Separating Fact From Fiction
Whether it’s a catchy marketing phrase, misinformed sales people, or just plain confusion, jewelry buyers often get the wrong ideas about various types of jewelry. Here are nine common jewelry myths, a few of which we bet you’ve heard before.
Diamonds Are Indestructible
Thanks to one of the most brilliant marketing campaigns ever, not to mention a James Bond Film, people assume these stones are “forever” – indestructible by man. They’re not. After all, they are cut for setting in jewelry. While they rate a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them one of the hardest known minerals, diamonds can chip or crack if hit the wrong way.
The Bigger, The Better
When it comes to gemstones, and especially diamonds, quality tops quantity. It’s the clarity, cut, and color that factor into the value as well as carat weight. In other words, a small, clear, well cut diamond has a greater value that a larger, poorly cut, cloudy one.
Lab-Created Gems Are “Fake”
Gems that are grown in labs are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. The only real difference is one is mined from the earth, the other is grown in a lab. They are real, but not natural. Lab-grown gems have fewer flaws than natural ones so a jeweler using a jewelry loupe can usually identify them easily. However, with the naked eye, they look the same. If you want to learn more about lab created stones, read this.
Zircon Is A Fake Stone
Zircon suffers for its linguistic similarity to cubic “zirconia” which is a fake stone. In fact, zircon is the oldest known mineral and yet so many people misidentify it. It is a genuine natural stone that comes in a variety of colors. Clear zircon is an attractive and affordable alternative to diamonds due to their similar optical brilliance.
Gold Comes In Different Colors
Gold isn’t mined from the earth in any color other than yellow. White gold, rose gold, and other colors you see on the market are created by combining yellow gold with various other metals to alter its color.
If It’s A Real Pearl It Was Formed In An Oyster
Oysters get all the credit but natural pearls are found in clams and mussels too.
You Can Tell Real Gold By Biting It
You’ve seen Olympic medalists and old screen stars do it. It’s not a sure way to know if a piece is genuine gold and you may end up marring the surface. Or chipping a tooth.
Gold Jewelry Is Hypoallergenic
More like most gold jewelry is hypoallergenic for most people. Gold is often mixed with other metals – these other metals are the culprit of skin reaction from jewelry. Only pure gold or gold specifically labeled “hypoallergenic” is a virtual guarantee for sensitive skin types.
It’s OK To Shower and Swim With Jewelry
Saltwater, chlorine, the sun’s rays, and other environmental factors are not helpful in keeping your jewelry looking its best. Likewise perfumes, skin oils, self-tanners, and bath products will accumulate on metal so try cleaning your jewelry with a mild soap and water or a cleaner specifically made for jewelry. And leave it at home when you head to the pool or beach.
