Handmade jewellery is a beautiful and personal way to express yourself. However, with the rise of online shopping, it can be difficult to tell the difference between real and fake handmade jewellery. Here are some tips to help you spot fake handmade jewellery:
- Price: Handmade jewellery is typically more expensive than mass-produced jewellery. If you find a piece of jewellery that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Availability: Handmade jewellery is typically not as widely available as mass-produced jewellery. If you see the same piece of jewellery for sale on many different websites, it's likely that it's mass-produced.
- Shipping time: Handmade jewellery typically takes longer to make than mass-produced jewellery. If a seller promises to ship your jewellery within a few days, it's likely that they are selling mass-produced jewellery that they already have in stock.
- Customization: Handmade jewellery can be customised to your specific needs. If a seller doesn't offer any customization options, it's a sign that they are selling mass-produced jewellery.
- Quality: Handmade jewellery is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. If the jewellery looks or feels cheap, it's probably not handmade.
In addition to these tips, you can also look for the following signs of fake handmade jewellery:
- Imperfections: Handmade jewellery is not perfect. There may be small imperfections in the metal, stones, or workmanship. Mass-produced jewellery is typically made with more precise tools and techniques, so it will be less likely to have imperfections.
- Incorrect markings: Handmade jewellery will typically be marked with the name of the artist or maker, the type of metal, and the gemstones used. Mass-produced jewellery may not be marked at all, or the markings may be incorrect.
- No certificate of authenticity: Handmade jewellery should come with a certificate of authenticity. This document will verify that the jewellery is genuine and made by the artist or maker listed on the markings. Mass-produced jewellery is not typically sold with a certificate of authenticity.
If you are still not sure whether a piece of jewellery is handmade, you can always ask the seller for more information. A reputable seller will be happy to answer any questions you have about the jewellery.
By following these tips, you can be sure to avoid buying fake handmade jewellery.