What do Jewelry and Art Have in Common?

What do jewelry and art have in common?  They both are  easily subject to particular types of deceptive advertising.

Here’s a look at five kinds of advertising deception to watch for when buying art and jewelry:

1. Value: A consumer is misled into thinking a particular necklace or sculpture is worth more than it is.

2. Authenticity: Advertising an “original” Monet, when all you have is a copy or a counterfeit imitation.  Or telling consumers that they’re getting true diamonds, when all they’re really getting is cubic zirconia.

3. Origin: A buyer is told a pair of earrings was made in France, when, in reality, it was made in the back of a shop in Ohio.

4. Rarity:  A salesperson boasts that a certain photograph is one of only 10 ever taken by a famous photographer, when, in fact, thousands more exist.

5. Production: Telling consumers that a bracelet was hand-made, when it was really machine-made.

Want to avoid the scams?  Here are a few tips:

• Shop around (if possible). Don’t buy on impulse.
• Get an appraisal by an outside source.
• Buy from a reputable dealer.
• Ask for a certificate of authenticity.