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Help: Seller advertised as 18k but it tests as 10K - how much of a discount should I ask for?

Mreader

Mreader

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 14, 2018
Messages
6,896
I purchased an antique celestial crescent moon pendant that was advertised as 18 karat gold. This is an eBay seller. I went to two different shops to have it tested and they both said it tested as 10k. This is using acid testing. I took it to two shops because I was pretty surprised when I heard the 10K verdict from the first and just wanted to be 100% sure.

Anyway I really like the pendant and would keep it if the seller offers a credit. I’m wondering how much I should ask for? Assuming they’re willing to do it. The piece weighs 5 1/2 g. I paid $575.

Also this is a also cautionary tale to do your due diligence. This is a seller with 100% feedback and her main inventory is antique and vintage items.

Here’s a picture:


6419E16D-F004-4895-B06E-B71A88A61037.jpeg
 
I would return it. 10k is not even half gold. There are enough “fish in the sea” to get what you are paying for. If it is stamped 18k and it is not that would also be a no no for me.
 
Q1: What made the seller think it is 18K to start with?
Q2: Is there an evaluation report being provided as part of the sale?

It is difficult to advise without knowing the full details of the eBay listing IMHO, sorry!

As for the tests performed by the shops, unless they can be backed up with a report from recognised professional evaluators, then I personally do not believe they are good enough as evidence to substantiate your claim that it is made of 10K and not 18K.

In the past when I listed jewellery for sale on eBay, I included the evaluation report that I had paid for myself for insurance purposes as part of the listing, that can be traced back to the evaluator who performed the assessment etc. etc...

I could be over-thinking this though.

DK :))
 
dk168 said:
Q1: What made the seller think it is 18K to start with?
Q2: Is there an evaluation report being provided as part of the sale?

It is difficult to advise without knowing the full details of the eBay listing IMHO, sorry!

As for the tests performed by the shops, unless they can be backed up with a report from recognised professional evaluators, then I personally do not believe they are good enough as evidence to substantiate your claim that it is made of 10K and not 18K.

In the past when I listed jewellery for sale on eBay, I included the evaluation report that I had paid for myself for insurance purposes as part of the listing, that can be traced back to the evaluator who performed the assessment etc. etc...

I could be over-thinking this though.

DK :))
Click to expand...

I do not know what made her believe it to be 18k. The item didn’t come with a report. Is there a reason to believe that the acid test is inaccurate? When I went to shop number two I brought another item that I know is 14 K and it tested 14 K.
 
tkyasx78 said:
I would return it. 10k is not even half gold. There are enough “fish in the sea” to get what you are paying for. If it is stamped 18k and it is not that would also be a no no for me.
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There is no stamp. It was a brooch that was converted. Sometimes on old items there is no stamp. I have definitely thought about returning it outright but I do like it.
 
I checked on www.goldcalc.com and the scrap gold metal difference between 10kt and 18kt is apx $110 based on 5.5 grams gold metal weight:

1644952062895.png

If it were me, based on the facts as presented in your situation, I'd respectfully let the vendor know you checked with two local jewelers to confirm the gold is 18kt as per the listing, and both performed acid tests with 10kt as the result. I'd name the two jewelers' establishments. I'd attach the image showing the scrap gold metal value difference between 10kt and 18kt. I would mention I really do like the item, and ask to split the difference such that you receive a $50 partial refund of the price you paid.

My 2 cents.
 
Oh no!
I'm not really shocked that the seller either embellished or didn't know for sure about the gold content.
I would be reaching out for a partial refund.
 
It’s a beautiful pendant and I can see why you want to keep it! I was about to suggest something similar to @marymm but saw her much more thoroughly-researched response before posting! I would hope the seller would find that suggestion reasonable.
 
stracci2000 said:
Oh no!
I'm not really shocked that the seller either embellished or didn't know for sure about the gold content.
I would be reaching out for a partial refund.
Click to expand...

I don't think that she was deliberately trying to deceive; I mean I cannot say for sure but there was a little bit of back-and-forth about a few of her items and so I didn't get the impression she was that type of person. She is an individual who seems to do this on the side. I wonder if she was told it was 18k when she bought it. Once I decide what to do and reach out, I will let you know what she says.
 
marymm said:
I checked on www.goldcalc.com and the scrap gold metal difference between 10kt and 18kt is apx $110 based on 5.5 grams gold metal weight:

1644952062895.png

If it were me, based on the facts as presented in your situation, I'd respectfully let the vendor know you checked with two local jewelers to confirm the gold is 18kt as per the listing, and both performed acid tests with 10kt as the result. I'd name the two jewelers' establishments. I'd attach the image showing the scrap gold metal value difference between 10kt and 18kt. I would mention I really do like the item, and ask to split the difference such that you receive a $50 partial refund of the price you paid.

My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Is there a reason you suggested asking for half as opposed to $100 when this amount is scrap value? The figure in my mind was about 80-100...
 
@Mreader -- Because it is not scrap metal and not being melted down, because it is in the form of what appears to be a well-crafted pendant in good shape and nice finish, and because it also has multiple set stones ...

For me personally, I'm okay with it being 10kt gold as opposed to 18kt gold -- it is still gold (as compared to silver or base metal) -- and in good faith I would split the difference with a seller that for me to have bought from originally I would have determined to be legit and reputable -- YMMV.
 
