Gem-A has issued a warning regarding fraudulent jewellery parcels bearing fake Gem-A credentials and logos.
The affected recipients have reported receiving a ‘diamond solitaire ring in platinum’ enclosed in a distinctive grey or pink ring box, further enclosed in a pink gift bag marked ‘Princess’.
A fake Gem-A ‘Identification Certificate’ accompanies the ring – examples can be seen in a recent Gem-A Facebook post:
Gem-A’s Stance
Gem-A CEO, Alan Hart, conveyed his concern stating, “Organisations in the jewellery and gemstone sectors are no strangers to fraudulent practices, but this strange pattern of behaviour whereby unsuspecting members of the public receive items of jewellery with fake ‘identification certificates’ is baffling and worrying.”
He also emphasised the educational and membership nature of Gem-A, which doesn’t engage in jewellery production or stone identification services, urging individuals to report such parcels to Gem-A.
Implications for our Industry
The ongoing scam could have a corrosive effect on the UK jewellery industry.
By undermining the credibility of certifications, consumer trust might be eroded, which is detrimental for business. The counterfeit activity highlights the imperative for robust and authenticated certification channels to uphold consumer confidence and industry integrity.
The scam underpins the larger issue of fraudulent practices within the jewellery and gemstone sectors, reinforcing the need for vigilance and adherence to validated certification processes. The UK jewellery community and the public are advised to remain alert to such deceptive practices, ensuring the sustenance of trust and professionalism within the industry.
