Buying guides

Buy jewellery with confidence

Short, plain guides on what to check before you buy gold, silver, diamonds and gemstones — from any shop.

Hallmark, HUID, karat and the price on your bill — what to check before you pay.

925 vs 999, silver hallmarks, and how to avoid plated or "German silver" pieces.

Natural or lab-grown, the 4Cs, and what to check on a diamond certificate.

Natural, treated or synthetic — and why carats beat ratti when you buy a gemstone.

How old gold is tested and valued, and how to get a fair price for it.