than the cheap alloys that make up most jewelry.
8. It's celebratory (and a little cheesy).
At 13, it's cute to wear half a best friends charm around your neck, but it seems a little silly when you're a working adult. Just let your jewelry be beautiful. That's enough.
If you want to do the whole "best friends" thing, find something nice and buy two - one for you and one for her.A necklace doesn't have to say "best friends" to be a best friend necklace.
Golden Circle Necklace, GORJANA (available at Shopbop), $55
9. Those feathers look a little raggedy.
Feathers are having a real moment right now and things are only going to intensify in 2015 when the '70s boho vibe that swept the runways in September hits stores. However, feathers are delicate, and the second they break or get dirty, they go from beautiful and ethereal to pure garbage.
If you want a feather that you can hold for a long time, choose a feather shape carved from stone or bone or cast from metal.Not only does it last much longer, you won't hurt or kill a poor bird to get it.
Gold and black feather earrings, TRAINER, 95$
10. This statement necklace says the wrong things.
Many people think that adding a big necklace will make a boring outfit look elegant and sophisticated, but they are wrong. Those giant, beaded, iridescent bibs can be wildly popular, but most of them are too busy and colorful to look particularly chic. They're like, "Look at me! I'm a giant necklace!"
Drop the statement necklace for a cool pendant or choker or bow.Or make a whole story out of small, delicate necklaces. Or use an ear muff. Or a bracelet. anything! The era of the giant, multicolored, bejeweled necklace is over. It's time to move on.
Double chain pendant necklace, madness, $240
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FAQs
What makes jewellery look cheap? ›
A lot of cheap jewelry is made with inexpensive alloys, or even plastic that's just painted and coated to look like metal. Polished gold, silver, and bronze are shiny, but not that shiny. Choose slightly darker metals over really light-colored, bright metals.
Why not to buy cheap jewelry? ›Cheap (Usually) Means Low Quality
Most of the gemstones you will find in cheap jewelry stores are amazing on the surface but will eventually disappoint you. If you plan on buying a cheap gemstone, you are better advised that they tend to have an inferior color. They also tend to break easily when bumped.
- LOOK FOR HALLMARKS. One of the first things you can do when you acquire a new piece of jewelry is to look for hallmarks. ...
- LOOK FOR WEARING. Fake chains feel fake. ...
- TRY THE MAGNET TEST. Genuine gold will not attract a magnet. ...
- INSPECT THE PRONGS. ...
- CONSULT AN EXPERT.
- Lost Stones. Most people have experienced the sinking feeling of losing a stone from a piece of jewelry. ...
- Tarnished Silver. ...
- Kinks in Chain Necklaces. ...
- Discolored Costume Jewelry. ...
- Broken Clasps.
- To Thine Own Self Be True. What makes your jewelry your jewelry? ...
- Develop a Jewelry Marketing Plan. No, it's not as exciting as thinking about your signature style. ...
- Be Meticulous. ...
- Tell Your Brand Story. ...
- Let Your Customers Do the Talking (or Some of It, At Least!)
Unlike real gold, costume jewelry can tarnish, but that doesn't mean it has to be thrown out!
Is it okay to wear cheap jewelry? ›Some costume jewellery can contain skin-irritant chemicals like lead, cadmium(a component of zinc), chromium, nickel, brominated flame retardants, chlorine and mercury. In one study, poisonous arsenic was found to be part of the makeup of jewellery found in Claire's accessories, Forever 21, and H&M.
Why can't I wear cheap earrings? ›Cheap jewelry can contain nickel, lead, cadmium, and other metals that cause allergies. Long wear and exposure to our skin's natural oils, or to water, can cause these chemicals and allergens to make their way into our bodies, causing sore, itchy skin and possibly other problems too.
Should you tell a jeweler your budget? ›Dalton says walking into a store with a price range in mind helps jewelers meet your needs. “It's not up to you to come up to my budget, it's up to me to get to yours,” he says. “Because I'm the professional, I know how to work the angles so you'll come out on the deal.”
How can you tell a good jeweler? ›- They have a great reputation. ...
- They're ethical. ...
- They carry trusted brands or feature noteworthy names. ...
- They're straight-shooters. ...
- They treat every guest with respect. ...
- They have a return policy. ...
- They have the right equipment.
How can you tell if jewelry is real or fake? ›
Using a magnet is a good way of identifying whether your jewelry is authentic or not. If your jewelry sticks to the magnet, it may be fake or not pure gold — this is because real gold is not magnetic at all, and even with a strong magnet it will not be attracted.
What does an S mark mean in jewelry? › Hallmark(s): "Saint" Information: Founded by jewelry designer, Sarah Jane. Works primarily in silver and gold.
