Ebay: Even When All The Signs Are Good...

[Deathspi]

Hi everyone,
I’m coming out of hibernation to share a story that I hope some of you may find interesting/useful. I’m not someone who thinks they know everything by any means, so please don’t think this is about me bragging or anything, I just want to share my experience.

A few months ago, after a long search for a nice hot pink tourmaline, I came across a seller on eBay with a ring for sale. The pictures weren’t great, but:

The price was right (not suspiciously cheap)
They were in my country
The mount was gold
The seller stated that the stone was independently assessed by a jeweller
The seller had 100% positive feedback
A cert for the stone was included

So, knowing that I could get a refund, and could test, I took a punt and bought it.

The colour of the stone was great, but there was something very fishy about it. Sure enough, after much testing, the results were conclusive - it was synthetic corundum. The ‘Joya Gems’ cert was not worth the paper it was written on also.

I decided to contact the seller and we ended up having a chat on the phone, where I explained to her what I’d found and how, and hoped she’d take it well. Luckily, she did, although I think she was quite shocked!. She told me that she would buy from a supplier abroad, and then her local jeweller would tell her if what she had was genuine, but she never saw them use any tools or test etc. I told her that since jewellery is her business, she should get down to Gem-A, as even a short course would help her immensely.

So the moral of the story is, even if all the signs are good, nothing beats a pair of experienced eyes and a bit of gemological knowledge. Always check things for yourself, especially if the vendor is new to you.

 

[Deathspi]

I wanted to post a photo of the ring in question, but it’s not showing up and I can’t remember how to get it to work. It’s been a while!

 

[doberman]

@Deathspi (death spiral?) Choose upload a file and pick the location of the picture on your device.

 

[Deathspi]

This is the ring, which for some reason is showing now.

 

[livannie]

Oooh, that is beautiful! Too bad it isn't real. Glad you found out though.

 

[chatoyancy]

I’m glad you found out too! I can totally see how that happened. I bought a suspicious blue spinel at a gem show a few months ago. It looked fine, was priced fairly (thank goodness it was tiny and not expensive). I got it home and after a few days, I thought it didn’t look right (too good to be true). I had even opened a thread about it here (when I thought it was authentic). To this day, I don’t think the seller was dishonest, just not knowledgeable enough, much like the seller you talked about. Anyway, check the PS vendor reference list and get yourself a real one!

 

[T L]

There are some top notch and expert vendors that got fooled by synthetics. That's why for particularly rare and valuable gems that are highly synthesized or treated (i.e. sapphires, rubies, alexandrite, emerald), a reputable lab report is very important.

 

[Bron357]

Yes, it’s a problem I’m well aware of. You can’t trust any certificate unless it comes from a recognised lab. And it’s not necessarily the sellers fault, they often buy in good faith from India or Thailand. However, there are real gems at good prices on eBay but it’s a search and search some more. I’ve had much better “luck” with older style rings with gems set in high carat gold. Synthetics have been around well over a hundred years so being “antique” doesn’t mean “real”. And gems get swapped out or replaced! The “classic example” I didn’t buy but I followed anyway was a ring where I was sure one of the 5 diamond had been replaced with white sapphire or white topaz. Sure enough 3 weeks later the “feedback” was negative because the buyer had a jeweller who had tested one of the stones as “not a diamond”.
Definitely buyer beware and make sure they have a return policy.

 

[Deathspi]

Oooh, that is beautiful! Too bad it isn't real. Glad you found out though.

I know! The colour was so vivid I was gutted that it wasn’t real!

 

[Deathspi]

I’m glad you found out too! I can totally see how that happened. I bought a suspicious blue spinel at a gem show a few months ago. It looked fine, was priced fairly (thank goodness it was tiny and not expensive). I got it home and after a few days, I thought it didn’t look right (too good to be true). I had even opened a thread about it here (when I thought it was authentic). To this day, I don’t think the seller was dishonest, just not knowledgeable enough, much like the seller you talked about. Anyway, check the PS vendor reference list and get yourself a real one!

Wow, that’s scary. You’d expect things from a gem show to be more credible, but as you say, if the vendor themselves doesn’t know then it makes it even worse!
I managed to find myself a real one, and don’t worry, I’m all too familiar with the PS vendor list. (Too familiar for my bank account at least!)

 

[Deathspi]

There are some top notch and expert vendors that got fooled by synthetics. That's why for particularly rare and valuable gems that are highly synthesized or treated (i.e. sapphires, rubies, alexandrite, emerald), a reputable lab report is very important.

I agree completely. If I was spending thousands on a sapphire I’d want a report, but to be honest they are very few and far between in the UK, which is why I often import. I’ve started seeing them for diamonds, but not really CS. The thing that scares me though, is that there are god knows how many people out there, walking around with stones that they’ve spent their hard earned money on, that they believe to be genuine. I suppose that’s just what happens with valuable things.

