Brass Tack: a different kind of shop

Melissa Kanarek is the welcoming owner of Brass Tack, the one-of-a-kind shop offering jewelry (including some of my newest metal + textile pieces), home accessories, and much more. This amazing store is located in the heart of Laguna Beach, California. While apprenticing in furniture design in London, Melissa built a relationship with objects that tell a story in ones home.
Laguna Beach is a must-stop. This artist colony attracts people from all over the world and it's a great place to shop.
Brass Tack Upholstery & Mercantile - 384 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
 

Melissa in front of her store in Forest Avenue (Laguna Beach)

Melissa in front of her store in Forest Avenue (Laguna Beach)

Five easy tips to spot fake jewelry

Our guest writer Jessica Kane tell us how to recognize fake jewelry.

GOLD
Many times buyers figure out later that their gold purchase was not authentic. According to American standards, any gold that it's less than 10 karats is considered to be fake.

Check for official markings and discoloration
Somewhere on the jewelry, there will be a stamp that indicates the fineness (1-999) or karat (14k). The stamp may be rather small so utilizing a magnifying glass will be helpful. Remember, if the piece is old, the mark could be worn off. If the piece of jewelry was worn for long periods, parts of the gold could be discolored. Look for a different metal underneath; this means the piece is probably gold plated.

Magnet test
Although this test is not foolproof, it can be used in determining whether the gold is real. In order to perform the test, the magnet needs to be strong. Hardware stores will sell them.
To complete this test, simply hold the magnet to the piece of jewelry. If the piece is pulled towards the magnet, then it's fake. Gold isn't magnetic. The reason this test isn't foolproof is because counterfeiters can use non-magnetic metals.

DIAMONDS
Look for imperfections
Diamonds are a natural stone and there will always be imperfections in the carbon. A factory made stone will be perfect. Don't throw away the perfect stones though! They could be lab-grown stones that are still worth money.
While looking through a magnifying glass, determine if the diamond edges are sharp or rounded. Real stones will be sharp and the fake stones will be rounded.

Look at the mounting and etchings
If possible, try to determine what metal the diamond is mounted on. A real diamond will rarely be mounted on silver or gold-plated metal. Real diamond are typically mounted on gold or platinum.

Rub against sandpaper
This is an easy test to perform. Diamonds are one of the hardest materials and will rarely be scratched by an object. Rub sandpaper against the stone in question. A Diamond will remain the same and not the affected.

Jessica Kane is a professional writer who has an interest in arts and crafts, DIY, and other handmade products. Jessica currently writes for Indian Traders, a leading vendor of native American blankets and jewelry.

in this image Maddalena Bearzi handmade "onda" ring clearly shows the stamp for fine silver (S999). At times, silver can still be real even without a stamp. Use the magnet test to check it.

in this image Maddalena Bearzi handmade "onda" ring clearly shows the stamp for fine silver (S999). At times, silver can still be real even without a stamp. Use the magnet test to check it.