How to Spot Real vs. Fake Jewelry When Buying Online

Artificial jewelry in Pakistan is often bought online. People like variety but the problem isyou can’t see or touch the jewelry before you buy it. That makes it hard to know if it’s real or if it’s different from what’s shown in the pictures. Since there’s no way to check it in person, you have to be careful and try to tell what’s real and what’s not. The steps below can help you shop better and avoid fake jewelry when buying online.

Check If the Seller is Trustworthy

Before you buy anything, make sure the seller is real and reliable. You can search their name on Google, read customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, or even their own website. A good seller will clearly show product details, offer a refund policy and share contact info. If they’re part of any official group or approved by a government agency, that’s a good sign too. But if you see no product info, no refund policy, or lots of bad reviews—don’t buy from them.

Look for Stamps & Hallmarks

Real gold, silver and platinum usually have small stamps that show their purity. These marks help prove the jewelry is real. Here are some common ones to watch for:

• Gold - 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K (means solid gold), or GP (means gold-plated)
• Silver - 925 (sterling silver) or 800 (lower-grade silver)
• Platinum - PT or 950

If you can’t see these marks in the pictures, ask the seller to send close-up photos before you buy. If they refuse, it's better not to trust them.

Check the Price

If the price is way lower than similar items, it’s probably fake. Real gold, silver and diamonds are valuable, so they don’t come cheap. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful with super low prices—they’re usually a red flag.

Look at the Pictures Description

A trusted seller will show clear photos of the jewelry from different angles. Fake or shady listings often use generic or heavily edited pictures or just use stock photos. Also, the product description should clearly mention things like the weight, type of stone, purity of the metal and any certifications. If that information isn’t available or isn’t known, it shouldn’t be made up or guessed.

Ask for Certifications

Real jewelry—especially pieces with diamonds or gems—usually comes with a certificate to prove it's genuine. Some well-known certification bodies include:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America) - for diamonds and gemstones
• AGS (American Gem Society) - mainly for diamonds
•  Jewelers of America or other trade groups - to confirm authenticity

If you're buying diamonds or gemstones, always ask for a certificate before making the purchase.

Learn About Common Fake Jewelry Tricks

Scammers use clever ways to make fake jewelry look real. Here are some common tricks to watch out for:

• Looks like gold but it’s not - Some pieces are labeled as gold, but they’re actually “gold-plated” or “gold-filled,” meaning there’s just a thin layer of gold over cheaper metal.
• Fake gems - Items might look like they have real diamonds but they actually use materials like cubic zirconia which only look like diamonds.
• Unknown metals - Some jewelry is made from cheap metal that looks like gold or silver but can easily tarnish or even irritate your skin.

Always ask questions and double-check what you're really getting before buying.

Try Basic Tests After You Receive the Jewelry (If Allowed)

If you're not sure whether the jewelry you bought is real and it's okay to test it, here are a few simple ways to check:

• Magnet Test - Real gold and silver don’t stick to magnets. If your jewelry does, it likely has other metals mixed in.
• Scratch Test - Gently scratch a hidden part of the jewelry. Real gold and silver are soft and may show a light mark.
• Water Test for Diamonds - Drop the stone in water. A real diamond usually stays on top or floats, while fake ones often sink.

Only try these tests if the seller allows returns or if you’re okay with keeping the item.

In The End

Buying jewelry online is possible if you’re willing to put in a little effort to check everything. Make sure the seller is trusted, look for hallmark stamps, check if the price makes sense and always ask for certificates when needed. These steps can help you avoid getting scammed with fake jewelry. Don’t just guess—buy from trusted sellers and take the chance only when you’re sure about the quality and authenticity.