Typical Jewellery Mistakes We Wish You'd Stop Making

Wearing jewellery is a form of art that, if done right, will enhance your appearance and add a unique flair to your personality. The best jewellery piece is the one that reflects your vibe and complements your outfit, making you look like a diva. But even the most stunning jewellery pieces can lose their charm if not worn and cared for properly. Certain missteps, whether during the buying process, daily wear, styling, storing, or maintenance, can impact the longevity and overall look and feel of the jewellery. In this blog, we have rounded up the jewellery mistakes that you should avoid to ensure your favourite pieces stay as good as new and help you dazzle effortlessly. Continue scrolling to note the common errors.

Common Jewellery Mistakes To Steer Clear Of

Even the most exquisite jewellery pieces can look dull if not styled, cared for, and stored the right way. Whether accessorising old jewellery pieces or buying a brand new collection, small oversights can ruin your jewellery game entirely. Here are a few common jewellery mistakes to watch out for to ensure you and your jewellery keep shining bright. 

1. Buying A Piece Without Proper Research

Purchasing a jewellery piece on a whim without doing any research on the type, metals, textures, and gemstones can lead to dissatisfaction later. What may look breathtaking on the spot can later turn out to be uncomfortable to wear and clash with your outfit. 

Therefore, before randomly picking a jewellery piece, explore the kinds of jewellery available on the market. Ask yourself questions like: What kind of jewellery do I feel the best in? Will this piece complement my outfits and suit my lifestyle? Is this a good investment for long-term use? Being proactive while making a jewellery purchase always helps. It helps you invest money in the right piece that you will adore, wear often, and be proud to own. 

2. Lack Of Understanding About The Material

Buying jewellery without clear knowledge about its material is risky. In worst cases, you may end up purchasing imitations. Learning about the materials helps you in assessing whether they are safe for your skin. 

So, whenever you buy from a store, ask the salesperson about the composition of the piece you have chosen. If they cannot provide a clear, trustworthy answer, it is best to walk away. When shopping online, read the description of the jewellery thoroughly to understand what it is made of. Be cautious when the price seems too affordable for the metal it claims to be. For example, if you are eyeing a gold jewellery piece, which has a surprisingly cheap price, do not buy it. It is probably not gold at all but has a thin golden plating. Authentic silver jewellery is comparatively less expensive than gold pieces, but it is not inexpensive. Jewellery made of base metals like brass and nickel can tarnish and develop discolouration over time. They can even trigger allergies and cause redness when worn for an extended period. Additionally, jewellery with colourful stones usually has thin plating that wears out with daily wear and reveals the base metal underneath. You want jewellery that is durable and suitable for repeated wear. So, research the material, understand quality indicators, and choose a piece that is worth your money. 

3. Not Cleaning The Jewellery

Jewellery, especially the ones you wear daily, is exposed to sweat, dirt, and environmental moisture, all of which accumulate over time, diminishing its shine and even distorting its shape. Without proper cleaning, your jewellery will eventually become so dull and worn out that you will not want to wear it any long. 

Treat your precious jewellery with the best and make cleaning it a habit. For pieces that you wear daily, make it a point to wipe them every day after wear with a cloth dampened in a soapy solution. Delicate jewellery that you wear occasionally needs cleaning every once in three months to retain its original shine. Always use cleaning solutions specifically formulated for your delicate jewellery to ensure effective care. 

4. Using Misguided Cleaning Methods

People tend to follow trending jewellery cleaning hacks that they come across on social media. In most cases, the suggested cleaning methods, like using toothpaste, vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh abrasives, are wrong and can damage your jewellery permanently. These strong ingredients can cause discolouration and leave behind residues that may irritate your skin. 

Avoid these hacks unless they come from reliable sources such as the brand’s official website or a certified jeweller. If you are cleaning your jewellery daily, at home, stick to using lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. 

5. Neglecting Proper Jewellery Storage

You have likely seen influencers hanging their pieces on jewellery storage trees or stacking them on open mini-racks. Although it looks aesthetically pleasing and allows easy access, this way of storing can distort the shape of your jewellery. Plus, exposure to air can eventually tarnish the materials and dull their shine.

