Let’s be real: shopping for jewelry online can feel like a gamble. The photos always look flawless, the descriptions sound fancy, and the price tags range from “too good to be true” to “did they just add a zero by mistake?”
So how do you know if that necklace in your cart is actually worth it—or just another piece that’ll tarnish in a week? Here’s how to spot real quality jewelry online before you buy.
1. Check the Materials (and Don’t Settle for Plating)
If a brand doesn’t tell you exactly what their jewelry is made of, that’s a red flag.
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“Gold tone” and “gold plated” → translation: a super thin layer of gold (sometimes less than 0.05%) over a mystery base metal. Looks good at first, but peels, tarnishes, or even turns your skin green.
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Nickel-heavy alloys → cheap filler metals that can cause allergic reactions or rashes.
What you do want to see:
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14k Gold Filled → 100x more gold than plating, pressure-bonded to a brass core, water-resistant, tarnish resistant, and long-lasting.
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.925 Sterling Silver → Durable, polishable, hypoallergenic. A forever classic.
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Solid Gold → The investment option—naturally tarnish resistant and heirloom-quality.
Pro Tip: Reputable brands will list the exact material in their product description. If you can’t find it? Don’t buy it.
At Mogano, we focus on 14k Gold Filled and Sterling Silver because they’re the sweet spot: high-quality, hypoallergenic, everyday-durable jewelry without the insane solid-gold price tag.
2. Read Between the Marketing Lines
Watch out for brands that hide behind fluff words like “high quality,” “luxury,” or “durable finish.” None of that actually tells you what the jewelry is made of.
Instead, look for specifics like:
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Material stamps (14k GF, .925)
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Plating thickness (for vermeil, it should be at least 2.5 microns)
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Allergy-safe claims (hypoallergenic, nickel free)
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Care instructions (if you can’t get it wet at all, ask yourself why).
Real quality doesn’t need smoke and mirrors. It should be crystal clear what you’re buying.
3. Pay Attention to Price (But Don’t Be Fooled)
Cheap doesn’t always mean bad—but unrealistic pricing is a dead giveaway.
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A “14k gold” necklace for $20? Spoiler: not real gold.
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A “solid sterling silver” ring for $5? Probably not silver.
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On the flip side, don’t assume a $300 markup = better quality. A lot of big-name brands charge insane premiums for the same materials we use at Mogano.
The sweet spot: fair pricing that reflects the cost of real materials—without 10x markups. That’s why we say: Mogano jewelry is built to last, not to drain your wallet.
4. Can It Survive Everyday Life?
Here’s a test most people forget: Could I wear this piece every day?
Quality jewelry should fit into your real life. That means:
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You can shower in it without panic.
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You don’t have to take it off every time you sweat.
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It won’t turn black or peel within a month.
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Your skin won’t break out from wearing it too long.
If a necklace or ring requires more babysitting than a houseplant, it’s not worth your money.
That’s why Mogano designs pieces in 14k Gold Filled and Sterling Silver—so you can live in them, stack them, and love them without stressing.
5. Look for Brand Transparency
Here’s the ultimate sign of a brand you can trust: honesty.
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Do they clearly list materials?
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Do they explain how to care for your jewelry?
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Do they share why their pricing is what it is?
If the answer is no, chances are you’ll be disappointed when the package arrives.
At Mogano, our promise is simple: no cheap plating, no vague “gold tone,” no markups you can’t justify. Just real materials, clearly explained, at a fair price.
The Bottom Line
Shopping online shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. When you know what to look for—materials, specifics (not fluff), realistic pricing, and durability—you can skip the scams and shop smarter.
Want jewelry you don’t have to second-guess?
Shop Mogano for 14k Gold Filled and Sterling Silver pieces that are water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and actually designed to last.