After 10 years of being a jeweller for Oh My Clumsy Heart; I've learned quite a lot about the jewellery industry, making sustainable jewellery, and what good jewellery care looks like. After all these years, there are some things I think everyone should know about jewellery. Here are the 5 things I would never do as a jeweller.
@omchofficial 5 things I would never do as a jeweller #5thingsiwouldneverdo ♬ original sound - Sophie - OMCH Jewellery
I would never buy from big retailers
The jewellery you find in big retailers often have unoriginal designs with a high mark up on the price. In traditional retail jewellery is marked-up by 300%! Corners are cut and poor quality metals are commonly used to boost profits even more. These jewellers want to make as much money as possible so you're not getting good value for what your pay.
There are countless reasons why supporting small businesses and buying handmade is better than the big retailers. Buying from a small independent retailers means you'll have a more personalised shopping experience, pay less for your jewellery, and get better quality pieces that will last a lifetime.
I would never buy plated jewellery
Many brands choose to use plated metals yet charge more expensive prices. It makes you think the jewellery you're buying is better quality than it is. Plated jewellery is made using a cheap base metal, like copper, brass, or nickel. The resulting jewellery is poor quality and doesn't last.
Although 'solid gold' jewellery is the best quality you can buy, it's also unaffordable for many people. Jewellery made from gold-fill and sterling silver are both affordable and high quality. Meaning you can have jewellery you can wear every day without having to worry about replacing it. Learn more about jewellery materials and care.
I would never buy mined diamonds
The effects of diamond production is devastating. Diamond mining has worldwide repercussions, from human rights abuses, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Mined diamonds are unethical and sustainable, no matter who you buy them from. Coupled with the fact that diamonds are not rare and they're only expensive because of marketing; why buy something so controversial when lab grown diamonds exist?
Cultured and simulated diamonds are a less problematic alternative to mined diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are man-made yet almost impossible to differentiate from diamonds. While simulated diamonds are made from cubic zirconia or moissanite. Both durable, low in cost, and ethical.
I would never use a jewellery stand
A go-to storage solution for jewellery lovers is the jewellery stand. Yet you can be unintentionally damaging your jewellery by using one. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes and leaving it exposed to the air makes that process happen even quicker. While gold jewellery won't tarnish, it will lose its shine if left out in the open.
The best way to store jewellery is to keep it in a cool, dark place. Store pieces individually, ideally in an airtight container. You can use the padded jewellery gift box you received with your OMCH jewellery order, or a box lined with felt. You can also use an anti-tarnish square to help prevent tarnishing.
I would never leave my jewellery on all day
It's tempting to leave jewellery on all day especially when we wear it every day. But the products we use regularly, like skin care, make-up, and cleaning products can tarnish or corrode the metal. When you wear your jewellery in the shower, or sleep with it on, you increase the chances of your favourite pieces being damaged.
The best way to care for your jewellery is to remove it before getting undressed and put it on after dressing to avoid snagging. To avoid water damaged, take it off when showering or swimming; and don't wear it when using cleaning products or spraying perfume. Learn more about caring for your jewellery.
