Baffling Case of Diamonds in the Mail
August 23, 23
(IDEX Online) - Gemstone educator Gem-A has issued a warning over "diamond solitaire rings" that are being mailed, apparently randomly, to people in the UK and northern Europe.
It's almost certainly a scam, but nobody, least of all Gem-A, is quite sure how it works.
The organization, which provides gemology and diamond education in 26 countries but does not sell jewelry, said it was "baffling and worrying".
The parcels include a fake identification certificate bearing Gem-A's logo, but with a spelling error in its name - Gemological Association of Great Britain. The British spelling is gemmological, with a double m.
They also include logos of the International Gemological Institute (IGI), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), Platinum Guild International, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
London-based Gem-A says it was first alerted to isolated incidents in March, but reports an escalation in recent weeks.
It is unclear whether the rings, supposedly platinum, or the diamonds are genuine. One is described on the laminated "certificate" as being a 1.00-ct diamond, valued at $599.
Alan Hart, Gem-A's CEO, said: "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. 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.
"This strange pattern of behaviour whereby unsuspecting members of the public receive items of jewellery with fake 'identification certificates' is baffling and worrying."
Pics from Gem-A's Facebook page