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Jewelry Lies

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Categories: A whole lot

Word count/read time: 635 words; 2-1/2 minutes

Where to start there are so many! These statements are meant to cheat, defraud, and maliciously and intentionally scam someone. These lies are a pattern of behavior that never travel solo and define someone's personality (hopefully you're not involved with people like this whether a life partner or business associate). It's only a good deal if legitimate. Therefore, the consumer must rely on their intellectual integrity to discern the truth.

Handmade. There is a simple, easy-to-understand legal definition so there should be no confusion. Most people who use the word are doing so illegally; mathematically it approaches 100%, the honest sellers a statistical anomaly.

Corrosion-resistant. Again, a legally defined word. Only a handful of metals qualify: nickel, some stainless steels, and gold of at least 10kt. Anything said to the contrary comes from the mouth of an ignorant liar and fraudster.

Made in the USA. Yet another legally defined phrase. However, so many people don't research the laws that pertain to selling and marketing their items and say whatever they want. I'd be highly suspect of anyone in the jewelry or chainmaille industry using this phrase as a standalone. It would behoove the buyer to know their seller well and the seller to know their suppliers, manufacturers, and material source even more so.

Hypoallergenic. Since there is no absolute legal definition, it gives scheisters way too much leeway. In reality, only a handful of metals meet what an honest, intelligent, and ethical person - and science, for that matter - would call safe. The following metals are NOT but liars say and do what they want regardless: sterling silver and most silver alloys, many gold alloys, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, most steel, and basically every other metal. Again, science won't get in the way of a good con!

Heirloom quality. It's not high-quality when these things appear: pinch- or shear-cut rings; unwelded or unsoldered precious metal rings; rings that are not perfectly closed without gaps or misaligned edges; rings with gouges, nicks, mars, deformations, burrs, or other ugliness; low-quality metals like galvanized steel, aluminum; silver or gold plated metals; even stainless, titanium, and niobium to some degree. They are novelty or fashion accessories, but most certainly not legit jewelry.

You have to see it to believe it! It is often intermixed with "Pictures don't do my products justice." If they're talking about how bad and poorly made their products are, then I'll believe it.

I only use the highest-quality materials. Are the materials eco-friendly and respectful to the environment, natural resources, and habitats? No blood or conflict minerals? Socially responsible (no slave, forced, or prison labor)? No pinch- or shear-cut rings? "Safe" metals? Fair wages for workers? Doesn't support warlords, criminal enterprises, or foreign entities? Most sellers don't know these things so any claim made thereafter is a farce.

I wouldn't make anything I wouldn't wear myself. This has no relevance to quality, precision, aesthetics, etc. Is this supposed to convey a sense of style or (implied) quality? Only those who make sub-substandard products use this phrase.

It's stamped 'STERLING' yet I am selling it for less than scrap value. I have a stamp, too, or I could buy fake silver from China just as easily, which is where most sellers get their findings. Simply, the majority of unbranded but marked "sterling silver" jewelry is fake.

Summary: Who are you going to believe? Me? Hardly, since my voice is lost amid the din of untruths. All of the above phrases have been ruined by the liars so it's like crying wolf, true as they may be for any given situation. Many sellers will do all they can to fool their customers because losing a paltry $5 sale is just not worth telling the truth. Imagine how they behave when the stakes are higher. Buyer beware!

Posted by M: March 23, 2023

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