 

[Deathspi]

Yes, it’s a problem I’m well aware of. You can’t trust any certificate unless it comes from a recognised lab. And it’s not necessarily the sellers fault, they often buy in good faith from India or Thailand. However, there are real gems at good prices on eBay but it’s a search and search some more. I’ve had much better “luck” with older style rings with gems set in high carat gold. Synthetics have been around well over a hundred years so being “antique” doesn’t mean “real”. And gems get swapped out or replaced! The “classic example” I didn’t buy but I followed anyway was a ring where I was sure one of the 5 diamond had been replaced with white sapphire or white topaz. Sure enough 3 weeks later the “feedback” was negative because the buyer had a jeweller who had tested one of the stones as “not a diamond”.
Definitely buyer beware and make sure they have a return policy.

I’m glad the buyer found out about the swapped diamonds! I’ve always said that eBay is a minefield, and I actually had an argument with a jeweller recently who disagreed. Very strange!

 

[T L]

I agree completely. If I was spending thousands on a sapphire I’d want a report, but to be honest they are very few and far between in the UK, which is why I often import. I’ve started seeing them for diamonds, but not really CS. The thing that scares me though, is that there are god knows how many people out there, walking around with stones that they’ve spent their hard earned money on, that they believe to be genuine. I suppose that’s just what happens with valuable things.

Very early when I first joined this forum, one of the members here ran into a lady with beautiful padparadcha sapphire jewelry. She appeared to be a very wealthy lady, and offered to sell one of her padparadchas to this pricescoper. The pricescoper did her due diligence and had it tested, and the stone was diffused, not only rendering it much less valuable, but it's really not considered a padparadcha to the trade if the stone is diffused. Heaven knows how much money this lady spent on her "padparadchas." Your comment brings back that story to my mind.

 

[Deathspi]

Very early when I first joined this forum, one of the members here ran into a lady with beautiful padparadcha sapphire jewelry. She appeared to be a very wealthy lady, and offered to sell one of her padparadchas to this pricescoper. The pricescoper did her due diligence and had it tested, and the stone was diffused, not only rendering it much less valuable, but it's really not considered a padparadcha to the trade if the stone is diffused. Heaven knows how much money this lady spent on her "padparadchas." Your comment brings back that story to my mind.

I think the wealthy can often get ripped off just by shopping at high end stores. My grandmother likes to brag that the jeweller she goes to offers you a glass of champagne st the door, so I wonder what their markups are like! Anyway, good on the PSer who got those pads tested. Hopefully they didn’t pay too much for them as I’m sure it was a horrible feeling seeing that report.

 

[chatoyancy]

Wow, that’s scary. You’d expect things from a gem show to be more credible, but as you say, if the vendor themselves doesn’t know then it makes it even worse!
I managed to find myself a real one, and don’t worry, I’m all too familiar with the PS vendor list. (Too familiar for my bank account at least!)

I will be more careful when I go again in March. I enjoy gem shows, though I buy online be as well. I thought I was safe too. The other vendors I’ve bought from have been great. I’m
Glad you got a real tourmaline! The recommended vendor list hurst my pocketbook as well.

 

[T L]

I think the wealthy can often get ripped off just by shopping at high end stores. My grandmother likes to brag that the jeweller she goes to offers you a glass of champagne st the door, so I wonder what their markups are like! Anyway, good on the PSer who got those pads tested. Hopefully they didn’t pay too much for them as I’m sure it was a horrible feeling seeing that report.

I don't think she ended up buying it, but I forgot how or if she let he wealthy lady know of her bad news. The wealthy also buy extremely overpriced pieces that are really worth very little but have designer value. When I see a low-quality citrine in a basic gold setting for thousands of dollars, I cringe.

 

[Deathspi]

Yeah, I’ve always been the same way when seeing overpriced designer jewellery. I must admit, I paid over the odds for my e ring, which had a name on it, and every time I look at it I feel a bit of a mug. I bought it because I loved it though and couldn’t care less about the name, although I think next time I’ll get someone in China to make a clone instead...

 

[arkieb1]

I have to ask which country do you live in?

 

[T L]

Yeah, I’ve always been the same way when seeing overpriced designer jewellery. I must admit, I paid over the odds for my e ring, which had a name on it, and every time I look at it I feel a bit of a mug. I bought it because I loved it though and couldn’t care less about the name, although I think next time I’ll get someone in China to make a clone instead...

Not all designer jewelry is bad though, and some is really beautiful, well made and worth it to the buyer. I was just citing one example where it was clearly overpriced beyond belief, and while I know beauty is subjective, the citrine ring looked like it came out of a gumball machine.

 

[Deathspi]

Not all designer jewelry is bad though, and some is really beautiful, well made and worth it to the buyer. I was just citing one example where it was clearly overpriced beyond belief, and while I know beauty is subjective, the citrine ring looked like it came out of a gumball machine.

I remember a few years back when I was in Harrods. I got told off by a security guard because I was standing with my OH, slagging off this big Bvgari(sp?) necklace that had awful pale, badly cut stones in it. Don’t think he was amused!

