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As a jeweler on eBay, we strive to offer buying tips and information, which ebay users may find as valuable information. When purchasing jewelry on eBay, it's always best to follow three basic steps before bidding.
- Review the the entire description of the item.
- Pay close attention to the grading of diamonds and gems within the description.
- If the item is being offered with an Appraisal Card or Appraisal, review the values stated and ensure that the issuer of the card is NOT the seller.
Accredited Jewelry Appraisal Organizations..
- GIA - The most well known and trusted appraisal organization in the world today.
- Organizations with a Graduate (GIA) Gemologist can be trusted as well.
Non-Accredited Appraisal Organizations..
- Companies, which have no discernable accreditation.
- Are owned and/or operated by the seller.
- Offers a Gem Card or Jewelry Appraisal Laminated Card with a picture of the item and high MSRP values.
Bluff Gemstones..
Bluff Gemstones are commonly offered in large or small settings. The "stones" are available in Sapphire, Rubies, Diamonds or Emeralds and have the following features:
- Bluff Sapphires will look like mottled glass or a milky blue color. They will not appear translucent or, in other words, if held up to a bright or moderate light, the light will NOT pass through the stone.
- Bluff Emeralds will look like mottled glass or a milky green color. They will not appear translucent or, in other words, if held up to a bright or moderate light, the light will pass NOT through the stone.
- Bluff Rubies will look like mottled glass or a milky red color. They will not appear translucent or, in other words, if held up to a bright or moderate light, the light will pass NOT through the stone.
In addition, these stones may also have very faint milky white lines trailing across the stone. They may also contain fractures and/or fall out of the setting easily. In many cases, your local jeweler may refuse to size a ring which is set with such stones as they can cleave easily and/or fall apart.
Industrial Diamonds or Bluff Diamonds..
These diamonds are acquired mainly in India and other parts of the world. They are used in the production of Industrial tools such as blades for sawa which require the cutting ability of hardest substance on earth (such as a diamond).
However, some of those in the jewelry industry have found a new use for $10.00 per carat diamonds and that "use" is surrounding Bluff Gemstones with Industrial GRADE Diamonds.
The truly ingenious manufacturer's of such products maintain facilities here in the middle east. They have a few hundred employees, who's sole purpose is to select and/or match brown industrial diamonds with browns, light browns with light browns and so on. In some cases, they will throw one VS-1 diamond into the setting, which enables the seller to claim the piece is set with VS-1 to I-1 diamonds within the title and description.
If you see such a description on eBay, request the total count of individual diamonds, which are indeed VS. If the seller refuses and/or will not take the time to let you know how many diamonds, in a pave setting are VS-1, then you can be assured that the piece contains a majority of I-1 INDUSTRIAL GRADE Diamonds.
STOP!
Before you place a bid for any item, do the following:
- Check the seller feedback however, to quickly KNOW who you're doing business with click on the the tab entitled "Left for Others" under the sellers Feedback, as you'll know how you may be treated (by the seller) if you encounter a problem. Scan to the negatives left by the Seller for others and review the negative feedback to see if it's FACTUAL or RETALITORY in nature.
- If the seller offers any type of Laminated Card (with a stated value) check on the company to see who the issuer of the card actually is. If it's the seller and/or they own or, are associated with the Card Issuer, they have a DIRECT connection with the MSRP and/or information stated on the card.
- Look at the pictures of the items being sold and see if the items appear to Bluff Gemstones or Industrial Grade Diamonds. In many cases, the stone will appear to be altered through PhotoShop and lines on the edges of the pictures will appear drawn. The colors may appear vibrant and just too good to be true - for the price!
No Reserve Auctions - $1.00 Opening Bid
Just what does "No Reserve" mean? It should mean what is stated "No Reserve" however, if the bidding continues onward (and upward) then there must be a price that needs to be reached thus, bringing into question the statement and/or advertised "No Reserve" auction.
The $1.00 opening bid (with no reserve) is an interesting notion when considering the item has "No Reserve". Is this simply a play on words or is it possible such an auction exists? If you find yourself scratching your head on this one, you're not alone.
Bidder Warning..
Be careful when attending an eBay Live Auction, as some sellers may impose strict guidelines, which can cost you money without you even being aware of such fees until after the sale closes.
- Does the Live Auction Seller charge a Buyer's Premium which can NEVER be refunded?
- Does the Live Auction Seller charge a Re-Stocking fee of any kind?
- Does the Live Auction Seller charge shipping based upon value as opposed to the actual shipping charges imposed by the carrier?
- Does the Live Auction Seller offer a 100% Guarantee (of any kind) but, retains the Buyer's Premium and adds a Re-Stocking fee if the item is returned?
Times are Changing..
The jewelry industry is changing, it's evolving. The sellers on eBay who use Industrial Grade diamonds and Bluff Gemstones will eventually go out of business, as buyer's are being educated by those in the industry, who have simply had enough.
Sub-standard product is a way in which to increase profits, at a cost to the consumer. Jewelry is a luxury item (no doubt) however, it's very personal to the purchaser and offering Bluff Gemstones and Industrial Diamonds (in settings) is "shorting" the customer on every conceivable level.
Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:
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