13/10/2026
I've been working with jewellery for over 20 years, and one thing I'd always recommend when buying pre-owned pieces is to take your time and know what you're looking at.
There are some lovely bargains to be found out there, but there are also a few red flags I would definitely look out for, including:
🚩 The seller can't tell you what you're buying – If they can't explain what metal or gemstones a piece contains, or they're vague when you ask questions, I'd be cautious.
🚩 Stones that move in their settings – If a gemstone rattles or moves when gently touched, the claws or setting could be worn or damaged. That's potentially an expensive repair waiting to happen.
🚩 Signs of poorly carried out repairs – Uneven solder joints, mismatched metal colours or badly finished areas can suggest a piece has been repaired without much care.
🚩 Hallmarks that don't match the description – If something is being sold as 18ct gold but the hallmark suggests otherwise, that's a definite reason to question the seller. Remember, though, some genuine older pieces may not have visible hallmarks.
🚩 A seller who doesn't want you looking too closely – If you're being rushed into buying or discouraged from examining a piece properly, I'd be asking myself why.
In short, when you buy preowned jewellery, you should always feel confident about what you're buying and not be afraid to ask questions before handing over any money.
And remember... if you're ever unsure about a piece of pre-owned jewellery, feel free pop into our shop on Leighton Buzzard High Street and we'll be happy to offer some friendly advice.
Dean Quy – Goldsmith, Stephen Alan's Jewellers 🙂💎
