Dodgy UK ebayer selliing "tahitian" dyed freshwaters

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

FTC § 23.24 (e) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "natura," "natural," "nature’s," or any word, term, or phrase of like meaning to describe, identify, or refer to a cultured or imitation pearl.

Using "natural" to describe color in cultured pearls is unfair and deceptive even despite best intentions or disclosure. By this regulation, even a term like "natural color cultured freshwater pearl" is still prohibited. The terms "untreated" and "natural" are not interchangeable.

[est190]

FTC § 23.24 (e) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "natura," "natural," "nature’s," or any word, term, or phrase of like meaning to describe, identify, or refer to a cultured or imitation pearl.

Using "natural" to describe color in cultured pearls is unfair and deceptive even despite best intentions or disclosure. By this regulation, even a term like "natural color cultured freshwater pearl" is still prohibited. The terms "untreated" and "natural" are not interchangeable.

Dave, the fact is most online jewelry sellers, even well intentioned reputable sellers, are not in compliance with FTC guidelines. I am not just limiting my comments to eBay, but to every company selling jewelry online--including pearls. You sellers out there don't have to necessarily have rewrite you sites but it's certainly worth while to have your attorneys (who are hopefully with firms that have experience with FTC compliance and deceptive trade practices) do a compliance review. The FTC is not going to knock on anyone's door proactively, but a complaint to the FTC from consumers or competitors could get the ball rolling. Private citizens, including, but not limited to, customers and competitors as well as State Attorney Generals and, in California, District Attorneys can also enforce Lanham Act and state consumer protection laws. All it takes is an innocent mistake with a description and a really pissed of customer or competitor with an attorney to make your lives misersable. Hmmm. It might not be a bad idea to have someone speak at at the JVC or CPAA event on this topic?? I would be happy to do it.

Caitlin, I wouldn't go too nuts with eBay . In fact, I wouldn't even waste my time going after Asian sellers (particularly Chinese sellers) because the worst thing that eBay can do to them is kicked off eBay. This means next to nothing, since they are back the next day with a different name. If the seller is located in the US that's different and I'll gladly say something. I haven't seen too many US based pearl fraudsters on eBay though.

[Amanda]

Another dodgy Uk seller:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Jewellery-...p3911.c0.m1538

Lists full of "Tahitian" and "South Sea" pearls.

I sent her a very polite message saying that her lavender 8mm pearl was pretty certainly FW not SS, and she sent back a, "you're picking on me!" email:

Well... My supplier where I order my pearls from insured me that these are the South Sea Pearls. I trust my supplier and have done busines with him for many years.I don't have any certificate for my pearls-so therefore they are being sold for a very low price.What do you want from me?..Either way I have nothing to prove to you and all my buyers are satisfied with their purchases, and so i don't understand why this upsets you? So I'm asking why you inboxing me these remarks as they do not concern you?

[Amanda]

You couldn't be righter!

[Adeline Leigh]

The gall of such sellers! I wish wish wish most people will educate themselves first before even spending 99 pence.

[Unusual Pearls]

just let them keep listing on ebay. the fees ebay charges will bankrupt him.

[Joyful Grow]

Woo, my view. Tahitian produce small amount pearls with high quality. So the price must be very high. There are so many jewelry dealer around world. Really Tahitian pearls are purchased by them by auction. So it's impossible sell on e-bay.
Here in my country, almost every shop declare to sell Tahitian pearl, I never believe that. Most of them are selling South sea China pearls, or dyed pearls.
Do you believe Edison pearls are sale on e-bay?

[Unusual Pearls]

it is very possible to sell real tahitian pearls on ebay. but the point is there are many people selling freshwater pearls as tahitian pearls just because the color is peacock. either they don't know the difference or more likely know the difference and are trying to sell them to someone who doesn't know the difference and con them out of their money.