As much as cleaning your jewellery is essential, storing it in the right pouches or boxes is crucial to retain the original shine, texture, and shape. Always store jewellery in airtight containers, preferably padded boxes, to protect it from dirt, grime, moisture, and impact. When storing necklaces, place them in their dedicated boxes to avoid the chains from tangling up and ensure to fasten the clasp securely to avoid damage. For earrings, secure them in individual holders to prevent scratching, while wrapping your bangles or bracelets with paper cloth is recommended to maintain their original shape.

6. Wearing Jewellery In The Shower Or The Pool

Most people forget their jewellery in their washroom, exposing it to water, soap, dirt, and chlorine. These elements can gradually degrade the quality of the jewellery and dull its shine. Additionally, not taking off your jewellery when swimming is an ill practice. Chlorine or salt in the pool water can corrode metal, cause pitting on gold pieces and discolour gemstones. 

Therefore, it is mandatory to remove your jewellery when stepping into the shower and pool to preserve its beauty. Ideally, store it in a water-resistant pouch or an airtight container before you bathe or swim. This way, you will not only protect your pieces from permanent damage but also avoid losing them.

7. Not Taking Jewellery Off Before Bed

While it may be tempting to go to bed with your daily jewellery on, doing so can both damage your jewellery’s shape and irritate your skin. Nighttime movements can put stress on your rings, earrings, and necklaces and cause sweat buildup. Besides, they can even rub harshly against your skin, causing irritation and redness.
So, develop a habit of taking off your jewellery before going to sleep to preserve its integrity. After removing the pieces, wipe them gently to remove any dirt or grime from their surface, and store them in padded boxes. 

8. Wearing The Same Jewellery Pieces Every Day

Everyone has that one jewellery piece that they want to wear every day. While it is natural to develop an affection for a certain jewellery piece, wearing the same accessory daily results in a style rut and deteriorates the original shine and texture of your jewellery. 

Therefore, embrace variety and rotate between your collection. Mixing pieces up will only retain the beauty of the individual pieces and allow you to explore personalised jewellery combinations. By experimenting with your accessories, you will rediscover overlooked pieces in your collection, gain fresh outfit pairing ideas, and leave everyone impressed by your ever-evolving style. 

9. Wearing Pieces That Don't Fit Right

Wearing jewellery that does not fit properly will not only cause discomfort but also take away from your overall look. Whether it is a ring that is too tight, a bracelet that tends to slip off your wrist, or a necklace that has an unflattering length, the ill-fitting pieces will cause distraction rather than enhancing your style. Rings that are too tight can stop blood circulation, causing pain, and loose ones can fall out of your fingers at any time. Similarly, necklaces that are too short may not sit well with your neckline, while the longer ones can tangle up and get caught in your clothing. 

So, always choose pieces that fit you snugly and enhance your look. If needed, try out the jewellery with the outfits you are planning to pair with, and see whether you like the final results. In case your existing pieces feel too loose or too tight, consider getting them professionally resized to continue wearing them comfortably.

10. Layering Too Many Jewellery Pieces 

While layering your jewellery pieces, especially necklaces, bangles, and rings, is in trend right now, overdoing it can make you look messy and overwhelming. Just as wearing too many pieces of similar texture looks odd, layering pieces of contrasting finishes and colours can also feel chaotic. 

Therefore, experiment with different metals and mix and match finishes, then try the combination in front of the mirror to check how it looks on you. When done carefully, layering can add dimension and drama to your look and enhance your beauty.

The kind of jewellery we choose defines our sense of style and reflects our personality. The exquisite adornments crafted with sturdy metals, featuring colourful stones and beads, hold the power to make or break your look. That is why it is important to consider the kind of jewellery that suits you the best and complements your outfits. Even if you pick the right piece that enhances your appearance, no matter what you pair it with, it can fall flat if you fail to care for it and store it the right way. So, being mindful of the common jewellery mistakes is crucial to extend the lifespan of your jewellery. From avoiding impulse buying and researching the material, to storing the items in the right jewellery boxes and harmoniously styling the pieces, small changes can make a big difference. With the right habits in place, your jewellery will look its best and make you feel your best.