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How bad is too bad for repair?

Hot Answered
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Logan Lewis New Contributor
Asked Jun 12, 2026

6 Answers

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Best Answer
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Lily Perez Verified Expert Verified Jeweler
Sensitive skin, only hypoallergenic metals. 112 answers · 10 selected

Great question. I have heard good things about Amazon, but I personally used Blue Nile. It depends on your skin and how often you wear it. Mine is fine, but a friend had issues within weeks.

I would say yes, especially if you are on a budget. I have had zero problems so far.

Jun 14, 2026
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    Ethan Brown Jun 15, 2026
    Does the same apply to plated pieces?
  • B
    Brian Taylor Jun 17, 2026
    What about silver specifically?
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Jessica Roberts Verified Expert Verified Jeweler
I photograph jewelry for online stores. 116 answers · 13 selected

Here is my honest take after owning one. My jeweler recommended Blue Nile. Save your money. The difference is noticeable but not worth the premium for most people.

Yes, I have had mine for two years and it still looks great. Just clean it regularly with soap and water.

Jun 12, 2026
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Cody Williams Active Member
Stacking rings and layered necklaces person. 10 answers · 1 selected

Let me break this down clearly. A friend of mine got hers from Tiffany and loves it. It depends on your skin and how often you wear it. Mine is fine, but a friend had issues within weeks.

Not worth the risk in my experience. Spend a little more and buy from a real store.

Jun 16, 2026
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    Ava Adams Jun 17, 2026
    This was exactly what I needed.
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Anna Carter Active Member
Bench jeweler with 14 years experience in NYC. Custom work, repairs, and everything rings. 34 answers · 6 selected

I went through this exact decision last year.

Price Breakdown

OptionTypical Cost
Lab created$3,000
Natural stone5-10x more
Plated alternative$20-$50 but will tarnish

Recommendation

If you are on the fence, go with the middle option. The plated stuff looks fine for a month then turns skin green. The natural stone is beautiful but the markup is brutal.

Jun 15, 2026
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    Lucas Carter Jun 15, 2026
    Can you recommend a specific Etsy seller?
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    Jake Allen Jun 18, 2026
    Thanks for the detailed answer!
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Noah Davis New Contributor
Jewelry enthusiast and collector. 5 answers · 1 selected

Based on my experience: I compared Amazon and Blue Nile before deciding. Short answer: no. I switched after a few months and never looked back. The upkeep was not worth it.

Not worth the risk in my experience. Spend a little more and buy from a real store.

Jun 16, 2026
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Lucas Phillips Verified Expert Verified Jeweler
Silver smith working in sterling 925. 119 answers · 16 selected

Honestly, it depends on a few things.

What I Noticed

The sparkle is actually more brilliant than a diamond in my opinion, especially under indoor lighting. Up close, nobody has ever guessed it was not a natural stone.

Cost

I paid $100 including the setting. A comparable natural diamond would have been at least five times that. The price difference is the main reason most people go this route.

Durability

It is still going strong after two years. I clean it once a month with warm soapy water and a soft brush. No scratches, no cloudiness.

Who This Is For

  • Great if you want maximum sparkle on a budget
  • Great if you do not care about resale value
  • Skip it if you want something that holds investment value
Jun 13, 2026

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