posted on February 8, 2002 08:49:47 PM new
Just wondering if I am the only one seeing the problem with the influx of vintage jewelry sellers on ebay? Glass is no longer glass, "I just thought it was", sorry a mistake. vintage crystal. "didn't think it was plastic"Are you kidding me, plastic has no weight. I have had some great buying expierences, but most are not up to the seller's descriptions, not even close.Why dosen't ebay regulate these? I used to sell my handmade jewelry on ebay all year when my shows were not going on and did well, now the fees make it impossible to break even. So I have been trying to buy in my off season to create new jewelry and you can't trust anyone. The seller's advertise, signed jewelry, and it's not, they say it's glass. it's not,they say mint condition and the stuff looks like it was dragged through a rock tumbler.The few that offer a refund, and they are few, make you loose the shipping both ways. And we wonder why ebay is loosing buyers? The sellers used to be the best buyers but now everyone is trying to make an instant buck and cares nothing about their integrity. For us who not idiots, and do like to know what we are buying, where is the protection? buy the way, I ALWAYS email a seller before I bid on their auction and confirm their descriptio of an item. Thanks and any advise would be welcomed. Edie
posted on February 9, 2002 02:52:39 AM new
As a jewelry buyer/seller If I'm usure about something I say so in the auction, many Jewelry sellers don't know squat about what they are selling and just wing it. Others i have found obviously are being fraudulent.
As a Bakelite collector I can't tell you the numner of people who pass off anything old and plastic as bakelite just because the word atracts bidders, so why not add that to your auction title.
There are also a mass of sellers who state the piece needs to be cleaned when the finish is corroded or the rhinestones are black. Hardly something easily cleaned.
But these sellers normally last a short period of time get several negs and switch to something else.
posted on February 9, 2002 03:03:55 AM new
as a collector I am buying large lots or nothing right now. too many disappointments with individual pieces.
jrb3, do you get the Judith Katz-Schwartz newsletter? the one I received yesterday gave a repro warning on bakelite. it was about the new stuff coming in from China. She said some of the carving was very good so unless the collector was very knowledgeable, they should deal only with dealers they were sure was honest.
posted on February 9, 2002 06:58:37 AM new
As a seller of small amounts of vintage jewelry I know exactly of what you guys speak. I have a pretty good relationship with a jeweler so on items I am not absolutely certain of the content or age she helps me out. I wish other sellers would do the same thing or at least say they don't know the type of jewelry they have and let the people who do know decide from the photos.
posted on February 9, 2002 09:20:09 AM new
rarriffle: "the Judith Katz-Schwartz newsletter" Where could I obtain a copy of this? I had no idea they were reproducing Bakelite. Is it actually Bakelite????
posted on February 9, 2002 10:47:07 AM new
the chinese will reproduce anything if you ask them.if they can ground turquoise,lapis lazulis,alabaster stone etc and mix them with resin and pour them into mold,they can concoct bakelite ,it is just a chemical deal??
there is a korean company rumored to be making chanel jewelry,recently i have seen some repros french hair accessories coming from korea.they also make fake japanese ceramic tableware.
now if the chinese use the same chemicals to produce bakelite,it will pass the test?
posted on February 9, 2002 11:00:46 AM new
This is one reason I do not deal in bakelite. I can't tell it from plastic. I have a red bracelet, not bakelite, doesn't get hot, doesn't smell, but I have a friend who deals in bakelite and advertises that same bracelet as bakelite. If I would list a piece of bakelite that I have tested I say that but I also start it low just in case. My guarantee says that if I state something and it isn't true and the buyer can prove it their money is refunded plus postage. Sometimes if the item goes at the low end I just tell them to keep it and not pay the postage. It's easier that way. I only deal in vintage or 50's jewelry that I can relate to. The newer jewelry is easier to identify. I just hate it when someone puts down vintage pin probably 30's-40's and has a 50 - 60 clasp on it. If you notice everyone that sells jewelry sells vintage...
