Ask The Expert: Everything you need to know about jewellery
Ask The Expert is a column on topics related to fashion and beauty.

Co-founders of local brand Kin Jewellery, Zaireen Iskandar and Athiya Hamid, provide answers to your questions this month.

What is the difference between costume and fine jewellery? What about demi-fine jewellery? – Lisa, Sentul

Costume jewellery is typically made of inexpensive materials (stainless steel, copper, brass, crystals, cubic zirconia/synthetic stones), and either plated with the colour gold, or with a commercial flash plating of 18/14k gold.

Typically, costume jewellery is trendy and considered “fast-fashion” jewellery; it is cheap and not durable.

Fine jewellery is on the opposite end of the spectrum, using only precious metals such as gold and platinum. Regarded as heirloom jewellery, such pieces are made to last years and years.

Demi-fine jewellery is the sweet spot between costume and fine jewellery, blending the best of both worlds.

Using high-quality precious metals such as sterling silver, 14k/18k gold and rhodium, and created in contemporary designs, demi-fine jewellery offers better quality and durability compared to costume and is a popular choice if you’re looking for affordable luxury for everyday use.

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Zaireen Iskandar (left) and Athiya Hamid say that a person needs to experiment with their jewellery to find the right style. Photo: Kin Jewellery

What jewellery suits a person with a darker skin tone? – Kel, PJ

Gold is a favourite for darker-skinned tones, however, it can also depend on the intensity of the yellow gold colour, as sometimes higher gold content can make the yellow very reddish-yellow.

Generally, warm undertones and darker skin tones are beautifully complemented by yellow gold.

For our jewellery pieces, they are heavily plated with 14k or 18k gold, offering a more neutral shade of gold colour suitable for all skin tones.

What is the current trend in wearing jewellery? I’ve noticed celebrities layering multiple pieces; how do I pull this off without looking silly? – Leslie, Ampang

Layers are still in, and there is definitely an art to layering your necklaces and bracelet stacks.

To make a statement, choose a statement piece as a focus point for your look. Then consider a variety of chains and styles. It is key to mix up chain textures and styles to amplify the layers and your personal style.

Finish the look with a pendant: the final layer should always have a pendant to complete the layered look.

Ultimately it’s all about trial and error, so always experiment with your personal style and your outfit for the day.

How do you properly care for jewellery? – Zin, Shah Alam

It’s best to keep jewellery in a cool space, away from sunlight and humidity as this and moisture are the main culprits of oxidisation and tarnishing.

We also feel that if jewellery is kept away for a long time – those are the ones that usually get tarnished first compared to the pieces that are worn regularly. So, always rotate your jewellery and looks!

Can different types of metal cause skin allergy? How do I make sure that the jewellery piece I’m looking to purchase is safe for me? – Syu, Bukit Jalil

Non-hypoallergenic jewellery and stainless steel jewellery may cause skin allergies to develop but it also depends highly on how sensitive your skin is.

If you have a tendency to develop allergies from costume jewellery, consider switching to demi-fine or fine jewellery labelled as hypoallergenic and nickel-free.

This ensures they are safe for your skin and comfortable for everyday wear.

What are plated jewellery pieces? How do they differ from a solid metal one? – Ming Yuen, Ipoh

Plated jewellery refers to pieces crafted from a specific metal, then coated with layers of gold, silver, or rhodium, providing a desired yellow, white, or rose gold finish.

Solid metal pieces, often made of materials like gold, usually do not need plating, but this tends to be costlier compared to plated jewellery.

However, there are different types of plated jewellery and levels of plating which will determine the quality and life span of the piece.

Costume jewellery pieces are plated with the colour yellow, or simply with a flash plate of 14k or 18k gold that will usually wear off after a couple of months.

There is also gold vermeil jewellery, which is made with a more sophisticated plating technique offering a thicker layer of gold (at 2.5 microns) and better quality materials, made to last for years with care.

Are all metals suitable to be engraved on? Can the engraving last or will they fade as time passes? – Chong, Penang

Almost all metals are suitable for engraving, such as stainless steel, sterling silver and gold.

Engravings are made to be permanent, as it is not removable without sanding off layers of the metal. However, for them to last forever would be determined by how deep the engraving is done and the wear of the piece.

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Can I wear a jewellery piece everyday, or 24/7 even while showering? – Min, PJ

Yes, you can wear a jewellery piece everyday and 24/7 with certain types of jewellery depending on the material it is made with.

If you want to wear a piece of jewellery everyday and not have to worry about the colour changing and the price not being an issue, get a solid gold piece made out of 14k/18k gold. However, these are typically fine jewellery, which is on the more expensive side.

The affordable alternative to fine jewellery is demi-fine jewellery, offering low-karat gold such as 9/10-karat solid gold and gold vermeil and rhodium-plated pieces. These pieces are made to be worn everyday, complimenting daily outfits.

Do you have any questions on fashion and beauty? Email us with the subject heading Ask The Expert to lifestyle@thestar.com.my. Please include your name, address, contact number and if you prefer, a pseudonym.
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Ask The Expert is a column where we get experts to answer questions on topics related to fashion and beauty. This month, co-founders of local brand Kin Jewellery, Zaireen Iskandar and Athiya Hamid, provide answers to your questions.