Choosing jewellery is not only about the design or the price. A quality piece should last for decades, be safe for everyday wear, and keep its beauty over time.

We asked a representative of the third generation of jewellers what customers should pay the most attention to when choosing jewellery. Small details that are often invisible at first glance can make the difference between a piece that lasts a lifetime and one that does not.

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Quality Is Hidden in the Details

When choosing jewellery, most people first notice its appearance. They focus on the design, the size of the stones, or the overall shine. However, the real quality is often found in details that are not immediately visible.

As a third-generation jeweller, I often see customers judging jewellery only by its overall look, without paying attention to the craftsmanship. Yet it is the precise workmanship that determines how long the jewellery will stay beautiful, comfortable to wear, and durable for everyday use.

The good news is that even someone without jewellery experience can recognise most of these details. You simply need to know what to check before buying.

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Secure Stone Setting and Strong Clasps Are Essential

If the jewellery contains gemstones—whether diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or cubic zirconia—it is important to check how the stones are set. A stone should be firmly secured and should not move, even slightly.

For a prong setting, make sure that:

• all prongs are the same height and evenly spaced,
• the prongs are smooth and do not catch on clothes or hair,
• the stone is held firmly without any movement,
• the setting looks clean, symmetrical, and precisely made.

You should also pay close attention to the clasp, as it is one of the most frequently used parts of the jewellery. Its quality is very important for everyday safety.

Before buying, check that:

• earring backs fit tightly on the posts and do not slide off easily,
• the earring posts are straight and not bent,
• click-lock mechanisms close securely with a clear click,
• lobster clasps and spring ring clasps on bracelets and necklaces open and close smoothly without opening by themselves,
• connecting jump rings are completely closed with no visible gaps.

These small details often decide whether your jewellery will last for many years without problems.

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The Right Material Makes Jewellery Last Longer

The material used in jewellery is very important. Many people believe that the higher the gold purity, the better the jewellery. In reality, this is not always true. For jewellery worn every day, durability is often more important than purity alone.

That is why 14K gold is considered the best choice for most jewellery. It contains 58.5% pure gold, while the remaining 41.5% consists of other metals such as silver, copper, or palladium. This makes it much harder and more resistant than 18K or 24K gold, which contain more pure gold but are softer and more likely to scratch or bend.

Silver also deserves attention. High-quality silver jewellery is usually made from 925 sterling silverand is often rhodium plated.

Rhodium plating is a thin protective layer of rhodium applied to the surface of the jewellery. It gives silver a brighter shine, improves scratch resistance, slows down tarnishing caused by everyday wear and contact with air, and reduces the need for maintenance.As a result, rhodium-plated silver keeps its beautiful appearance much longer.

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Hallmarks and Certificates Build Trust

When buying quality jewellery, it is also worth checking its markings. A hallmark confirms that the jewellery meets the legal standards for precious metal purity and has been inspected by the national Assay Office.

You should find:

• the official national hallmark,
• the metal purity mark (for example, 585 for 14K gold or 925 for sterling silver),
• the manufacturer’s or importer’s responsibility mark.

If you are buying diamond jewellery with a larger stone, I also recommend checking whether it comes with a certificate from a respected gemological laboratory such as GIA or IGI. These certificates confirm the most important characteristics of the diamond.

Do not hesitate to ask about the jewellery’s origin, the materials used, or after-sales services. A trustworthy jeweller will gladly provide this information and help you choose a piece that will bring you joy for many years.

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A Quality Piece of Jewellery Does Not End with the Purchase

The true value of quality jewellery does not end when you buy it. Professional servicing and proper care are just as important as the manufacturing process itself.

Regular inspections of stone settings, professional cleaning, and small repairs help keep jewellery in excellent condition for many years. Routine maintenance often prevents expensive repairs or stone loss and keeps the jewellery looking and functioning like new.

At Princess Jewellery, our family has been helping customers choose jewellery for more than 50 years. During this time, we have learned that a truly high-quality piece is not only a beautiful accessory but also a long-term investment and often a treasured family heirloom.

Whether it is a ring, necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, it should bring joy not only on the first day but also after decades of everyday wear. When jewellery is expertly made, properly cared for, and regularly checked, it can become part of your family story and be passed down from one generation to the next. That is where its true value lies.