Top Jewelry Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction (Part II)

Jewelry has always been more than just an accessory; it’s a blend of culture, tradition, and personal expression. Because of this, there are all types of myths and legends that can influence jewelry purchasing. Some of these ideas date back to ancient Egypt, while some are based on more recent history. Jewelry myths tend to spread via word of mouth or marketing campaigns, influencing shoppers across different cultures to feel one way or another about diamonds, gold, and gemstones. 

Because jewelry is so often tied to life’s major milestones, these myths can overshadow moments of joy—leaving people to wonder if their engagement ring, wedding band, or heirloom piece is “good enough” based on outdated beliefs. That’s why it’s important to take a closer look at old myths and decide whether there’s any truth to them. Our goal is to help you appreciate the beauty of your jewelry and make choices that feel authentic to you.

In part one of this article, we debunked five common jewelry myths about diamonds, engagement rings, gold, and pearls. In part two—this article—we pick up where we left off by addressing another set of myths, focusing on misunderstandings about gemstones and metals. Gaining this knowledge will help you shop with confidence and peace of mind about your purchases.

Myth #6: Silver Doesn’t Last

Silver is often seen as the budget version of white gold. While it’s true that silver is less expensive than gold or platinum, it doesn’t mean silver isn’t a quality metal. Sterling silver, which is the version of silver used in today’s jewelry, is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper This makes it strong enough for everyday wear.

Silver can tarnish over time, but this can be removed with a polishing cloth at home, or by a jeweler. When treated with care, sterling silver can certainly last the test of time. Although silver is considered a less expensive metal today, in ancient times it was highly prized and often used to create fine jewelry for royalty. 

Myth #7: Gemstones Are Fragile

When people describe gemstones as “fragile,” it’s often due to a misunderstanding of the Mohs scale of hardness. This scale was created back in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs as a simple way to compare how easily different minerals could scratch one another. He ranked ten minerals from softest to hardest, with talc at the bottom (1) and diamond at the very top (10). The scale caught on quickly because it was practical and easy to use. It’s still the standard for judging the hardness of gemstones today.

For jewelry, the Mohs Scale helps us understand durability. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are all very high on the scale, which is one reason they’re so popular in rings and other everyday jewelry pieces. Softer gemstones like opals, turquoise, or fluorite are much lower on the Mohs Scale, which means that they can scratch, chip, or break more easily. This doesn’t mean those stones aren’t worth wearing, but they do need to be worn with more care. This usually means they should be set in a more protective setting.

The key takeaway is that not all gemstones are equally fragile. While some softer stones can be more easily damaged, many others are durable enough for everyday wear.

Myth #8: Platinum and White Gold Are the Same

Platinum and white gold have a similar appearance upon first glance. They are both white metals often used in engagement rings and wedding bands. They are also often set with diamonds. That may be where the similarities end, as they are actually quite different metals.

Platinum is a naturally white metal and is much heavier than white gold. It's also more expensive. Its color will not change over time, though it does tend to develop a patina (soft scratches that can create a slightly matte finish).

White gold is made of 24 karat gold (yellow) mixed with white metals such as nickel or palladium, which is then rhodium plated to provide the bright white look. Over time, this plating can wear off and will require re-plating every few years.

While they may look similar, platinum and white gold are completely different metals–though both are popular and durable enough for everyday wear. 

Myth #9: You Should Never Sleep or Shower in Jewelry

This one is a little tricky because we do agree that you shouldn’t sleep or shower in your jewelry. So much can go wrong. Jewelry can get tangled in your clothes or the sheets and break. Exposure to chemicals and soaps in the shower can build up and dull the metal and gemstones.

That said, showering occasionally while wearing solid gold, platinum, or sterling silver jewelry probably won’t damage the metal itself. But over time materials can build up on the metal, so we still wouldn’t recommend doing it often. Plus, there are definitely certain types of jewelry you should avoid showering or sleeping in at all. These include pearls, opals, turquoise, and gold-plated jewelry. 

Myth #10: Lab-Grown Stones Are “Fake”

One of the most common jewelry myths is that lab-grown gemstones are “fake.” The truth is they’re real gemstones, just grown in a lab instead of underground.

While lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds, lab-grown colored gemstones can differ from natural gemstones in color and inclusions. However, this doesn’t mean they’re fake.

Lab-grown gemstones appeal strongly to younger shoppers, as they are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly compared to their natural counterparts.

Final Thoughts

We don’t believe anyone intends harm by sharing jewelry myths, but it’s important to uncover the truth so you can shop with confidence. As we’ve seen, many of these misconceptions don’t hold up once you look more closely at the facts. Silver can last a lifetime, gemstones aren’t all as fragile as people assume, platinum and white gold each have unique qualities, and lab-grown stones are every bit as real as their natural counterparts.

So the next time you’re shopping for something sparkly—whether it’s a wedding band, an anniversary gift, or your child’s first piece of jewelry—you can return here for guidance to separate fact from fiction. Once you move past the myths, you can shop with confidence, making choices based on your personal style and budget rather than outdated misconceptions from centuries past.