At Hendrickson’s Fine Jewelry, we know jewelry isn’t just something you wear — it’s part of your life story. Over the years, we’ve heard many questions and uncovered common myths about jewelry care and buying decisions. Let’s clear up some of the most frequent misconceptions so you can protect your investment and enjoy your pieces for decades to come..
Myth 1: “Diamonds Are Indestructible”
Fact: Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but they can chip or fracture under the right force — especially at sharp points or along the girdle. Even two diamonds stored together can scratch each other. (GIA: Diamond Myths Demystified)
Hendrickson’s Tip: Remove diamond jewelry during strenuous activities and schedule regular inspections to keep prongs and settings secure.
Myth 2: “Sterling Silver Will Always Turn Your Skin Green”
Fact: The green tint comes from copper in the alloy reacting with moisture — not the silver itself. It’s harmless and preventable. (Jewelry Lab: Why Sterling Silver Turns Skin Green)
Hendrickson’s Tip: Choose .925 sterling silver, clean it regularly, and store it in anti-tarnish pouches to keep it shining bright.
Myth 3: “You Can Sleep, Shower, and Swim in Your Jewelry”
Fact: Water, chlorine, soap, and friction can dull metal finishes, loosen stones, and weaken clasps. (AP News: Jewelry Care Tips)
Hendrickson’s Tip: Remove jewelry before sleeping, showering, or swimming to keep it looking new.
Myth 4: “All White Metals Are the Same”
Fact: Platinum, white gold, and sterling silver may look similar, but they differ in durability, weight, and maintenance needs. Platinum is naturally white and very durable, white gold is rhodium-plated and may need re-plating, and silver is softer and tarnishes more quickly.
Hendrickson’s Tip: Our team can help you choose the right metal based on your lifestyle, budget, and style preferences.
Myth 5: “Pearls Are High-Maintenance and Outdated”
Fact: Pearls are classic and trending again. Caring for them is simple: wipe with a soft cloth after wearing and store them properly. (AP News: Jewelry Care Tips)
Hendrickson’s Tip: Incorporate pearls into modern styling — pair them with gold chains or wear them casually for a fresh, updated look.
Myth 6: “Bigger Carat = Better Diamond”
Fact: Carat size is just one of the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat). A smaller diamond with excellent cut will often outshine a larger stone with poor proportions. (The Diamond Store: Diamond Myths)
Hendrickson’s Tip: Prioritize cut quality for maximum brilliance — our jewelers can help you find the right balance of all four Cs.
Myth 7: “Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Always Safe”
Fact: While ultrasonic cleaners are great for some jewelry, they can loosen settings or damage certain gemstones like emeralds, opals, or pearls. (GIA: Jewelry Cleaning Tips)
Hendrickson’s Tip: Bring delicate or valuable pieces to us for professional cleaning. We’ll make sure your jewelry stays secure and sparkling without risking damage.
Myth 8: “Boiling Water Is Safe for Cleaning Jewelry”
Fact: Boiling water can harm certain gemstones (like opals and pearls) and potentially damage metal integrity.
Safer Alternative: Use gentle methods—like mild warm soapy water—and leave extreme temperature treatments to professionals.
Myth 9: “Resizing a Ring Weakens It Significantly”
Fact: When done professionally, ring resizing generally doesn’t weaken your piece. However, extensive resizing—especially beyond two sizes—can thin and compromise the metal’s structural integrity. Such adjustments should be performed by experienced jewelers, who can reinforce the ring and ensure a seamless finish. Frequent resizing increases the risk of weakening and could affect the ring’s durability over time.
— Elaborated by RingsMaker, a jewelry education resource, discussing risks of major size adjustments and the importance of expert handling.
Your Next Step
Jewelry should be worn with confidence. Understanding these myths and facts helps you protect your investment and keep your pieces looking their best.
Visit Hendrickson’s Fine Jewelry for a complimentary cleaning and inspection. Our team will:
- Professionally clean your jewelry
- Check prongs and settings for security
- Provide personalized care tips for each piece
📍 Stop by today or give us a call— let us help you keep your story shining beautifully.
