5 Signs Your Jewelry Is Poor Quality
Because “cute” shouldn’t fall apart after one brunch date.
We’ve all been there. You fall in love with a gorgeous necklace online, it arrives looking like royalty… and then a week later, it’s tarnished, tangled, or giving you a rash. Ouch.
When it comes to jewelry, looks can be deceiving — and poor quality can cost you way more than money. Here’s how to spot the red flags before you buy (or wear) a piece that doesn’t deserve your time or your skin.
1. It Changes Color. Fast.
If your jewelry turns green, brown, or brassy within a few wears — that’s a major red flag.
Why it happens:
Low-quality pieces often use cheap base metals like copper or nickel, which react quickly with air, moisture, or your skin oils.
Soft girl fix:
Stick to plated pieces with thicker coatings (1 micron+) and metals like stainless steel or sterling silver. Or check if it’s nickel-free — always a bonus.
2. It Feels Super Lightweight (in a Bad Way)
There’s dainty… and then there’s flimsy.
Cheap jewelry often feels feather-light because it’s made with hollow parts or ultra-thin materials that bend, snap, or warp with the slightest pressure.
Tip:
Quality pieces usually have a bit of weight to them — not heavy, but substantial. If it feels like it came out of a vending machine, skip it.
3. It Leaves a Weird Green or Black Stain
Nope, that’s not a cute new skin tint.
If your ring turns your finger green or your earrings leave black marks, that’s your skin reacting to low-quality metal.
Usually caused by:
• Copper-based alloys
• Nickel
• Lack of protective plating
The Shimmers Store Promise:
Our pieces are nickel-free, tarnish-resistant, and kind to sensitive skin — so you never have to trade glow for discomfort.
4. The Clasps or Chains Break Easily
One tug and it’s over? That’s not just annoying — it’s a waste of your money and mood.
Common culprits:
• Flimsy lobster clasps that pop open
• Thin chains that kink or snap
• Jump rings that aren’t properly closed
What to look for instead:
• Sturdy clasps
• Double-linked chains
• Well-crafted closures that don’t feel like they’ll betray you at brunch
5. It Has No Clear Material Info
If the brand doesn’t say what their jewelry is made of — red flag.
You deserve to know what’s touching your skin (especially if you’re sensitive!).
Trustworthy brands will always mention:
• Base metals (brass, stainless steel, sterling silver, etc.)
• Plating thickness (especially for gold or rose gold plated)
• Whether it’s nickel-free or hypoallergenic
No info? No buy.
At The Shimmers Store…
We believe in transparency as much as we believe in sparkle.
That’s why all our pieces come with clear material info, real customer reviews, and quality you can feel.
Ditch the drama. Wear jewelry that’s built to last.
Explore our curated, skin-safe, soft-girl-approved collection at
And follow us at @theshimmersstore for styling inspo, jewelry care tips, and luxe looks without the luxury markup.
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