Tips on Buying Fine Necklaces

The large number of jewelry retailers and the expansion of auction sites like eBay sometimes allow even normally discerning people to get duped into buying fake neck jewelry that was presented as fine. A few tips for getting real, authentic necklaces are:

• If you see gold stamped GP or EP, it is not real gold, but gold-plate pr electro-plated.

• Be aware that solid gold and real platinum will not tarnish with age.

• In the U.S. real gold is required to be stamped with the manufacturers' trademark

• Buy necklaces only from established jewelers or trusted sellers

• Look for paperwork to accompany your purchase, such as a report from the Gemological Institute of America or an authenticity guarantee from the original manufacturer.

Price Ranges

As with most jewelry, necklaces range in price dramatically. Everyday fashion looks in costume and trend jewelry markets such as department and accessory stores might sell for under $10. Necklaces from fine jewelers can range from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars.