Lots of people enjoy attending jewelry auctions. The people you attending these sales include everyone from the casual shopper, who simply loves sparkly and dazzling accessories, to the serious collector, who is knowledgeable and looking for something of high value for themselves or perhaps to resell. While some bidders and buyers make their jewelry purchasing selections based on instinct and appearance, it is still important to be able to separate valuable items from not-so-valuable costume jewelry. Learn more: http://resources.americanauctionco.com/Infographic-How-to-Become-a-Jewelry-Thief-by-Learning-to-Spot-Steals-at-Auctions.html

1. Spot Authentic Deals at
Jewelry Auctions

2. For buyers attending a jewelry sale at auction,
it can be difficult to gauge a smart bidding price by
just looking at a piece of jewelry, unless they know
for sure what they are bidding on – including what
gems they are buying (authentic or not), what
precious metals or other stones are in the piece,
and what the overall worth of the jewelry item
is prior to bidding.

3. Making an Informed Bid
Some buyers may not particularly care whether an item is authentic, but
just catches their eye due to the look and design. However, knowing what
you are bidding on can be critical, in order to help ensure you get a fair
deal and pay a fair price for what you are getting. If you are bidding for
real gems on a piece of costume jewelry, then you are obviously bidding
very high for that item!

4. Use Some Simple Tricks
A few simple tricks can help you try to spot fake gems or metal at a
jewelry auction, including the following:
The Breath Test: if you breathe on a real diamond, nothing will happen.
This is because real diamonds do not retain heat. Conversely, a ‘fake
diamond’ will become foggy if you breathe on it, as it can retain heat.

5. Look for Flakes:
Cheap metals tend to flake off or
corrode over time. If you spot any
signs of corrosion or flaking, then
chances are that you may not be
eyeing a precious metal.
Check for Magnetic Attraction:
Real precious metals are not
magnetic, and therefore will not
be drawn toward a magnet or
magnetic force. If a metal
gravitates toward a magnet, it is
most likely not a precious metal.

6. Keep the “3 C’s” in Mind
Gems can be evaluated using criteria that begin with
the letter “C”, including: Cut, Clarity and Color.
(For diamonds and some other gems, another C
factor — carat weight — is often included.)

7. CUT
Cut is the manner in which a stone is cut, which can
affect its appearance, and how it reflects light.

8. COLOR
Color refers to the general hue of a gem, as well as
the shade within color families.

9. Clarity
Clarity denotes the presence or lack of presence of
imperfections in a gemstone. Flawless gems are
rare, but do occur. Therefore, the type and size of
an imperfection or imperfections make a difference
when evaluating a gem.

10. There are a number of tools that can help you assess a piece of
jewelry at an auction or otherwise. One tool is an application for
your mobile phone, the Gemological Institute of America’s cut
estimator tool, which can be found at:
www.gia.edu/facetware-mobile
Take Advantage of High-Tech Tools

11. Get more tips on spotting the real deals on jewelry at auctions
by checking out American Auction Co.’s new infographic for an
easy, fun way to remember what is important when looking at a
gem or metal jewelry piece to decide how much you want to bid
or pay for the item, and its value.
Visit
www.resources.americanauction.com
to download your copy today.
New Infographic Now Available

12. American Auction Company is the Southwest’s most active
auction and appraisal company, hosting live, online and
simulcast auctions. The firm also offers both appraisal and
auction services for Police confiscated personal and stolen
property, government surplus, cars, tools, electronics, firearms,
jewelry, art, sporting goods, coins and surplus, as well as
commercial and heavy equipment, real estate, antiques, estate
and business liquidations, and bankruptcies.
About American Auction Company

13. Based in Phoenix, AZ and an INC. 5000 company, American
Auction Company is one of the fastest growing privately held
companies within the United States. Additionally, American
Auction Company is an ICIC INC. 100 company. In 2015, the
company’s CEO, Deb Weidenhamer, was ranked within the Top 50
Women Entrepreneurs in America by Inc. 5000 magazine.
American Auction Co. is also a global real estate auction
marketplace; and is headquarters for global auction
marketplaces based in Shanghai, China and San Diego, CA.
© 2015-2016 American Auction Co. All Rights Reserved.
American Auction Company can be found
on the web at www.americanauctionco.com