Buyer Beware: How to Tell If It’s Real Meteorite Jewelry

We are proud to create and distribute authentic meteorite rings here at Jewelry by Johan. Many customers come to us very excited that we can hand make a completely custom piece with a variety of materials in a ring, especially meteorite.

Meteorite is rare and can be difficult to find in custom jewelry pieces. But now that you’ve found it, how do you know that the meteorite in your jewelry is authentic meteorite? How do you know that a jeweler doesn’t just toss some random mix of metal into your wedding band?

 

The fake meteorite on this ring is razor-thin, wrinkled foil.

Notice how the coating above the foil hides the wrinkled texture that imitates Widmanstätten patterns.

Even if it was possible to slice meteorite this thinly, the price is still too good to be real!

The images above illustrate an example of a horribly-made, fake meteorite ring. We ordered it online from a not-to-be-named retailer who was claiming that this was real meteorite. The ring was just $39.99. We cut it apart to see the results of the inlay, which appeared to be foil paper with a clear, plastic protective layer over the top.

The ring was not only cheaply made, but it was clearly not real meteorite. We promise this is not what we do here at Jewelry by Johan. Here’s how you can verify any jewelry purchased from us or elsewhere is real meteorite.

Examples of Fake Meteorite Rings

These examples of fake meteorite rings look very uniform, with repeating patterns that look like wrinkled metal foil. There are also several contextual clues that can help you spot a fake meteorite ring, including various coatings and metal choices:

Fake Meteorite Ring 1

This ring has a repetitive pattern, which is unnatural.

Fake Meteorite Ring 2

On this fake meteorite ring, you can see that the foil "meteorite" is recessed underneath the metal edges.

Fake Meteorite Ring 4

This ring is plated gold metal. Plated rings are mass-produced for resellers, and 99% of the time are not authentic. Read more about plated rings in our blog!

Fake Meteorite Ring 3

This fake meteorite ring has a prominent clear layer protecting the foil underneath.

Fake Meteorite Ring 6

This ring's fake meteorite inlay has been replicated with raised textures, which are not present on authentic meteorite patterns.

Fake Meteorite Ring 5

At $120, this ring's price is too low to be authentic meteorite. Also, the term "immitation meteorite" is hidden in the description. Read the listing carefully!

Examples of Authentic Meteorite Rings:

These genuine meteorite rings may have a similar design or layout to the fake rings, but they are the real deal. Here are a few things to look for on real meteorite wedding rings:

Genuine Meteorite Ring in Black Ceramic

The Widmanstätten patterns on this genuine meteorite ring are etched directly within the meteorite metal, and are not imitated with wrinkled foils. This is real Gibeon meteorite!

Wedding Band with Authentic Gibeon Meteorite

Looking carefully, you can see that this authentic meteorite wedding band features no coating or foil-like texture. Plus, the patterns are unique and do not repeat themselves. It's the real deal!

Meteorite Engagement Ring

Real meteorite rings can be crafted in intricate patterns, which is not something mass-produced and/or fake meteorite ring makers will spend time or effort to do.

Solid Gold Meteorite Ring

This gold meteorite wedding band is made with solid gold. It is not plated like other cheaply-made fake meteorite rings.

Other Signs of Authentic Meteorite Jewelry

✅ Authentic Meteorite Jewelry May Include a Certificate of Authenticity

We value our customers and love providing them with custom, authentic meteorite jewelry that they can cherish forever. Our meteorite comes straight from the source, usually Gibeon Meteorite. We send Certificates of Authenticity for every type of meteorite we use in our items so that you know where your meteorite originated from and have peace of mind that it’s the real deal. Learn more about meteorite types we use in our items in our Education Center.

Certificate of Authenticity | Jewelry by Johan

✅ Authentic Meteorite is Magnetic

Another way to quickly identify if you have a real piece of meteorite is by checking with a magnet. Since about 99% of meteorite is magnetic, real meteorite will be attracted to the magnet. If your jewelry is not magnetic, it is not likely to be real meteorite.

✅ Real Meteorite Has the Potential to Rust

Because meteorite is an iron-based material, it does have the potential to rust. If you’re lucky, the meteorite in your jewelry might not rust at all, but the majority of real meteorite does tend to rust over time. The good news is, there is a way to care for it in order to prevent it from rusting. All of our rings include instruction on how to properly care and prolong the longevity of your item. One of the benefits of buying from Jewelry by Johan is that we offer a free Re-Etching Service (a $75 value). The Re-Etching eliminates rust and exposes the meteorite pattern that was underneath. Contact us today if your meteorite jewelry needs to be re-etched, or order our Meteorite Care Kit for touch-ups at home!

Meteorite Before and After Rust Removal

Our Meteorite De-Corroder and Wax Polish easily removes rust and prevents it from reappearing. Check out our quick care kit video to see how easy it is to remove.

✅ Exposure to Strong Acids will Damage Real Meteorite

Meteorite cannot withstand exposure strong acids, including hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid. Needless to say, testing your jewelry’s reaction to these puts it at risk of damage, so we recommend using the methods previously mentioned to verify its authenticity first. If your jewelry comes in accidental contact with any of the strong acids listed and does not damage, it is most likely not real meteorite.

Shop Real Meteorite Jewelry

Meteorite Engagement Rings
Meteorite Bridal Sets
Meteorite Ring Sets
Meteorite Wedding Bands
Meteorite Tie Clips
Meteorite Necklaces
Meteorite Bracelets
Meteorite Cuff Links
In Stock Meteorite Items
July 15, 2016
Tags: Buyer Beware FAQs Meteorite
Left Older Post Back to Jewelry Blog Newer Post Right

Comments

goldelite said:

Thank you for helping people get the information they need.

George said:

My gibeon meteorite pendant has a pink patch appearing is this normal or does this mean it is fake

Ian said:

So if someone mixed 4 ingots of molton iron with 1 ingot molten of nickel together, then from the mix created a small metal
letter opener and etched it with nitric acid. How then could we tell that it is a fake? Do they etch differently?

LaMar Brown said:

Just received my bracelet in the mail. Thanks so much for the response. It is the bracelet that has interchangeable plates. One is the meteorite, the other is Box Elder Burl, I believe. In any event, the bracelet is just as I’d wanted. Thank you so much for your fine work and craftsmanship. I’ll be making future purposes.

Austin j Turner said:

how do you know if it is real T-Rex or Velociraptor in the dinosaur bone?

Jonathan said:

If one understands the Widmanstatten structure characteristic of true meteoritic Fe-Ni it is easy to pick a fake from the real thing.

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.