ARVENIER
To check jewellery quality, look closely at four things: the finish (even plating with no bubbles or bare edges), the stones (set in prongs or bezels rather than loosely glued), the findings (strong clasps, closed jump rings and secure earring backs) and the description (clear materials such as stainless steel, sterling silver or plating thickness). Good fashion jewellery feels solid, moves smoothly and is labelled honestly.
What are the quick quality checks?
- Plating is even in colour, with no bubbles, patches or exposed base metal at edges.
- Stones sit level and do not move when pressed gently.
- Prong or bezel settings, not just glue, hold larger stones.
- Jump rings are fully closed with no gap a chain could slip through.
- Clasps open and close firmly and spring back.
- Chains lie flat without kinks or stiff links.
- Earring posts are straight and backs grip firmly.
- Edges are smooth, with no sharp burrs that catch fabric or skin.
- Enamel is filled evenly without chips or gaps.
- The piece feels balanced: pendants hang straight and earrings face forward.
How do you read product descriptions?
Honest listings state the base metal and the finish: for example 'stainless steel with gold plating' or '925 sterling silver'. Vague words such as 'alloy', 'gold colour' or 'fashion metal' usually mean plated base metal. Terms like 'gold filled', 'vermeil' and 'gold electroplate' have defined meanings under the US FTC's jewellery guides, so a seller using them should be able to explain what they mean for that product.
What do online reviews and photos tell you?
- Look for customer photos taken in daylight, not just studio images.
- Check reviews that mention how the piece looks after weeks of wear.
- Watch for repeated complaints about colour change, broken clasps or lost stones.
- Compare the stated size in millimetres with a ruler before you order.
Price and quality
Price is a signal, not a guarantee. Very cheap pieces can be good for trends and one-off events, while pieces you plan to wear daily deserve better materials such as stainless steel or thicker plating. Match the quality to how often you will wear it.
What to do if something fails
If a clasp breaks or a stone falls out soon after purchase, keep the piece and any loose parts, take photos, and contact the seller under their returns policy. A jeweller can often replace a clasp or jump ring cheaply if the rest of the piece is sound.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if jewellery is good quality?
Check for even plating, securely set stones, strong clasps, smooth edges and clear material descriptions.
Does heavier jewellery mean better quality?
Often, but not always. Weight usually means more metal, but hollow and solid designs vary; check finish and construction too.
Are glued stones bad?
Small glued stones are common in fashion jewellery; larger stones are more secure in prong or bezel settings.