It’s necessary to be cautious when buying expensive jewellery. In many instances, people have been victims of scammers who presented themselves as expert jewellers. A 2019 research in the UK uncovered about 150,000 readily available fake gold jewellery already put on the market. This means unsuspecting buyers will likely lose their money from buying inauthentic jewellery pieces. Many buyers also failed to have appraisals done. Here are some tips to avoid this from happening to you when purchasing jewellery.
1. Stick with iconic jewellery designers
Iconic jewellery pieces often have security or specific features that cannot be imitated or reproduced. That is something buyers must always have in mind. If you’re sticking with iconic jewellery from a known brand, it will help to do these background checks. For example, Trollbeads brands have existed since 1976, and clients know what to look for in their original pieces.
Therefore, if you add a bead bracelet to an order for a loved one, it is advisable to check that the details are really from the Trollbeads brand. Know these hidden features so you can cross-check to ensure authenticity when you finally have the jewellery. Another example is the Jane Krakowski jewellery brand. Their authenticity is in the specific depth of their gemstone’s enamel, so keep this in mind. Anything above or below that depth is enough to raise eyebrows. Admittedly, as a layperson, this may not be your stronghold, which is why you must conduct thorough research. You can also consult with an expert to help you out.
2. Approach another jeweller and compare item features
This is an approach that often gives them a fair idea of what to look for. Asking a jeweller about an item you are interested in can help you gain unbiased information. The tip here is to ask a jeweller you are not buying from. This is because the person you are buying from is twice likely to use marketing to influence your buying decision. The best way to pull this off is to walk in as a curious enquirer interested in the pieces available. Better yet, you can walk in with a photograph of the item you want to purchase. Look around a bit, approach the jeweller, and then start a conversation.
When you ask all the needed questions, you will be surprised by the amount of information you will gather by simply making an enquiry. A jeweller’s unbiased advice will include specific features to look for, how to hold a gemstone to the light and what makes the piece authentic. It helps to know that since 2018, 75% of jewellery purchases have been done online. Unfortunately, buyers didn’t make full enquiries about the jewellery. And that resulted in scams, leaving them aggrieved for spending so much money on fake pieces.
3. Consider a jeweller’s cleaning and repairs offer
Notable jewellery brands offer complimentary cleaning and repairs within a specific period after purchase. It is a mark of trust and loyalty, and in most cases, enough proof of the jewellery’s authenticity. It also shows that the seller is willing to protect its brand name and activities. Therefore, they are willing to do whatever it takes to convince buyers to return for repeat business in the future. As a potential buyer, you cannot overlook this in your quest to purchase authentic jewellery. And you must enquire about this before making any financial commitment. Many people are more likely to buy from an easily recognisable store with a history of past clients. You must exercise more caution when purchasing from a new jewellery store without a history of past customers and clients.
4. Ask for a certificate of authenticity
Did you know buyers have the right to ask for a certificate of authenticity from a jewellery seller? This is particularly important when buying diamonds and other expensive gemstones. This document secures the legitimacy of the jewellery you are about to buy. Usually, these certificates are provided by highly regarded laboratories with years of experience in authenticating gemstones. An example is the UK’s Gemmological Certification Services.
Finding a shop that uses these labs is a good way to ensure you get a real diamond. Many people visit London’s Hatton Garden to find experts who work with these types of documents. A business like Holts Gems has a showroom where you can look at the certificates in person. This lets you check the details of the stone before you make a final choice. It is often easier to feel confident when you can see the paperwork and the gem at the same time.
Moreover, a gemstone certification by the Gubelin Gem Lab is also valid. It is important to insist on a certificate from an accredited lab, not one created by the store in question. When checking, it is vital to match the markings on the stone with the certificate. You will see this on genuine diamonds, which are often laser inscribed with identifiable markings. The key here is to be observant and quick-minded during such purchases. If you think you cannot do it alone, take someone, preferably an expert, with you.
5. Get an expert second opinion
You can get a second opinion on any jewellery you’re interested in. However, this is possible only if the store has an online platform with images of the said item. The idea here is to solicit advice from experts who can immediately tell if the item is worth buying. This approach is recommended if you’re purchasing a rare piece or an expertly crafted jewellery item. Others prefer to call this an appraisal since it is an intelligent way to check for market value. When dealing with expensive jewellery pieces, an appraisal will be in order, especially for insurance purposes.
The expert second opinion you seek must inform you how much you stand to lose if the jewellery remains uninsured. An appraisal will also reveal possible flaws in the jewellery, enough to inform the decision to make a final purchase or not. It is worth noting that not all flaws mean you’re dealing with fake jewellery. When held under a jeweller’s loupe, real diamonds may show flaws, which is quite characteristic of this gemstone. Only a few diamonds are flawless.
To conclude, there is a higher chance of buying fake jewellery when you don’t conduct ample background checks. Moreover, with increasing rates of jewellery scams, it is advisable to exercise patience before buying questionable jewellery online. Whatever the case, it is always advisable to consult an expert.