How to Spot Fake or Low-Quality Jewellery: What to Look For

In today’s world, counterfeit and low-quality jewellery pieces are everywhere from online marketplaces to boutique stores that appear reputable. Many pieces look authentic at first glance, boasting “gold” finishes, “diamond” sparkles, and “designer-inspired” details.

But once you take a closer look, the differences become clear. Knowing how to spot fake or low-quality jewellery isn’t just about protecting your wallet, it’s about protecting your investment, your confidence, and in many cases, your sentimentality.

At The Jewelry Clinic in Riverhead, NY, we’ve seen countless customers walk in with pieces they thought were real, only to learn they were made of plated metal or imitation stones.

That’s why we’re sharing our expertise on identifying genuine craftsmanship versus mass-produced fakes. Whether you’re shopping for a new piece, inheriting family jewellery, or getting ready to sell or appraise an item, these insights will help you make smarter, more confident decisions.

Inspect the Metal: Hallmarks and Weight Matter

The foundation of any fine piece of jewellery is the metal itself. Genuine gold, silver, and platinum not only carry intrinsic value but also possess durability and shine that fakes can’t replicate.

Understanding Hallmarks and Stamps

Every real piece of precious metal jewellery has a hallmark a tiny engraved mark that identifies the metal type and purity. Common examples include “14K” or “18K” for gold, “925” for sterling silver, and “PLAT” or “PT950” for platinum. If your jewellery has no stamp or an odd one (like “GF” for gold-filled or “GP” for gold-plated), it’s likely not solid precious metal.
When in doubt, bring your piece to our Jewelry Appraisal service, where we test and verify authenticity using advanced tools like XRF metal analyzers.

Checking the Weight and Feel

Authentic metals have density. Gold and platinum pieces feel heavier than their fake counterparts. Counterfeit or low-quality jewellery often feels light or hollow. Try comparing the weight of your piece with a verified real one, you’ll quickly notice the difference.

Examining the Color and Finish

Real gold doesn’t tarnish or chip, while fake pieces (especially gold-plated items) often fade or show discoloration over time. Similarly, silver should polish to a bright shine, not a dull gray. For fading or worn-out pieces, our Jewelry Repair team can restore their surface and luster to help determine if the base metal underneath is genuine.

Examine the Stones: Clarity, Cut, and Consistency

The sparkle of a gemstone is one of the easiest ways to spot quality or lack thereof. Real gems are formed over millions of years, and their imperfections tell a story.

Recognizing Natural Inclusions

Genuine diamonds and gemstones often contain tiny inclusions natural internal marks or slight color variations. These imperfections are proof of authenticity. If a stone looks too “flawless” under a magnifying glass, it could be a lab-grown imitation or cubic zirconia. A Jewelry Appraisal at The Jewelry Clinic includes microscopic inspections to identify these subtle but crucial differences.

Testing Sparkle and Brilliance

Real diamonds refract light in complex ways. When you tilt them, they produce both bright white sparkle (brilliance) and flashes of rainbow colors (fire). Fake stones like cubic zirconia reflect light in a simpler, more rainbow-heavy way, lacking the crisp brilliance of a diamond.

Checking Stone Settings

The setting can reveal the truth about the stone’s value. Genuine gemstones are usually set in solid metals with clean, secure prongs. Imitations, on the other hand, are often glued or loosely fitted. If you notice uneven claws, bent prongs, or visible glue residue, it’s time for a Jewelry Repair inspection to secure and assess the setting.

Study the Craftsmanship: Details Reveal Quality

True craftsmanship can’t be faked. Expert jewellers spend hours shaping, setting, and polishing each piece to perfection. Mass-produced fakes often miss the fine details.

Look for Symmetry and Precision

High-end jewellery maintains perfect balance and symmetry. Earrings should match flawlessly, ring bands should be even, and settings perfectly centered. Poor symmetry indicates rushed or machine-made production, an immediate sign of low quality.

Evaluate the Finish and Edges

A quality piece has a smooth finish with no rough edges or visible seams. You should never feel scratches, burrs, or sharp points on real jewellery. The polish should be consistent across every surface.

If your piece feels rough or uneven, The Jewelry Clinic’s Custom Jewelry service can refinish or rework the piece entirely, ensuring premium-grade smoothness and shine.

Inspect the Clasps and Joints

Functional details matter. Clasps, hinges, and joints should move smoothly but stay secure when closed. Loose or fragile connections suggest inferior construction or wear that needs professional attention. Our Jewelry Repair specialists can replace weak mechanisms to prevent loss or further damage.

Be Wary of Unrealistic Prices and Sellers

One of the biggest giveaways of fake or low-quality jewellery isn’t the piece itself, it’s the deal behind it. Scammers often lure buyers with prices that seem too good to be true.

Question Extremely Low Prices

If you see a “solid gold” necklace for a fraction of its market price, that’s a red flag. Precious metals and real gemstones maintain consistent global values. If a deal feels unbelievable, it usually is. To confirm market value, you can always request a Jewelry Appraisal with our certified team.

Know Your Seller’s Reputation

Authenticity starts with trust. Established jewellers like The Jewelry Clinic have verifiable histories, transparent sourcing, and physical locations. Be cautious with unknown online sellers, pop-up shops, or social media resellers who lack credentials or return policies.

Ask for Certificates and Paperwork

Authentic pieces often come with certificates of authenticity, gem grading reports, or purchase receipts. If a seller refuses to provide documentation, consider that a warning. And if you already bought the piece, bring it in for a professional assessment, our We Buy Gold & Silver team can help determine real market value before you sell or trade.

Seek Professional Verification: Trust Experience Over Guesswork\

Even with all the right information, nothing replaces an expert’s eye. A trained jeweller can identify fakes that even experienced collectors might miss.

Professional Testing and Appraisal

At The Jewelry Clinic, our Jewelry Appraisal service includes electronic metal testing, diamond verification, and professional documentation of each piece’s characteristics and estimated value. This service is essential before insuring your jewellery, selling it, or passing it down as an heirloom.

Restoring and Authenticating Old Jewellery

If you’ve inherited vintage or antique pieces, wear and oxidation can make authenticity harder to spot. Through our Jewelry Repair service, we restore the original brilliance of worn metals and stones helping uncover markings or features hidden by age.

Upgrading or Customizing Questionable Pieces

Sometimes, fake or low-quality jewellery can still hold sentimental value. Our Custom Jewelry specialists can reimagine old or imitation pieces into new, high-quality designs using genuine materials preserving the memory while elevating the craftsmanship.

Conclusion: Protect Your Investment with Expert Care

The line between fake and authentic jewellery is thinner than ever, but with the right knowledge and the right experts, you can stay ahead of the fakes. Every hallmark, clasp, and sparkle tells a story, and it’s your responsibility to ensure that story is genuine.