Shopping for jewellery at a car boot sale can be a great way to score some amazing deals. But it’s important to be cautious and know how to spot fake gold and silver jewellery. Here are some tips to help you out:
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Look for signs of high quality.
Real gold and silver are soft metals, so they will show signs of wear over time. If a piece of jewellery looks brand new and is free of scratches or dents, it may be a fake. High-quality jewellery should also have a smooth finish and be well-crafted.
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Check for hallmark stamps.
Real gold and silver jewellery will often have hallmark stamps indicating the purity of the metal. These stamps can be found on the back or underside of the piece. If the hallmark stamps are not present or do not match the stated purity of the metal, the jewellery may be fake.
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Test the metal.
A way to test the metal is to use a magnet. Real gold and silver are not magnetic, so if the jewellery is attracted to a magnet, it is likely a fake.
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Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals.
If a seller is offering a piece of jewellery at an unusually low price, it may be a fake. Be wary of sellers who are unwilling to negotiate or provide provenance for the piece.
Now that you’re equipped to spot fake gold and silver, search our directory for your next car boot. Happy hunting!