I've always loved the look of mixed metal jewelry. The combination of silver and gold, or rose gold and silver, just adds a certain something to any outfit. But finding pieces that are both stylish and durable? That's been a real challenge! I've gone through so many necklaces that tarnish or break after just a few wears. My quest for lasting mixed metal jewelry led me down a few different paths, some more successful than others.
I was on the hunt for a simple, two-toned necklace that I could wear every day, even in the shower. I wanted something that wouldn't tarnish quickly and would hold up to my active lifestyle. I started looking at different brands online, and Mejuri kept popping up. Their designs are beautiful and minimalist, exactly what I was looking for. But I had heard mixed reviews about their quality, which made me hesitant to make a purchase.
I almost bought a necklace from Mejuri, but something stopped me. After doing some more digging, I came across several opinions that raised concerns. Some people said that the quality wasn't great and that their jewelry broke easily. The idea of spending money on something with high hopes, only to be disappointed, really put me off. That's when I decided to explore other options.
Someone mentioned that Mejuri is like the fast fashion of jewelry. That really resonated with me. I realized I was looking for something that would last, not just something trendy for a season. I needed to rethink my approach.
The first thing I tried was visiting a few small, local jewelers in my area. I figured I'd get more value for my money and that the quality would be better. And I was right! I found a jeweler who was able to create a custom mixed metal necklace for me. It was a bit more expensive than what I would have paid at Mejuri, but the quality was significantly better. I felt good supporting a local business and knowing that I had a piece that was made with care.
I also learned about "gold-filled" jewelry. It's a great middle ground if you're not ready to invest in solid gold. Gold-filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold around another metal compared to gold-plated jewelry. This makes it more durable and less likely to tarnish. I've seen some major stores offer gold-filled options, so it's worth checking out.
During my quest, I remembered some jewelry I'd purchased years ago. Between 2018 and 2020, I bought a few items, including some 14k gold thumbtack studs and vermeil hoop dangle earrings, plus vermeil ear cuffs. I've found that pure gold items hold up to everyday wear, showers, sweat, lotions, etc. However, the vermeil (gold plated over sterling silver) pieces need a bit more care to prevent tarnishing.
I even talked to someone who used to work at Mejuri, and they gave me some honest feedback. They said that the quality control is inconsistent and that it's really hit or miss with what you receive. They mentioned that materials scratch easily and that customers often complained about this. Apparently, customer service wasn't authorized to provide replacements for these issues, which is concerning.
While searching for a more durable option, I stumbled upon BlingCharming Iced Out and their selection of stainless steel jewelry. I decided to try the Nama Kalung Baja Tahan Karat Warna Emas. I was drawn to the unique Arabic-inspired design and the fact that it was made of stainless steel, which is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing. I chose the black gun color in the 50cm length.
I've been wearing the necklace for a few weeks now, and I'm really impressed. It hasn't tarnished at all, even though I've worn it in the shower and while working out. It's also very lightweight and comfortable to wear. The gold color is beautiful and hasn't faded. It looks great layered with other necklaces or worn on its own. It's become my go-to piece of jewelry, and I'm so glad I found it. Finding quality jewelry that doesn't tarnish has been a game changer.
I have noticed that stainless steel jewelry from brands like Blingcharming holds up really well. It's a great affordable option.
Based on my experiences, here are some tips for choosing mixed metal jewelry that will last: