Skip to content

All That Glitters: Telling Genuine Jewelry Apart from the Fakes

  1. Home
  2. Fake jewelry
  3. jewelry appraisal
  4. All That Glitters: Telling Genuine Jewelry Apart from the Fakes

All That Glitters: Telling Genuine Jewelry Apart from the Fakes

Have you ever been to a thrift store, pawn shop, or estate sale and seen something shiny that caught your eye? Was it a rings, a bracelet, necklace, or something else that looked too good to pass up? Maybe you bought it and later found out it was nothing more than a sophisticated fake. Sorry, no refunds!

This reality is all too common in the world of fine jewelry and especially so when individuals are out looking to score valuables at discounted prices. How can you be certain that what you’re tempted to purchase will retain its value over time and not come to back to bite you? Luckily we’ve put together a few guidelines that will help you identify genuine jewelry and hopefully avoid the knock-offs.

Carats

No, not carrots (bad joke), but carats. These units of mass used for measuring the mass of precious metals and gemstones should be marked on real, fine jewelry. If there isn’t a carat marking, it would be best to leave the piece be.

Hallmarks

Genuine jewelry typically has a stamp or “hallmark” somewhere on the piece. Rings in particular often have them if they are made with real precious metals. Look up “Essay” service stamps so you can become familiar with the genuine ones that may indicate piece of fine jewelry.

Who is Selling? custom jewelry in san antonio

This might be the easiest one to take note of early on – who is selling the item? Fine jewelry doesn’t typically make its way out of the hands of reputable owners that have invested quite a bit of money in them. That’s not to say that there aren’t gems lying in thrift store display cases across the country, but only that they are quite rare. Be especially wary of individuals trying to sell what seems like genuine fine jewelry as there is a chance it may be stolen.

Return Policies & Paperwork

If you really have a piece of precious, fine jewelry on your hands then the process should be more intricate than a simple exchange of money. Many reputable dealers will have return policies if for any reason you develop buyer’s remorse. Make certain you understand the terms as they will eventually expire.

Additionally, certain gemstones like diamonds will come with a certificate of authenticity from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). If one isn’t offered, ask for it. If one isn’t produced, move along!

We carry Custom Jewelry like no other.

Are you looking for fine jewelry that can’t be found anywhere else? Then you need to come into Gold Unlimited. We showcase custom jewelry that’s been handcrafted for individuality.

[button size=” style=” text=’Our Custom Jewelry Selection’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’http://goldunlimitedsa.com/selection/’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]