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Where to start! Be wary of these statements because a seller's beliefs may have nothing to do with facts or laws. Consumers must rely on their own cognitive skills to discern the truth.

Handmade. An easy-to-understand legal definition clarifies any confusion. Still, it's almost never used correctly. There's little truth when it comes to handmade jewelry. Consider what that means about anything else the seller claims.

Corrosion-resistant. Again, a legally defined word. Only a handful of metals qualify: nickel, some stainless steels, and gold of at least 10kt. Exotic metals are special in their own right but they're not on the list, sorry. Science won't deter a good con!

Made in the USA. Yet another legally defined phrase. Can the materials or components be traced to their origin every step of the way within the states? People often don't follow the laws about selling and marketing their items and say whatever they want to believe.

Hypoallergenic. Since there is no legal definition per se, it means nothing. However, the EU standards for nickel sensitivity are a good starting point. Only a handful of metals are what an ethical person would call safe. There's always something that works. The following metals cause problems for some: sterling silver and most silver alloys, many gold alloys, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, most steel, lots of stainless (even surgical), and nearly all other metals.

Heirloom quality. To me it means if it ain't precious metals and it ain't welded or soldered and it ain't worthy of a photo shoot then it ain't heirloom. None of these situations define heirloom pieces: pinch- or shear-cut rings; rings that are not perfectly and flawlessly closed; gouges, nicks, mars, deformations, burrs, or other ugliness. They are novelty or fashion accessories at best.

You have to see it to believe it! It is often intermixed with "Pictures don't do it justice." If the item looks flawed in bad pictures then how bad is it? Again, a matter of beliefs.

I use high-quality materials. A few more questions would clarify such a subjective statement. Are the materials eco-friendly? No pinch- or shear-cut rings? Safe metals? Tight specs and dimensions? No blood or conflict minerals? Fair wages for workers (no slave, forced, child, or prison labor)? Doesn't support warlords, criminal enterprises, or foreign entities?

I wouldn't make anything I wouldn't wear myself. A cheesy salesperson's pitch, is desperation supposed to convey a sense of style or make excuses? Each person has unique preferences so not all things are suitable for all people.

It's stamped STERLING or 925. I have a stamp, too, and can buy fake silver from China. Simply, the majority of unbranded but marked "sterling silver" lower end jewelry is fake. Findings are even worse.

Summary: Many of these phrases have been ruined by crying wolf. True as they may be, they get drowned out by the impostors. Buyers must determine exactly what they're getting and its backstory. Ask questions to know if it's a good choice. It's only a bargain if it's the real deal.

Posted by M: March 23, 2023

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