I've always loved the look of gold chains, but recently I've become really curious about the differences between the super affordable ones you see online and the pricier ones from jewelry stores. I mean, a gold chain is a gold chain, right? Well, not exactly. My quest to understand this led me down a rabbit hole of metals, plating, and tarnishing, and I wanted to share what I've learned. Gold jewelry can be a great way to add some sparkle to your style, if you know what to look for.
It all started when I saw some incredibly cheap "gold" chains online. I was tempted, of course, but something felt off. I started wondering: what's really the difference between a $5 chain and a $200 chain? Is it just the brand name, or is there something more to it?
I've had experiences with cheap jewelry before, and they weren't pretty. I remember buying a necklace that looked great at first, but within a few weeks, the color started to fade, and it turned my skin green. Not a good look! So, this time, I wanted to be more informed before making a purchase.
My research quickly revealed the truth: those super cheap chains aren't actually gold. At least, not in the way you might think. They're usually made of a base metal (like nickel or alloy) and then plated with a thin layer of gold. This plating can give the chain a gold-like appearance, but it's not durable. I found out that the plating can wear off quickly, revealing the cheap metal underneath. And sometimes, it can even break easily.
I also learned that some people have allergic reactions to the base metals used in cheap jewelry. This can cause skin irritation, rashes, or even more severe reactions. So, if you have sensitive skin, it's definitely something to be aware of.
Real gold jewelry, on the other hand, is made with actual gold. It won't tarnish or fade over time, and it's less likely to cause allergic reactions. Of course, it's also more expensive. The price of gold jewelry depends on the karat (purity) of the gold and the weight of the piece.
I discovered that even if a real gold chain breaks, it's usually an easy fix for a jeweler. This is a big advantage over cheap chains, which are often disposable. Thinking about it as an investment makes the higher price tag easier to swallow.
So, what's the solution? I wanted something that looked good, wouldn't break the bank, and wouldn't turn my skin green. I started exploring options beyond the super cheap stuff.
That's when I stumbled upon a beautiful BlingCharming Iced collection online. The pieces looked stylish and seemed to be of decent quality without costing a fortune. I was particularly drawn to the Turkish Evil Eye Necklace. It's delicate and eye-catching, and I love the meaning behind the evil eye symbol. It seemed like a great way to add a touch of personality to my outfits.
I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did! The necklace is well-made, and the gold color is beautiful. I've been wearing it for a few weeks now, and it hasn't tarnished or faded at all. I also haven't had any allergic reactions, which is a huge plus. It’s become one of my go-to pieces. The Blingcharming brand has definitely impressed me. I've also found that many of their pieces are perfect for layering, so I can create different looks depending on my mood.
Here's a quick summary of my findings: