If you've ever had the mesmerizing experience of perusing jewelry at a vintage store, estate sale, or artisan craft show, you know how eye-catching the gemstones look, beautifully set in fine jewelry with flashing colors and brilliant sparkle.
Jewelry connects us; vintage pieces tell stories of old, and fresh designs are poised to represent special moments in our lives.
So what happens when the rich, green emerald you found at the estate sale turns out to be green painted glass instead of a true emerald? Even if the seller thought they were offering you a piece of genuine emerald gemstone jewelry, it would be a deeply disappointing experience in the least, and certainly would give you some hesitance for next time.
We've been in business for over 100 years, so we know a thing or two about authenticating jewelry. We have a team of GIA-Certified gemologists on staff, with over 40 years of experience. Every gemstone in our store - from our diamonds to our sunstones - is hand selected to ensure that you're not only experiencing the most stunning gemstones, but guaranteeing that every piece of jewelry you choose is authentic.
But what do you do when you're shopping out of town, and browsing unfamiliar collections? How do you spot the red flags from what might be a not-so-reputable sellers?
The Value of Authentic Jewelry:
Jewelry is first and foremost a symbol of your story. Your everyday pieces aren't just a bracelet and a ring or a gold chain; they're a part of you. Jewelry that you hold sentimental and emotional value towards needs to last - it holds heritage to it that will continue to be a part of your legacy. Choosing quality metals for those jewelry pieces means you can hand them down for years and years to come.
What are Some Common Red Flags?
- Too Good to be True Prices
Precious metals such as gold, sterling silver, and platinum are highly valued, and have a set market value. Even if you are looking at pre-owned jewelry or estate jewelry, it is rare that the sale price is a lower dollar value than the metal weight alone. Ask if it's possible to get a weight on the metal; if not, ask if there is a metal test available to verify that it is indeed as advertised.
-Inconsistent Branding
Jewelers and sellers who offer fine jewelry take pride in their collection; packaging should be clean, spelling should be clear, and the company should have their information easily available, like where they are located, how to get in contact, and what they offer.
-Suspicious Materials
If you ask the seller about the metals, the gemstones, or any of the materials, and you aren't given a clear answer, raise your red flag. Someone selling an authentic item will be happy to oblige and offer evidence of the item's quality and value. Look for tarnish around the head of the ring (where the stone sits) and on the inside of the band; while solid gold or platinum may fade over time, it doesn't tarnish, so if you see hints of brass, silver, or other base metals... once again raise that red flag.
Examining Hallmarks and Stamps:
Fine jewelry should come with a hallmark (a symbol of the designer), or a stamp of metal quality (10k, 14k, 925, etc.). Not all vintage jewelry will have this, depending on when or where it was made, but it's a good rule of thumb to check for that hallmark anytime you're buying jewelry.
It's always a good habit to ask for an appraisal or documentation of the item's description; this usually includes the metal quality and weight, details on the stone, and a value statement. Do a quick google check on the appraiser listed on the document to make sure they are certified (preferably by the GIA) or reach out to them to verify their qualifications.
Certifications to Look For:
While there are multiple organizations that identify and certify diamonds and gemstones, we always look for a GIA certification. The Gemological Institute of America, GIA, is the world's most respected authority on stone certifications; it has been around since the 1930's and is an independent, non-profit organization that exists to maintain the highest standards within the gem industry.
Avoiding Online Scams:
Browsing online is a simple, easy, and fun way to find inspiration, save your favorites, and order your top choice. There are countless jewelry retailers online with reputable reviews, high quality items, and transparent descriptions; as such, there are also retailers who aren't quite as honest.
If it's a seller or website that you aren't familiar with, browse around the website and check for clear descriptions, spelling and glaring grammatical inconsistencies, and organic reviews.
Take another look at the website address as well; sometimes, established companies can be a victim to duplicate scam websites that have an almost identical web address, but aren't the real deal. Websites like these often steal credit card info and never deliver on the product, or deliver a non-authentic version of the product such as plated vs solid metals or a fake stone in place of a real one. Do your homework and make sure you're ordering from a website you trust.
What Makes Skeie's Standout?
- We are a single-location store in Eugene, Oregon that's been around since 1922
- 4 generations of family leadership
- GIA-Certified staff, including GIA-certified gemologists with over 40 years of combined experience in the industry
- Our selection is a result of meticulous hand-selection and a love of the craft of jewelry design, exceptional gemstones, and quality craftsmanship
Our team of experts not only craft beautiful jewelry, we take extraordinary care in personalizing your experience. Our customs team brings magic to life, and our store not only values authenticity in your jewelry, but making sure that you truly love it, and will cherish it for ages to come.
