The Real vs. Fake Sparkle: How to Tell if Your Jewelry is Genuine

Spotting the difference between genuine and counterfeit jewelry can save you from a costly mistake. Here's how to tell if you've got the real deal or a clever fake.

Inspect for Hallmarks and Stamps
One of the first things to look for is a hallmark or stamp. Authentic precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are almost always stamped with their purity, such as "14K" for gold, "925" for sterling silver, or "PT950" for platinum. If a piece lacks a stamp or has an unusual one, it's a significant warning sign.