What are the do's and don'ts of jewelry? ›- DON'T abuse your jewellery. Engagement rings and jewellery go through plenty of abuse on a daily basis. ...
- DO invest in diamond jewellery. ...
- DON'T spend too much on fashion or costume jewellery. ...
- DO buy classic and universal pieces. ...
- DON'T spend too much on pieces you wouldn't wear often.
Turns out the struggle is real, with a small group of people experiencing a true phobia known as kosmemophobia. The most noticeable victim is NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr., who talked to ESPN about the issue while discussing his recent engagement. "Jewelry grosses me out; it just freaks me out.
What materials should you avoid in jewelry? ›The metals that jewelers come in contact with include gold, copper, silver, zinc, iron, steel, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, titanium, niobium, aluminum and ones that we should consider not having around any more at all in the workshop: nickel, lead, mercury, chromium, selenium, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, ...
How do you attract customers to buy jewelry? ›- An excellent catalog will help you attract excellent customers. The best way to attract customers to your jewelry store is always to have an excellent catalog and equally excellent customer service. ...
- Create an online store to capture online leads. ...
- Use a CRM to build customer loyalty and increase sales.
Acknowledge your brand's unique points: Every brand has its own authentic self with its personality, voice and identity. Know exactly what makes your business different and showcase those unique points throughout your branding statements, visual identity and marketing collaterals.
What makes a good logo stand out? ›What Makes A Good Logo? # A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic and simple in form, and it conveys the owner's intended message. A concept or “meaning” is usually behind an effective logo, and it communicates the intended message.
Why is my 14K gold ring turning my finger black? ›Elements such as sulphur and chlorine react with the other metals in the gold jewelry, causing it to corrode and turn black, thus blackening the skin underneath.
Why is my 14K gold ring turning my finger green? ›WILL 14K GOLD PLATED TURN YOUR FINGER GREEN? The stabilizing metals in 14 kt gold rings, such as copper, nickel, and zinc, can oxidize and cause a green tint on the skin in some people.
How can I make cheap jewelry last longer? ›
...
Here are ways on how to keep costume jewelry from tarnishing.
- Keep It Dry. ...
- Store It Properly. ...
- Try a Jewelry Protectant Spray. ...
- Give It a Break.
Plastic and glass jewelry are generally okay to wear in the shower and at the beach. Simply wipe them down when you dry off or take them out to air dry. Be careful of any baubles or filigree that may come loose or be damaged on glass and plastic pieces. Stainless steel is also a go for showering.
Why does jewelry say not for under 15? ›Some jewelry may contain lead and cadmium. These items may present a hazard if mouthed, chewed, or swallowed by children.
Does cheap jewelry have lead? ›High levels of lead have been found in jewelry, especially inexpensive children's jewelry. Exposures to lead can lead to a number of health problems, including: behavioral problems.
Is it OK to sleep in cheap earrings? ›Is it OK? The general rule of thumb is to avoid sleeping in earrings, with one exception: when you get a new piercing. You'll need to keep these small studs in for 6 weeks or longer, or until your piercer gives you the OK.
Do earrings make someone more attractive? ›First of all, earrings improve the overall appearance of a person, whether it is a man or a woman. Therefore, having this gem would work in their favor. The other reason why some find men look better with earrings is that it appeals to their feminine energy.
Why you shouldn't sleep with earrings? ›If you are frequently wearing earrings to bed you may experience headaches as a result. The pressure on your skin and head, especially if laying on your side, can be quite significant, even if you don't feel pain at the site. This can be made even worse by wearing bulkier earrings too.
How much does the average person spend on jewelry? ›In 2021, the country's average annual expenditure on jewelry amounted to 136.33 U.S. dollars per consumer unit.
What is reasonable to spend on a ring? ›General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.
What state is best to buy jewelry? ›Oregon, Alaska, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Montana are the only states without a sales tax on jewelry. If you're purchasing an expensive piece like an engagement ring or an 18k gold necklace, even a small tax can quickly add up.
Who is the most successful jeweler? ›
Harry Winston
Of all the most famous jewelers in the world, the Harry Winston Jewelry Company is one the few whose fame and reputation was built by a single brilliant individual. Harry Winston, who lived from 1896 until 1978, was one of the finest jewelry designers and craftsmen the world has ever seen.
Many jewelers will appraise your stone free of charge and experts will often be able to tell immediately if your diamond is authentic or not. If your stone came with a certificate, your jeweler should be happy to take a look at it and tell you whether it is from a trustworthy source.
