As a seller and buyer of jewelry on Ebay I am always searching for a good deal.  While I can spot the genuine gold and diamonds in person through experience, from a picture it has become a challenge.  With over 45,000 feedback, I can tell you that experience in buying gold and diamonds, or anything is best determined by feedback.   A score of 99% or better is going to almost ensure a successful sale.  Look for current feedback ratings...as one deal I bid and won was from a seller with over 300 in feedback and a 99% rating but, had not sold anything in 3 years.  As a result, I had to have the payment chargedback to my account as an overzealous grandson was trying to recruit funds without providing the goods he was selling.  In general feedback will speak volumes.  I recently had a client comment regarding the number of mutually removed feedback I had, which is over 200, as they thought it was hiding true negative feedback.  However, a true Ebayer will communiate effectively and diligently to resolve any and all concerns. While there will ALWAYS be a troublemaker that is for some odd reason malicious in nature or just having a bad day...negative feedbacks will always occur...and take some time to read through the feedback and make an appropriate decision about a sale.  Write the SELLER as well, as I never hesitate to respond to direct questions with direct answers.    Read in between the lines as a Positive Comment may not be so positive when read aloud and a Negative can be as miniscule as a shipment not arriving in time for a birthday or holiday for the procrastinator buyer that waited until the last minute.  Feedback tells all and you can protect your investment before you even send payment.  Good luck bidding and remember feedback and effective communication is the best indicator of consumating a positive sale :)  PLEASE VOTE IF THIS GUIDE WAS HELPFUL BELOW.  Thanks, Greg