Dealing with Others when Wearing Jewelry

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#91
I've gotten dirty looks over the years for just about any nice looking accessory that I've had--especially from coworkers. And I'm not talking about luxury stuff! I've gotten people thinking I'm a rich snob if I wore Ray Ban sunglasses, if I wore a nice pair of boots, or just a nice looking pair of gold jewelry (even jewelry that isn't expensive).

THe problem is that i have always worked in very casual work environments (like flip flops, shorts, and tshirts are ok) and even if I'm dressed just a little nice or with a little style, i stick out. throughout many jobs, I've been more of a creative or fashion-interested person that many of my coworkers.

i'm not into dressing to the nines, but unfortunately, i've really had to dress down at many jobs because of jealousy and pettiness. When I was single on jobs, i had more money to spend than people with families and some colleagues would resent that i had more disposable income to spend on clothing than they did. And it wasn't even designer clothing. it could have just been a new skirt from Old Navy.

I think it really depends on the environment you're in. the kind of work i do is creative but it's usually within a more non-creative/technical environment.
 
#92
i forgot to mention....

sometimes people who aren't into style or fashion don't understand that a fashionable fashionista can look great on a small budget (like me!). They see a nice accessory or nice jewelry and assume it's very expensive when it isn't. like i mentioned before, people have mistaken me for a mega-millionaire sometimes because i know how to coordinate really well, even if everything i was wearing only cost $100. Jewelry tends to make people stare and wonder.
many people equate size with price. they don't understand about the 4c's of diamonds (that a small diamond can be worth more than a huge one). as long as it's big and/or shiny they assume it costs a ton of $$.

because i'm such a great bargain shopper, sometimes i find designer labels for cheap or at a huge discount. if people see what i'm wearing, they assume i paid full price.

this has happened a lot to me because i have worked in very casual environments with people who aren't into fashion or coordinating clothing--like old jeans and tshirt type coworkers.
 
#93
my go-to excuse is "it used to be my mom's and she recently gave it to me, etc.". for some reason people are less offensive if they find out that it's an heirloom or something, go figure.

but yeah, i've always been a big jewelry fan, so if i would go to school with a new necklace or earrings or bracelet, i'd get a swarm of 'is it real'? or 'woah, MY parents/SO would NEVER get me something like that' and it's just...please, stop it. it's funny how people get all worked up about jewelry when they spend tons on things that i find silly, like fancy cars or electronics or designer clothes. :P
 
#94
I've been reading these entries. Cannot find my situation, exactly. While enjoying coffee with a friend, she began to stare intensely at my jewelry, move her head to the side, squint her eyes, move in closer, and reach for my earrings to touch them. Her expression was so uncomfortable for me. "I just want to see the pattern. Let me see it." These were costume jewelry earrings. She has done this before...staring intently at a bracelet. She once also noticed earrings I had on and stared (it is the staring that freaks me out) and only said, while staring, "You should have those insured, you know." I try to be nice and tell her, "Please stop staring. I feel uncomfortable when you stare, like I am not even there." I politely told her that a simple compliment would be better; that i noticed her jewelry as well but was being more subtle. She did not get it.
 
#95
sundaysunday said:
I've been reading these entries. Cannot find my situation, exactly. While enjoying coffee with a friend, she began to stare intensely at my jewelry, move her head to the side, squint her eyes, move in closer, and reach for my earrings to touch them. Her expression was so uncomfortable for me. "I just want to see the pattern. Let me see it." These were costume jewelry earrings. She has done this before...staring intently at a bracelet. She once also noticed earrings I had on and stared (it is the staring that freaks me out) and only said, while staring, "You should have those insured, you know." I try to be nice and tell her, "Please stop staring. I feel uncomfortable when you stare, like I am not even there." I politely told her that a simple compliment would be better; that i noticed her jewelry as well but was being more subtle. She did not get it.
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sundaysunday, your entry made me grin! I have the picture of Larry David and his investigative stare in mind - yuo know, when he stares and stares and won't look away (curb your enthusiasm).
Maybe you want to ask your friend if she is a big Larry David-fan?
 
#96
lovely_bag said:
sundaysunday, your entry made me grin! I have the picture of Larry David and his investigative stare in mind - yuo know, when he stares and stares and won't look away (curb your enthusiasm).
Maybe you want to ask your friend if she is a big Larry David-fan?
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HA! At least his eyes are open wide. It was her squinting, and pursed lips, if you can picture it... freaked me out... First thought: she is watching a tarantula crawling on my face? What is she staring at? BOUNDARY ISSUE, I think. At least for me. It's what people do in a store to a display of items. Not to a friend. I will mention Larry David next time. THanks!!!
 
#98
My coworkers don't know how to feel about my jewelry, handbags, ect. I'm single, and until a year ago, no kids. I like nice items, but my newest handbag is 5 years old - my average item is 35 years old! Likewise with clothing and jewelry. I really love vintage pieces.

Now, my coworkers aren't the sort to ask me anything directly. Instead, they speculate:
According to the most recent story, my paternal grandfather was real estate developer. I inherited a trust fund, some jewelry and handbags. But my trust fund was left in the tender hands of Bernie Madoff, so I now have to work for a living... :roflmfao:

Needless to say, this is nothing like my real life. But, I'm not ready to correct anyone - it's not worth my time or effort to try to explain.

sundaysunday said:
I've been reading these entries. Cannot find my situation, exactly. While enjoying coffee with a friend, she began to stare intensely at my jewelry, move her head to the side, squint her eyes, move in closer, and reach for my earrings to touch them. Her expression was so uncomfortable for me. "I just want to see the pattern. Let me see it." These were costume jewelry earrings. She has done this before...staring intently at a bracelet. She once also noticed earrings I had on and stared (it is the staring that freaks me out) and only said, while staring, "You should have those insured, you know." I try to be nice and tell her, "Please stop staring. I feel uncomfortable when you stare, like I am not even there." I politely told her that a simple compliment would be better; that i noticed her jewelry as well but was being more subtle. She did not get it.
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That's just scary!!
 
#102
I wore a very simple platinum and amethyst ring on my left middle finger to work (only finger the ring fits on). And one of the lovely ladies I work with saw my ring while we were just chatting and let out this excited shriek followed by "oh ma god! congratulations! I didn't know you got engaged!" The entire floor heard her, I mean she was loud =P I love this lady, she's wonderful and warm and sweet and much too easily excitable. I was so embarrassed and then had to quickly explain I am not engaged and the ring is a gift from my grandmother!

I have never wanted to disappear into the floor as much as I did today.
I told her: when it does happen, you'll be the first to know...but I'll tell you outside!
 
#103
^ oMG is your coworker braindamaged? Lol

Sooo awkward for you...

It was her squinting, and pursed lips, if you can picture it... freaked me out...
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lots of lol!
I'd be freaked out too...

What ever happened to a nice compliment? This could actually initiate a good conversation and they could find out more about the things they want to know (or gossip)... I hate it when they just shoot you with nosy rude questions.
 
#105
^I absolutely will!
And now, I bet even if I ever walk into the office wearing an e-ring, people will think twice ;)

My coworker is just a highly excitable and loud person. She's usually the funnest person in the room.
 
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