One thing that I've notice when surfing on E-Bay as a buyer, is that even when you read carefully all the description of an item "called" solid gold, IT IS NOT SOLID GOLD!!!! It is hard to give every one of them (sellers), that does this,  the benefit of a doubt, but sometime it is obvious that, some are using certain terms to confuse buyers on purpose, to get their items sold! This is not good for us legitimate seller of quality goods and trying to maintain a certain integrity  in our business. Mostly, this is fraud with intent. I do understand that there is a limitation, in numbers of characters, you can use in the title of an item you are selling. But come on, when it is plated, overlay ed, electroplate, rolled on gold, gold tone or some other plating process, write it out and don't use initials to describe the items! Tell buyers, that what you're selling is plated with real gold, electroplate with real gold or any other terms that describe a plating process (very thin layer of gold on top of whatever is under). Some don't even bother to describe exactly what they are selling is plated and put "gold" with the "karat weight" without any mention on the plating. Until the consumers read carefully the description and find a way to eliminate, control, and protect themselves from being "tricked" into purchasing something with mis-leading descriptions. I would suggests the following to any potential buyers.

- Do not buy from "strangers", as in country, harder to dispute, costly to return, different rules and regulations. If they don't obey by our rules, stop buying from them. Read their negative feedbacks and responses. Go as far back as you can and if they have one "misleading" or "not as describe"with doubtful responses....run away.

- Read descriptions and return policies, (valid of all sellers you're buying from) at least twice!

- When it sounds to good to be true...IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!!!!

- Print out everything you're buying, from your computer screen and keep it to file your dispute with your Credit Card Company, Paypal or E-Bay. (remember that this is a matter of principle and that these sellers count on the fact that you will not file for a  return dispute for a low refund amounts and sometime very high shipping cost). We all need to fight. Unless everyone involves (E-Bay, Paypal, Credit Card Company, Consumer, Sellers) gets together and do something, E-Bay will not be a safe and convenient place to buy or sell anything. New rules need to be made and penalties impose.

-File complaint with E-Bay Trust & Safety

-File complaint with Paypal Trust & Safety

-Put a stop payment with your Credit Card Company or Bank(harder).

-Pay with a Credit Card when possible and make sure they have a SSL to secure all financial transactions.

-Always pay for your transactions through Paypal, with a credit card and never have your banking account informations on file with them.

-Use what is offer by E-Bay tools to make your voice heard. For example: write a review on "My reviews and guides" about your experience with this seller or buyer, with proven facts, and e-mails copies.

As far as I'm concern, below are stampings and markings on gold Jewelry used in our industry, that I'm backing, after I've done my own acid testing I buy or sell. (I would also HIGHLY recommend that you buy a Acid Gold Testing Kit before you buy any type of gold jewelry. Let's start with "the not so gold"

Plated Gold or Gold Plating = Microscopic amount of Gold  content being used. (usually in milligram's count)

If you do not want anything that is plated, stay away from these descriptions/stamps/hallmarked. Most gold plated items are marked: "GE", "GP", "EP", "Vermeil" is silver under a very very thin layer of gold. If you see in the detailed description, "gold over...", "goldtone...(is to define gold color only!), "electroplate...", "Gold filed...", "technibond...", "gold plate...", "rolled on gold...", just to name a few. These terms on any item's description are not to be considered "solid" or "pure" Gold items.

Now, what I call "Solid Gold" and "Pure Gold" .

Real Gold Markings without any of the terms and letters above = Significant amount, to almost pure gold.

8K(t)/333 (33.3% of Pure Gold, abundantly found in certain market)

9K(t)/375 (37.5% of Pure Gold, abundantly found in certain market)

10K(t)/417 (41.7% of Pure Gold, abundantly found in certain market)

14K(t)/585 (58.5% of Pure Gold, commonly found in certain market)

18K(t)/750 (75% of Pure Gold, semi rarely found in certain market) 

20K(t)/833 (83.3% of Pure Gold, rarely found in certain market)

22K(t)/917 (91.7% of Pure Gold, rarely found in certain market)

24k(t)/999  (99.99% Pure Gold, very rarely found in certain market) is the only karat weight that can be considered technically, PURE GOLD.

I've also read many things about "Technigold" as a hallmark and sometime in the description of an item. The name Technigold is a trademarked name for a machine use to manufacture high volume of chains and necklaces. Depending on the type of gold (karat weight) or alloy used, the hallmarked on these chains or necklace should have a numbers, letters or sometime both to define the type of gold or alloy used in the manufacturing.

For example: 750/Technigold is a solid 18kt gold chain made by this machine. Usually there are other markings to identify the "manufacturer or brand name" who use that machine.

I wish you all the best, to have common senses and wisdom  before you decide to buy anything. To shop around, compare, and read everything.

To the best of my knowledge and findings, these are my personnel opinions. I am open to any comments, questions, and any suggestions to make a difference. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me. I thank you all for your business and supports.

Sincerely yours,

Kris