Jewelry Myths — Debunked!

We've heard them all. The "rules" people swear by, the advice passed down from well-meaning relatives, the things you read on the internet at 2am. Some of it is true! A lot of it... is not. Let's set the record straight on some of the biggest jewelry myths out there.

Myth #1: You can't wear gold and silver together

We are so glad to be putting this one to rest. Mixed metals are not only totally acceptable — they're one of our favorite ways to style jewelry right now. Layering a gold chain with a silver ring stack? Iconic. The "rules" about keeping your metals separate are outdated, and honestly, some of the most interesting, personal looks come from mixing them freely. Wear what you love, in whatever combination feels like you.

Myth #2: Pearls are delicate and high maintenance

Pearls have a reputation for being fussy, but they're really just misunderstood. Yes, they're organic gems and they do need a little care — but so does every piece of fine jewelry. The basics: wipe them down with a soft cloth after wearing, keep them away from perfume and hairspray (put your jewelry on last!), and store them separately so they don't get scratched. That's genuinely it. Pearls are meant to be worn and loved, not locked in a box forever.

Myth #3: Expensive jewelry = better quality

Price is not always the whole story. There are stunning, well-crafted pieces at every price point, and there are overpriced pieces that don't hold up. What actually matters is the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and whether the piece was made with intention. At LaRue & Co., we care deeply about all three — because we want your jewelry to last, not just look good on a tag.

Myth #4: You should take all your jewelry off before showering

Okay, this one is partially true — but it's more nuanced than a blanket rule. Solid gold and platinum? Generally fine in the shower. Sterling silver? Water is okay, but soap and product buildup can dull it over time, so it's worth taking off when you can. Plated jewelry, pieces with glued-in stones, or anything with pearls or soft gems? Yes, take those off. The short version: know your metals, and when in doubt, take it off. Your pieces will thank you.

Myth #5: Fine jewelry is only for special occasions

This might be our most passionate debunk. Fine jewelry is not meant to sit in a box waiting for a moment worthy enough to wear it. It's meant to be part of your life — your Tuesday coffee run, your work meetings, your lazy Sundays. Wearing your pieces regularly actually keeps them looking their best (the natural oils from your skin can give gold a beautiful glow!). So please, wear the good stuff. Every day is special enough.

Myth #6: Real diamonds scratch glass

This one has been floating around forever, and we get why — diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, so it sounds logical. But here's the thing: lots of other materials can scratch glass too, including some fakes. And not all diamonds will scratch every type of glass cleanly. It's just not a reliable test. If you want to know whether your diamond is real, bring it to a jeweler (hi, that's us!) and we'll tell you for sure.

Got a jewelry question you've always wondered about? Come find us in store or slide into our DMs — we love a good myth to bust. And if any of these debunks have you looking at your jewelry collection differently, we're always here to help you find your next favorite piece.

— The LaRue & Co. Team