 

[jewelsforalltosee]

I don't know why those "certificates" are even included with CS. They are meaningless without a verifiable lab report. Why does the name "Joya Gems" seem to ring a bell for me?... Glad you didn't get fooled!

My ering is also designer - Tacori - and while the setting was expensive, I gaze fondly at it every day and admire the exquisite craftsmanship. Sorry you don't feel the same way about your ering!

Yeah, I’ve always been the same way when seeing overpriced designer jewellery. I must admit, I paid over the odds for my e ring, which had a name on it, and every time I look at it I feel a bit of a mug. I bought it because I loved it though and couldn’t care less about the name, although I think next time I’ll get someone in China to make a clone instead...

 

[T L]

I don't know why those "certificates" are even included with CS. They are meaningless without a verifiable lab report. Why does the name "Joya Gems" seem to ring a bell for me?... Glad you didn't get fooled!

My ering is also designer - Tacori - and while the setting was expensive, I gaze fondly at it every day and admire the exquisite craftsmanship. Sorry you don't feel the same way about your ering!

Tacori makes some beautiful pieces, no doubt!!

Joya Gems sounded familiar too, so I looked it up and it's also the name of a brand of jewelry sold on the shopping channel, Evine. I don't think this eBay seller and that jewelry line are affiliated, are they?

 

[Deathspi]

Tacori makes some beautiful pieces, no doubt!!

Joya Gems sounded familiar too, so I looked it up and it's also the name of a brand of jewelry sold on the shopping channel, Evine. I don't think this eBay seller and that jewelry line are affiliated, are they?

I don’t think they are linked. It’s this Joya Gems, and you can see the COAs in google images. https://www.facebook.com/Joya-Gem-135077493231610/

Taconite do some beautiful mounts, and I love Verragio too!

 

[Deathspi]

I don't know why those "certificates" are even included with CS. They are meaningless without a verifiable lab report. Why does the name "Joya Gems" seem to ring a bell for me?... Glad you didn't get fooled!

My ering is also designer - Tacori - and while the setting was expensive, I gaze fondly at it every day and admire the exquisite craftsmanship. Sorry you don't feel the same way about your ering!

Don’t get me wrong, I love my e ring to bits, I just know I could have much more bang for my buck without the name. (It’s Vera Wang). You are very lucky to have a Tacori! They used to make a Diamonique range for QVC, (think they still do in the US I think), and I have one of those that I adore, and use as my e ring sub for if I’m going away etc.

Edit: I thought I recognized your avatar from the pinned thread! I have to say, I’ve been drooling over your ring, it’s gorgeous! You chose well!

 

[jewelsforalltosee]

Thank you! FI made the mistake of asking what I liked before he did his shopping so I got exactly what I always dreamed of!

I do remember the QVC Tacori line! I'm not sure if it still exists...will have to look! It would be interesting to do a side by comparison, as the QVC line is all sterling.

Oh I love Vera Wang, I am sure your ring is gorgeous!

Don’t get me wrong, I love my e ring to bits, I just know I could have much more bang for my buck without the name. (It’s Vera Wang). You are very lucky to have a Tacori! They used to make a Diamonique range for QVC, (think they still do in the US I think), and I have one of those that I adore, and use as my e ring sub for if I’m going away etc.

Edit: I thought I recognized your avatar from the pinned thread! I have to say, I’ve been drooling over your ring, it’s gorgeous! You chose well!

 

[T L]

While there are some very pretty silver designer rings, like the QVC Tacori line (no longer exists), you can never get the detail of design that you get in the gold and platinum Tacori pieces. The stones are always much bigger and the design is always pre-stamped, and not handcarved or handmade in these mass produced pieces sold on the shopping channels. They're fun pieces though and great for traveling I would imagine. However if you have a great attention to detail, they just won't do like the fine jewelry pieces.

 

[jewelsforalltosee]

This is what I would think also. Similar to the Tacori examples jewelers have in store to look at when choosing a setting, the finished handmade gold or platinum piece is MUCH more detailed and beautiful.

While there are some very pretty silver designer rings, like the QVC Tacori line (no longer exists), you can never get the detail of design that you get in the gold and platinum Tacori pieces. The stones are always much bigger and the design is always pre-stamped, and not handcarved or handmade in these mass produced pieces sold on the shopping channels. They're fun pieces though and great for traveling I would imagine. However if you have a great attention to detail, they just won't do like the fine jewelry pieces.

 

[Deathspi]

While there are some very pretty silver designer rings, like the QVC Tacori line (no longer exists), you can never get the detail of design that you get in the gold and platinum Tacori pieces. The stones are always much bigger and the design is always pre-stamped, and not handcarved or handmade in these mass produced pieces sold on the shopping channels. They're fun pieces though and great for traveling I would imagine. However if you have a great attention to detail, they just won't do like the fine jewelry pieces.

I wish I could show you mine, but I think I’ll get told off! It’s only 1.75cttw and has engraving all around it. For the price, you can’t go wrong, and I’ve seen plenty of gold (non Tacori) pieces that are of pretty awful quality. Of course, I’d rather have a gold Tacori though...