Grading

Gem-A Issues Warning About Bizarre Jewelry Mail Scam

GradingAug 23, 2023

Gem-A Issues Warning About Bizarre Jewelry Mail Scam

People in the U.K. and Europe have been unexpectedly receiving rings in the mail accompanied by fake Gem-A certificates.

Fake Gem-A Certificate and solitaire ring
Gem-A has issued a scam warning following reports of people receiving a package in the mail that they didn’t order containing a solitaire ring and a fake certificate, pictured above, bearing a variety of laboratory logos.
London—The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has issued a warning following reports of people mysteriously receiving rings in the mail that are accompanied by certificates claiming to be from Gem-A.

The organization, which does not offer grading services or issue reports of any kind, said it is in no way involved with the packages.

People reported receiving a “diamond solitaire ring in platinum”—a claim that Gem-A said has not been verified via any laboratory testing, as far as it knows—in a gray or pink ring box, which arrived inside a pink gift bag with “Princess” in gold lettering.

Along with the ring is a laminated “Identification Certificate” allegedly from the “Fellowship of Gemological Association of Great Britain.” (The fake certificate contains a misspelling, as Gem-A uses the traditional British spelling of “gemmological” in its name.)

The fake certificate also includes the logos of the International Gemological Institute, the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, Platinum Guild International, and the Gemological Institute of America.

Gem-A said according to reports, there are no identifying postage labels, receipts, confirmation letters or information documents inside the shipment.

Recent comments on a post about the mysterious packages on Gem-A’s Facebook page indicate that people randomly received the ring after trying to order books from an e-commerce site called Ahodenare.com. 

 

“Organizations in the jewelry and gemstone sectors are no strangers to fraudulent practices, but this strange pattern of behavior whereby unsuspecting members of the public receive items of jewelry with fake ‘identification certificates’ is baffling and worrying,” Gem-A CEO Alan Hart said. 

“As an educator and membership organization, we don’t produce jewelry, nor do we provide any kind of grading or stone identification services. Although our members and those in the trade are undoubtedly aware of this, the public is less informed. We are monitoring the situation closely.” 

Gem-A said it was alerted to a similar situation in March of this year after isolated incidents were reported on social media and email, but said the practice has “reared back into action,” affecting multiple parties. 

It said recipients are from geographically diverse areas, including the United Kingdom and northern Europe.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Also in March, the American Gem Society published a warning to consumers notifying them of a scam involving people receiving unexpected packages with “low-quality jewelry” accompanied by a counterfeit laboratory report.

Some of the fake lab reports claimed the jewelry was graded by Gales Gemological Research Association (GRA) and was set with moissanite. Others were branded GIA and stated the stone contained in the jewelry was a diamond.

GIA said it received more than 50 calls regarding the packages from California, Texas, and other states over the course of three months.

The March incidents as well as the current one involving Gem-A could be examples of a brushing scam, which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) defines as a “person receiv[ing] a package from a business containing various items that they never ordered.” 

The aim is for the scammer to pose as a verified buyer of the product so they can post fake positive reviews of it online to boost their product’s rating and popularity.

The DOJ warns that packages are often addressed to the person’s residence but lack a return address, and it may mean that the recipient’s personal information has been leaked.

Gem-A said on Aug. 22 a police report has been filed and the investigation is ongoing.

“We have received no reports of follow-up requests from the sender(s) attempting to extort money or data from any of the recipients of these fraudulent parcels,” Hart said. 

“However, we are asking everyone to be on high alert. We urge you not to share your personal or business details in this scenario and encourage you to seek advice before taking any next steps.”

Gem-A can be contacted at +44 0207 404 3334.

The Latest

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

2025 Met Gala jewelry
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

Exterior of Margot McKinney Beverly Hills Location
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New Boutique

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales Manager

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Pandora gold and silver charm bracelet
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for Tariffs

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Headshot of Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and Beyond

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy