The jewelry world is filled with misconceptions, old wives' tales, and outdated "rules" that can make shopping confusing and intimidating. At Elysian Bijoux, we believe in empowering our customers with accurate information. Let's bust some of the most common jewelry myths and reveal the truth behind these sparkling stories.

Myth #1: "You Must Spend Three Months' Salary on an Engagement Ring"

The Truth: This "rule" was created by a diamond marketing campaign in the 1930s—not by tradition, romance, or common sense. There's no correlation between ring cost and relationship success. The right amount to spend is whatever fits comfortably within your budget while choosing a ring your partner will love.

Many couples today prefer rings that reflect their values and lifestyle rather than arbitrary spending formulas. Lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and other alternative stones offer stunning beauty at a fraction of traditional diamond costs, allowing you to invest in your future together rather than overspending on jewelry.

Myth #2: "Diamonds Are Rare and the Hardest Substance on Earth"

The Truth: While diamonds are certainly hard (10 on the Mohs scale), they're not as rare as marketing suggests. Millions of carats are mined annually. The perception of rarity has been carefully cultivated through controlled supply and brilliant marketing.

Additionally, while diamonds are incredibly hard, that doesn't make them indestructible. They can chip or crack if struck at certain angles, and lab-created materials like synthetic moissanite actually show more brilliance and fire than diamonds.

Myth #3: "Gold Will Turn Your Skin Green"

The Truth: Pure gold never turns skin green. When discoloration occurs, it's caused by the metal alloys mixed with gold—particularly copper. Green discoloration happens when copper reacts with your skin's natural oils, sweat, or lotions, creating copper salts.

This is more common with lower karat gold (10K or 14K) that contains more copper, and it's completely harmless. To prevent it, keep jewelry clean and dry, apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to the skin-contact areas, or opt for higher karat gold or alternative metals like stainless steel or platinum.

Myth #4: "Pearls Should Only Be Worn by Married Women or Older Ladies"

The Truth: This outdated notion belongs in the past! Pearls are universally flattering and appropriate for anyone at any age. Modern pearl jewelry comes in countless contemporary styles—from sleek single-pearl pendants to edgy baroque pearl earrings.

Fashion icons and young celebrities regularly sport pearls in fresh, modern ways. Whether you're 18 or 80, single or married, pearls can be a stunning addition to your jewelry collection. Don't let arbitrary "rules" prevent you from enjoying these luminous gems.

Myth #5: "You Shouldn't Mix Metals"

The Truth: The fashion police called—they're retiring this rule! Mixing gold, silver, and rose gold creates visual interest and contemporary style. In fact, many jewelry designers intentionally combine metals in single pieces.

The key is wearing your mixed metals with confidence. If you love how it looks, wear it. Your jewelry should reflect your personal style, not outdated fashion mandates. Mixing metals also makes building a versatile jewelry wardrobe easier since pieces in different metals can be worn together.

Myth #6: "Remove Jewelry Before Showering"

The Truth: It depends on the jewelry. While this advice is sound for porous stones like pearls, opals, and turquoise, or for pieces with delicate settings, many materials handle water just fine.

Solid gold, platinum, stainless steel, and most diamonds, moissanite, sapphires, and rubies can withstand occasional water exposure. However, remove jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or ocean water, as harsh chemicals and salt can damage even durable pieces over time. Also, always remove jewelry before using cleaning products or applying lotions and perfumes.

Myth #7: "Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds Are 'Fake'"

The Truth: These are real gemstones with the same chemical composition as their mined counterparts—they're just created in different environments. Moissanite is silicon carbide, while lab-grown diamonds are genuine carbon crystals, identical to mined diamonds at the molecular level.

"Fake" implies plastic or glass imitations. Lab-created stones are authentic gems that offer ethical sourcing, environmental benefits, and exceptional value. Many people prefer them precisely because they're real stones without the ethical concerns of mining.

Myth #8: "Bigger Is Always Better"

The Truth: Quality trumps size every time. A smaller, well-cut stone with excellent clarity will sparkle more beautifully and appear more valuable than a larger stone with poor cut quality and visible inclusions.

Additionally, proportion matters. A massive ring that overwhelms your hand may be less flattering than a well-proportioned piece that complements your features. Consider your lifestyle, comfort, and personal aesthetic when choosing jewelry size.

Myth #9: "You Need Different Jewelry for Every Outfit"

The Truth: While having options is nice, you don't need an enormous collection. Well-chosen versatile pieces can be worn with multiple outfits and for various occasions. Classic studs, a simple chain, and a quality ring can carry you through most situations.

Building a capsule jewelry wardrobe with timeless, high-quality pieces often serves you better than accumulating numerous trendy items. Invest in pieces you love and will reach for repeatedly rather than chasing every passing trend.

Myth #10: "Jewelry Isn't for Men"

The Truth: This couldn't be further from the truth! Throughout history and across cultures, men have worn jewelry as symbols of status, power, and personal expression. From ancient pharaohs to modern style icons, men's jewelry has always been present.

Today's market offers incredible options for men—from subtle chain necklaces and leather bracelets to sophisticated rings and elegant watches. Jewelry is a powerful tool for self-expression regardless of gender, and the modern man's jewelry wardrobe can be as diverse and meaningful as anyone else's.

Myth #11: "Costume Jewelry Is Worthless"

The Truth: While costume jewelry may not contain precious metals or gemstones, it certainly isn't worthless. Vintage costume pieces from renowned designers like Coco Chanel, Trifari, or Miriam Haskell can command impressive prices at auction.

More importantly, jewelry's value isn't solely monetary. A piece that makes you feel confident, complements your style, or holds sentimental significance has tremendous personal worth, regardless of its material composition. Fashion jewelry allows experimentation without financial commitment, letting you explore different styles and trends.

Myth #12: "You Can Clean All Jewelry with Toothpaste"

The Truth: This household cleaning myth can actually damage your jewelry! Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch softer metals and stones. Different materials require different cleaning methods.

For most jewelry, warm water with mild soap and a soft brush works well. For tougher jobs, purchase jewelry-specific cleaners formulated for your particular metal and stones. When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler rather than risking damage with DIY methods.

Myth #13: "Antique and Vintage Jewelry Is Fragile and Unwearable"

The Truth: Many antique pieces were built to last and remain fully wearable today. In fact, older jewelry was often constructed with superior craftsmanship compared to mass-produced modern pieces. That said, vintage jewelry does deserve care and occasional professional maintenance to ensure settings remain secure and metals stay strong.

Myth #14: "Sterling Silver Always Tarnishes Quickly"

The Truth: While sterling silver does oxidize over time, proper care dramatically slows this process. Store silver in anti-tarnish bags or cloth, keep it away from moisture and chemicals, and wear it regularly—your skin's natural oils actually help prevent tarnish.

When tarnish does occur, it's easily removed with polishing cloths or professional cleaning. Many people actually appreciate the antiqued look of slightly tarnished silver, as it adds character and vintage appeal.

The Bottom Line: Trust Yourself

Perhaps the biggest myth of all is that there are strict rules you must follow when buying, wearing, or caring for jewelry. The truth is simpler: wear what makes you happy, buy what fits your budget and values, and don't let outdated conventions dictate your choices.

At Elysian Bijoux, we believe jewelry should be accessible, enjoyable, and personal. Whether you're choosing a moissanite engagement ring, treating yourself to stainless steel jewelry, or building a versatile collection, make decisions based on facts, your lifestyle, and what brings you joy.

Ready to explore jewelry without the myths? Browse our collections and discover pieces that celebrate your unique style.