The Ultimate Jewelry Buying Guide – How to Choose Quality Jewelry
Table of Contents
Choosing the right jewelry is not always simple. Many pieces look beautiful at first glance, but quickly lose their shine, fade in color or break when worn daily. Quality jewelry should feel effortless - something you can wear confidently with any outfit, without worrying about longevity or maintenance.
In this guide, we explain how to recognise well-made jewelry, which materials offer the best durability and what you should look for before purchasing. These principles guide everything we create at EXCITÀRE: minimalist pieces designed for everyday wear, built from materials that last.
If you're unsure about your ring size or don’t know which necklace length suits you best, explore our other jewelry guides for simple step-by-step help.
Why Choosing Quality Jewelry Matters
Jewelry is part of your daily style. A good piece becomes something you reach for automatically - it feels comfortable, fits naturally with your wardrobe and maintains its appearance over time. Poor-quality jewelry, on the other hand, often fades quickly or even causes irritation, leading to frustration instead of confidence.
Understanding quality helps you invest in pieces that stay clean, polished and timeless for years, not weeks. A small amount of knowledge goes a long way toward avoiding the common mistakes many people make when buying jewelry online.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
When browsing jewelry online, certain details can warn you that a piece may not last long. These red flags usually indicate shortcuts in plating, finishing or overall construction:
- Very light weight or no weight description (often hollow pieces)
- Vague terms like “gold tone” or “silver color” instead of real plating
- Weak clasps or thin chain links
- Lack of close-up product photos
- Prices that seem unusually low for larger chains
- No return policy or very short return windows
- No details on gold plating thickness
These warning signs help you avoid jewelry that may look appealing at first, but does not hold up with everyday use.
Green Flags That Signal Good Quality
Just as there are warning signs, there are also clear indicators that a piece is trustworthy and built to last. Look for:
- 316L stainless steel for silver-tone pieces - durable, hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant
- 18K PVD gold plating - thicker and stronger than standard plating
- Visible weight information
- Macro photos showing links, edges and engravings
- Transparent descriptions of materials and construction
- Authentic customer photos and reviews
These details reflect craftsmanship and durability -qualities that define long-lasting minimalist jewelry.
Understanding Materials That Last
316L Stainless Steel
This metal is known for its resistance to tarnishing and everyday wear. It is hypoallergenic, waterproof and ideal for daily minimalist pieces. Nearly all EXCITÀRE silver pieces are crafted from 316L due to its reliability.
18K Gold PVD Plating
PVD plating is up to several times thicker than standard plating, offering a deeper color and longer-lasting finish. It remains one of the most durable and accessible ways to enjoy gold-toned jewelry without the price of solid gold.
Solid Gold
Solid gold is beautiful and long-lasting, but significantly more expensive. For everyday minimalist style, high-quality stainless steel and premium plating offer the best balance between durability and price.
Price vs Reality – What You Really Get
Price can be a helpful indicator of what to expect. Here is a realistic, accessible breakdown based on today’s materials and manufacturing standards:
- €10–€20 → Lightweight pieces or simple plating; good for occasional wear
- €21–€85 → Durable everyday pieces made from 316L steel or high-quality gold plating
- €86–€160 → Premium construction, thicker plating and heavier builds for long-term use
- €160+ → Solid precious metals
Where EXCITÀRE sits:
Most of our pieces fall between €25 and €50, with a few premium designs up to €160. This range allows us to use durable materials and stronger plating - giving you the quality of €300+ designer pieces without the markup.
Our Most Reliable Everyday Pieces
These pieces are consistently chosen for their durability, comfort and clean aesthetic - designed for daily wear and minimal maintenance:
- Nova Chain Silver – a clean everyday chain that resists tarnishing
- Ellis Ring Silver – a refined daily ring that maintains its finish
- Flower Ring Gold – warm tone with durable PVD plating
- Flower Ring Silver – minimalist detail with long-lasting shine
- Eclipse Necklace Silver – subtle yet expressive pendant
- Lumen White Watch – a clean timepiece designed for everyday wear
Conclusion
Choosing good jewelry is not about spending more - it is about understanding craftsmanship and materials. When you know what to look for, you can choose pieces that stay beautiful, feel comfortable and integrate naturally into your everyday style.
At EXCITÀRE, we build every piece with that intention: durable materials, minimalist design and a finish that lasts. Whether you are starting your collection or refining it, high-quality jewelry should be accessible, reliable and timeless.
Explore our best-sellers to discover pieces designed for everyday wear.
FAQ
Will stainless steel turn my skin green?
No. 316L surgical steel is hypoallergenic and does not react with skin.
How long does your gold plating last?
With normal care, our PVD gold plating remains beautiful for several years.
Is expensive jewelry always better?
Not necessarily. Materials and craftsmanship matter more than brand price tags.
Can I shower or exercise while wearing EXCITÀRE jewelry?
Yes. Our 316L pieces are waterproof and designed for everyday use.