7 Warning Signs of Scammers Selling Custom Engraved Jewelry on Etsy

Off-Site Transaction Requests: Be extremely wary if a seller asks to complete the transaction outside of Etsy. They might claim it's to avoid fees or offer a 'better deal.' This is a classic scam to bypass Etsy's buyer protection and is strictly against Etsy's terms of service.

Fake Handmade Jewelry / Resold AliExpress Items: Many sellers on Etsy pass off mass-produced items, often sourced from sites like AliExpress, as handmade. For custom engraved jewelry, this could mean generic pieces with superficial engravings rather than genuine craftsmanship. Look for sellers who showcase their work process, tools, or offer customization options that indicate they are the actual makers.

Misleading Product Descriptions & Materials: Scammers may use vague language about materials (e.g., "gold" instead of "gold-plated") or claim a piece is sterling silver when it's actually a base metal. For custom engraved jewelry, this is particularly concerning as the quality of the base metal and the engraving itself can be significantly compromised. Always clarify material details and look for hallmarks.

Stolen Designs & Plagiarism: Some sellers may use designs or photos that are not their own. For custom engraved jewelry, this could mean they are copying unique engraving patterns or even entire jewelry designs from other artists. Reverse image searches and checking for a consistent style across a seller's listings can help identify this.

Fake Reviews & Seeded Review Items: Sellers might use fake reviews to inflate their reputation. Be cautious of shops with an overwhelming number of perfect reviews, especially if they seem generic or repetitive. It's also possible for sellers to manipulate reviews, making it hard to trust the feedback.

Account Verification Phishing: Be wary of messages, even if they appear to be from Etsy, asking you to verify your account information or click on suspicious links. Always log into your Etsy account directly through the official website or app to check for any notifications or order details.

Unrealistic Pricing: While custom work can be an investment, be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true for custom engraved jewelry. Extremely low prices often indicate low-quality materials or that the item is not genuinely handmade. Conversely, excessively high prices don't always guarantee quality either.