Can a jeweler tell a man made diamond? ›Professional jewelers and gemologists cannot tell the difference between a lab created diamond and a natural one just by looking at it with the naked eye. They will have to use a microscope to look for the tiny differences in its inclusions that indicate how it was formed.
Can fake jewelry say 14k? ›While fake gold chains can initially be pretty convincing, there are several ways to separate real gold chains from fakes. Markings There are several markings that indicate the gold quality of a chain. K, KP, KT markings will often include a number, such as 14K which indicates the chain's gold content.
Can jewelry be real without any markings? ›If the hallmark is absent, this could mean the jewelry does not contain real gold. However, there are other possible explanations. It is possible the hallmark has worn away over time, which can happen if the item is in constant contact with skin.
Does real gold stick to a magnet? ›If it's real gold it will not stick to the magnet. (Fun fact: Real gold is not magnetic.) Fake gold, on the other hand, will stick to the magnet. If that necklace leaps to the magnet, your significant other has some explaining to do.
What does 333 mean on a ring? ›WHAT DOES 333 MEAN ON JEWELRY? The hallmark 333 means 8k gold, slightly less than 9k gold, called 375. The gold number stamp denotes the parts of pure gold out of 1000; in other words, 333 parts of pure gold out of 1000 total units are in 8k gold.
What does KK mean on jewelry? ›Since 1942, Kalevala jewelry has been punched with the company's stamp, the letters KK inside a circle. This mark is still used. Old Kalevala jewelry often features not only the maker's mark of the company, but also the mark of the supplier who made the piece, such as HGL (Holger Lindström) or HK (Heikki Kaksonen).
What does Z mean on a ring? ›GIA's color-grading scale for diamonds is the industry standard. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z, or light yellow or brown.
Which jewelry material does not tarnish? ›Platinum! It's always been a fantastic metal choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because it is a pure white metal that won't change color or fade. It's non-corrosive.
What looks like gold but doesn't tarnish? ›
Platinum: Typically used for engagement rings and wedding bands, platinum is stronger and more durable than gold! Not only that, but it is hypoallergenic and does not expand when exposed to heat, making it one of the most desirable metals for frequently wearing.
Is it cheaper to make your own jewelry? ›The answer? - Yes and no. It saves you money to make your own parts if you look strictly at material cost vs. prefabricated findings cost; but, the time and energy put into creating piles of basic findings may not necessarily be the right choice when you look at your business expenses overall.
What makes jewelry attractive? ›Why is jewelry so attractive? Different pieces were worn to symbolise different messages such as security, wisdom, elegance, and prosperity. Many women like to wear jewellery as a symbol of femininity or to showcase social status. Jewellery can also make a woman feel confident and beautiful.
What is the safest jewelry? ›- 100% gold.
- 100% silver.
- Surgical-implant grade stainless steel.
- Vermeil (a type of plating that uses pure gold or silver)
- Non-metal substances such as leather, fabric, or glass beads
Alloy Steel
This is an extremely common type of metal because it's generally still very cheap to make. Common alloying elements for steel include manganese, vanadium, chromium, nickel, and tungsten. Each of these elements will modify the metal's properties in different ways.
You don't want to wear your jewelry when you're putting on lotion, doing your makeup or styling your hair. Lotion, perfume and hair spray could end up on your jewelry and harm it. You also don't want to put your jewelry before you get dressed.
What metal is best for everyday wear? ›There are multiple different metals that can be worn on a daily basis. Gold, Platinum and Silver can all be worn on a daily basis. Silver is softer than gold and if worn with stones in it, should be worn with some precaution.
What jewelry doesn't rust in water? ›The advantage of stainless steel over sterling silver or any other jewelry is that stainless steel is a metal that does not tarnish nor corrode by chemical reaction with water or other substances like perfume or creams.
What metal turns skin green? ›This can happen with multiple types of metals, usually copper. If you think about copper-plated pennies or the copper-covered Statue of Liberty, you'll notice a green discoloration over time. The green color is from a chemical reaction called oxidation between the copper metal and things like water or chemicals.
How long does 14k gold last? ›How long does 14K Solid Gold last? With care, 14k solid gold can last forever. Gold is one of the most long-lasting materials available for fine jewelry.
Which is better 10k or 14k? ›
10k gold has roughly 41.7% of pure gold; this means it is the lowest in percentage, but this lower percentage of gold does make it more durable and less prone to bending, which is a definite perk. 14k has around 58.3% gold and is the most popular choice in the U.S!
Why does my finger turn black with gold ring? ›Elements such as sulphur and chlorine react with the other metals in the gold jewelry, causing it to corrode and turn black, thus blackening the skin underneath.