| Tried searching for antique jewellery to buy on eBay | | | | Does the seller offer returns? If an item turns out to |
| lately? Have you been more than a little suspicious | | | | be not as described, you should be entitled to return |
| over the sheer number of items available at rock | | | | it for a refund anyway. But if they offer a cooling |
| bottom prices? Don't some of those bargains look | | | | off period then not only are they obviously keen to |
| just too good to be true? OF COURSE they do! | | | | maintain good customer relations, but they are |
| Just a couple of mouse clicks into eBay's jewellery | | | | probably quite confident that you'll be happy with the |
| category and you are confronted with an ever | | | | purchase |
| increasing, bewildering array of 'rare' 'estate' jewellery | | | | Most importantly, check the seller's legitimacy: Look |
| propping up the 'genuine antiques' section which have | | | | at the details of their feedback comments - are they |
| probably fallen off the back of a Chinese factory | | | | mainly buyer or seller comments? If there aren't |
| assembly line to be there. | | | | many comments it may be because the seller hasn't |
| But how do you separate the good from the bad; | | | | been established on eBay for very long. That could |
| the new from the old; the real from the fake; the | | | | either mean that they have had to start over with a |
| bling from the bong, etc..? Here are some top tips | | | | new eBay account for dubious reasons or it could |
| from one antique jewellery seller trying hard to avoid | | | | simply mean that this is a new venture - in which |
| being tarred with the same phony brush: | | | | case they will be keen to earn a good feedback |
| Read the wording very carefully: Common phrases to | | | | rating. If they display links to their website then, |
| watch out for are 'vintage inspired' and 'antique style' | | | | even if they are not yet an established business, |
| which usually mean they're about as old as Hugh | | | | they at least have nothing to hide. |
| Hefner's latest acquisition. Currently there are at least | | | | Email the seller if you still aren't sure: They are |
| two successful UK based eBay sellers which | | | | required by eBay to give an accurate description of |
| advertise their jewellery internationally in the 'genuine | | | | their items for sale. So ask the seller how old the |
| antiques' category under titles such as 'Rare estate' | | | | piece is; if there are any scratches or flaws; if the |
| or 'English estate' jewellery. It takes a lot of | | | | stones or gems are real or simulated; whether there |
| meticulous reading to spot the 'antique/Victorian style' | | | | are any hallmarks (although many genuine antiques |
| giveaway clue that, despite the attractiveness of the | | | | are not hallmarked) and, if not, how they can tell that |
| pieces, nevertheless means they are totally new. A | | | | the item is the age they say it is. |
| quick email to each seller confirmed this. 'Gold filled', | | | | On receiving the item, if you discover the seller has |
| 'GF', 'GP' or 'rolled gold' also mean that the item is not | | | | misled you or the item isn't as described in the listing, |
| made of solid gold, although it could still be an antique. | | | | you are entitled to return it. Always remember that it |
| 'Simulated' is another term used for fake gems, such | | | | could be a genuine mistake by the seller who may |
| as diamonds, which are unlikely to b found in | | | | well be mortified by the prospect of receiving bad |
| authentic antique jewellery. | | | | feedback and will offer a full refund right away if you |
| Have a look at the seller's other items: If they're | | | | contact them first. If however their response is to |
| selling lots of uncannily similar items then the one | | | | be somewhat elusive you can of course report it to |
| you've taken a shine to is unlikely to be the one-off | | | | eBay. |
| piece that a genuine antique should be. | | | | Buying antique jewellery on eBay sounds like a |
| Check the location of the item: If it's Thailand then | | | | complete minefield. The bad news is - it is. The good |
| the chances are it's not going to be a priceless | | | | news however is that it can be a lot of fun. Not only |
| Lalique. Remember if the item is located overseas, | | | | can you pick up the sort of bargain you won't find in |
| you run a greater risk of it being lost or damaged in | | | | a bricks and mortar store and browse in your own |
| the post. Plus, depending on the country it's coming | | | | time without an over anxious salesperson breathing |
| from, you may not be able to get a refund if you're | | | | over you, but you can also find some truly distinctive |
| unhappy with it. | | | | and exclusive treasures that nobody else will have. |