OP I’m sorry to threadjack, but my question is related to the subject. How do vendors/jewelers determine the gold content of a piece? do they use a spectrum detector or an acid test? Can an acid test be inaccurate (eg if something is plated with 18K gold does the acid detect that?)

I recently bought a piece that was “vaguely” marked and claimed to be 18k but the hardness/ low “scratch-ability” of it, the metal “ring tone”, and the color make me really wonder about it. Just wondering how the experts actually determine the truth and how accurate is it. Thank you for allowing me to ask this question here.
 
LightBright said:
OP I’m sorry to threadjack, but my question is related to the subject. How do vendors/jewelers determine the gold content of a piece? do they use a spectrum detector or an acid test? Can an acid test be inaccurate (eg if something is plated with 18K gold does the acid detect that?)

I recently bought a piece that was “vaguely” marked and claimed to be 18k but the hardness/ low “scratch-ability” of it, the metal “ring tone”, and the color make me really wonder about it. Just wondering how the experts actually determine the truth and how accurate is it. Thank you for allowing me to ask this question here.
Click to expand...

I have heard that acid test is one of the best tests for gold. I do not know the physics of it, but have read that it is more accurate than using certain metal probes which might test gold plated items as real gold if the plating is thick. But I am no expert.
 
marymm said:
@Mreader -- Because it is not scrap metal and not being melted down, because it is in the form of what appears to be a well-crafted pendant in good shape and nice finish, and because it also has multiple set stones ...
Click to expand...

I guess that is why I am confused; my thinking is that the refund amount should be more than the scrap price precisely bc it's not a scrap piece...but perhaps I am interpreting incorrectly. Anyway I am still mulling so have not contacted the seller just yet.
 
This has happened to me multiple times with ebay purchases. Some thoughts:
-the acid test results will depend on where the scratch is done on the item. I have had rings that had repair work done on them in a different purity metal than the rest of the ring.
-A message to the seller stating that you had the item tested by two different jewelers, and it tested as 10K. My initial contact with the seller would just say what happened and wait to see what their response is. If they are a reputable seller, I would think they would be concerned and would want to remedy the situation.
 
^ excellent suggestion by @Paisley2628 -- that's exactly the right way to start the conversation -- see what/how vendor responds -- good luck @Mreader


[NOTE: To elucidate further, when I personally buy something old/vintage/antique, in calculating price/value to me the metal is only one component -- other equally important components to me are the number and type of stones, the stones' settings (design, labor, and condition), the overall design and artistry of the piece, the age of the piece and its overall condition, and how much I'd expect to pay if I commissioned something similar today]
 
update - she wrote back; she was apologetic and said that she was very sorry that she bought it as 18k and that she "thought" that she also did an acid test. She said I could request a return through eBay and she would refund me. She didn't bring up the idea of a partial credit, so now is the moment I will ask for it....stay tuned.
 
Mreader said:
I purchased an antique celestial crescent moon pendant that was advertised as 18 karat gold. This is an eBay seller. I went to two different shops to have it tested and they both said it tested as 10k. This is using acid testing. I took it to two shops because I was pretty surprised when I heard the 10K verdict from the first and just wanted to be 100% sure.

Anyway I really like the pendant and would keep it if the seller offers a credit. I’m wondering how much I should ask for? Assuming they’re willing to do it. The piece weighs 5 1/2 g. I paid $575.

Also this is a also cautionary tale to do your due diligence. This is a seller with 100% feedback and her main inventory is antique and vintage items.

Here’s a picture:


6419E16D-F004-4895-B06E-B71A88A61037.jpeg
Click to expand...

What a bas*ard !
You should defiantly try to go after a partial refund

its such a lovelly piece, now you can shop for a cheaper chain
 
Mreader said:
update - she wrote back; she was apologetic and said that she was very sorry that she bought it as 18k and that she "thought" that she also did an acid test. She said I could request a return through eBay and she would refund me. She didn't bring up the idea of a partial credit, so now is the moment I will ask for it....stay tuned.
Click to expand...

Good luck
 
Sigh. Response:

Unfortunately I would be losing money. I sell my items with not much margin of what I bought it for and conversion cost.
I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.
 
I'm disappointed in her response-

If you return it and she relists - she shouldn't be expecting to sell a 10k piece for the same price she did for 18K. She would also have to pay for your return shipping, since the item was not as described

Do you love the piece? If you do, then you should keep it and enjoy wearing it.
 
Paisley2628 said:
I'm disappointed in her response-

If you return it and she relists - she shouldn't be expecting to sell a 10k piece for the same price she did for 18K. She would also have to pay for your return shipping, since the item was not as described

Do you love the piece? If you do, then you should keep it and enjoy wearing it.
Click to expand...

I’m very curious that if I return it if she would list it as 10 K and for the same price. I’m not sure what I’m going to do right now. It’s just kind of frustrating. I have looked online for something similar and cannot find anything.
 
Paisley2628 said:
I believe the crescent moon was purchased by her as a pin from Ebay (England) and she converted it. Here is the original listing (scroll down the page when you get there):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234305596346?hash=item368db3abba:g:XxQAAOSwQMVhoKJk&nma=true&si=GZnM46uML9LOuBZ33N1fZKyeL%2F0%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Click to expand...

Wow you are amazing @Paisley2628 !! How on earth did you manage to find that? I am impressed. This does make me feel better because whatever best offer they accepted was the only profit that she made and minus the conversion. Hmmm.
 
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