5 Ways To Spot Quality Jewelry Online

Quality Fine Jewelry is Transparent

No, you can’t (always) see through quality fine jewelry. By transparent we’re simply talking about the openness of an online jewelry retailer in sharing the smaller details about the sourcing and production of your piece. There’s the sharing of honest, information backed by respected, independent organizations like GIA, IGI, and GCAL.

Because it’s cliché but true, knowledge is power. And this knowledge allows you the power to glow.

Quality Fine Jewelry is Durable

You’re in it for the long haul with your partner. That pair of 2 carat diamond stud earrings should be too. And like that flame colored, Le Creusut in your cabinet, a high-quality fine jewelry piece should be resilient enough to be passed from one generation to the next.

Quality Fine Jewelry is Well-Crafted

This is where the magic happens. Craftsmanship is the human touch, the obsession over tiny details that transforms metal and stone into a work of art. It’s the difference between a mass-produced piece and something that feels like it was made just for you.

What does it look like? It’s a perfectly polished, comfort-fit band that feels like a dream on your finger. It’s a setting that’s perfectly symmetrical, like the petal prongs on a cathedral setting that reach gracefully upward. It’s the ingenious design of a curved band meant to cradle even the most un-stackable rings. In other words, quality jewelry is jewelry that’s made with care. And it’s this level of care that ensures your piece not only looks stunning but feels incredible to wear every single day.

1. Solid is the Standard in Spotting Quality Jewelry Online

Metals matter. Often, more than you think. It all goes back to the idea of durability and quality. Low-quality fine jewelry will often try saving on production costs by offering hollow jewelry, or jewelry that’s plated in a very thin coat of gold over a cheaper material.

Hollow jewelry is the worst of the worst. This type of jewelry, while often made of gold and stamped as such, is completely hollow inside and is likely to wear out or break very quickly. Another form of (often) low-quality jewelry is gold-plated. Companies that apply a thick layer of gold over their cheaper material are better than others, but this gold will still eventually wear down and out.

What should you look for? Solid metals like yellow, rose, or white gold, platinum, and (depending on your use) silver. Consider 14k solid gold when you’re concerned about durability, as the alloys in 14k gold ensure a strong material. Prefer the buttery sheen look of 18K gold? You can’t go wrong! Just remember that the higher the karat weight, the softer the gold. So, somewhat surprisingly, 24K gold is also not a sign of a piece of jewelry that will last you for generations to come.

2. Don’t Be Fooled By Fake Diamond Talk

Another way low-quality retailers market their jewelry is by intentionally confusing consumers with language around diamonds. A cubic zirconia diamond? Sorry, that’s not a diamond. And while we’re at it, so is Moissanite. Don’t get us wrong, we love the rainbow flash and sparkle of a Moissanite stud or pendant, but paying a diamond premium on a Moissanite stone? That’s a tragedy.

3. Look for Policies That Are Crystal Clear

While we’re on the topic of diamonds, consider this, the fine jewelry retailer you’re buying from shouldn’t just offer transparent stones (unless you’re going for that salt and pepper look), they should also provide easily accessible and transparent policies. And by polices, we’re talking returns, shipping, and care.

For example, at Frank Darling, we clearly state our free shipping policy, return policy, complimentary care policy, and a lifetime warranty which clearly states its terms and conditions. This allows you to get the full picture. Because purchasing a piece of jewelry without the retailer openly sharing their return policy? That’s a major red flag.

4. Be Wary of Greenwashing

Another way online retailers like to upsell lesser quality fine jewelry is by purposefully leading consumers to believe their products are more ethical and climate-friendly than they actually are. In fact, this is so common there’s actually a name to it – greenwashing.

So how do you distinguish which brands are legit and which are robbing you, and the planet, blind? First and foremost, be aware of vague terms that aren’t substantiated with any proof: “eco-friendly”, “sustainable”, or “green”, for example. Without proof to support these claims, these words mean nothing.

Need an example? At Frank Darling, we pride ourselves on loving the earth as much as our jewelry. And because of this, we utilize recycled gold in all of our jewelry designs. But recycled isn’t just the verbiage we use; we’re upfront about how we source our gold and what makes it recycled. What’s more, we personally grade all of our conflict-free suppliers on a scale of 1-4 according to their traceability and sustainability. The higher the score, the better.

5. Check for Social Proof

One of the most foolproof ways to ensure the brand you’re checking out is legit is by reading their reviews. And no, we don’t just mean the reviews on their website. Check social media. Maybe the brand is highly regarded on Reddit. Or, Instagram. Or any other social media platform. In truth, you can learn a lot about a brand from online chatter. And outside social media, you’ll want to check Google reviews to vouch for its quality.

How do I tell if jewelry is high-quality?

To tell if jewelry is high-quality, you should inspect three key areas: metal, craftsmanship, and gemstones.

First, check the metal for a hallmark or quality stamp. High-quality pieces are stamped to indicate metal purity, such as ’18k’ (or ‘750’), ’14k’ (or ‘585’) for gold, or ‘PLAT’ (or ‘950’) for platinum. A ‘925’ stamp signifies sterling silver.

Next, assess the craftsmanship. The piece should feel substantial and have a good weight for its size, indicating it’s solid, not hollow. All components should be finished smoothly, with no rough edges or visible solder marks. The settings holding the stones should be secure, even, and neat—prongs shouldn’t snag, and stones shouldn’t wiggle.

Finally, examine the gemstones. In high-quality jewelry, stones will be securely set, well-cut, and possess good brilliance and clarity. For pieces with multiple stones, they should be well-matched in color and size.

What are the signs of a fake diamond?

You can spot a fake diamond at home using a few simple tests.

• Use the Fog Test: Breathe hot air onto the stone. A real diamond instantly disperses heat, so the fog clears immediately. A fake will stay fogged for several seconds.
• Try the Water Test: Drop a loose stone into a glass of water. A real diamond sinks straight to the bottom due to its high density. Most fakes, like glass or quartz, will float or sink slowly.
• Observe the Light & Sparkle: A real diamond shows exceptional brilliance. It reflects white light (sparkle) well and scatters colored light (fire). A fake, like Cubic Zirconia (CZ), often creates an over-the-top “rainbow effect” that looks more colorful than a real diamond.
• Check the Setting: Examine the metal. Jewelers almost always set a real diamond in a high-quality metal, like platinum (PLAT, 950) or gold (10K, 14K, 18K). If you see a “925” stamp (sterling silver) or no stamp at all, the stone is likely a fake.

What brand offers the best quality jewelry online?

Pinpointing the single best quality jewelry brand online is tough, because let’s be real—”best” really depends on what you want! Are you hunting for minimalist gold hoops, a super-sustainable piece, or a one-of-a-kind engagement ring?

That said, if your priorities are top-notch craftsmanship, clear sourcing, and a fun, modern design experience, then Frank Darling is a total no-brainer. They specialize in both natural and lab grown diamonds and have an amazing online process that lets you custom-design your dream ring with a ton of expert help. This commitment to quality materials and fair pricing makes them a standout choice for anyone looking for a high-end, custom ring or fine jewelry piece without the traditional fuss.