I silently laughed when I received a compliment on my necklace. Unbeknownst to the admirer, I was wearing a genuine diamond tennis bracelet and earrings at the time, yet the comment came in reference to a clearance item I bought for less than 10 bucks at JCPenney.
It’s easy to make something look good in the short term. Just like this necklace, it has more shimmer and brilliance than the authentic articles – in many respects, it does outshine the fine jewelry counterparts.
For now.
If I wore it every day as I do with the bracelet or even most days like the studs, the necklace would soon reveal its inadequacies and lose its luster. The costume piece won’t survive a decade, let alone be an heirloom for generations.
How you communicate and impart your values should be like the diamonds, not the imposter. While it’s easier to attract attention through faux shine, in the long run, my bet is on endurance. For everything far more important than jewelry, put your money on authentic.
