Refurbished jewellery: what it is, how it is restored and why choose it
100 Carati · Buying guide
A refurbished piece of jewellery has had a previous owner and undergoes a careful inspection and refurbishment before being offered for sale again.
At 100 Carati, we use the RELUX Method to check the integrity and condition of each piece and clean it according to its needs. A jeweller inspects it at the bench, then refinishes and polishes surfaces where needed, respecting the materials and original workmanship. A final clean removes residues from the work. Before the piece goes on sale, we check the result and document it with photographs and a product description so you can assess its actual condition.
What sets a 100 Carati refurbished piece apart?
Pre-owned means the piece has had a previous owner. Refurbished also describes the work carried out before resale. The 100 Carati selection brings together the character of each piece, the care taken during refurbishment and the information you need to assess it before buying.
01 · Selection
The character of each piece
A chain link, a setting or a combination of stones can make a piece particularly suited to your style. The photographs let you see those details on the actual item for sale.
02 · RELUX Method
Work tailored to the piece
We assess each piece according to its condition, materials and finish. Refinishing and polishing are carried out as needed, with care for the original workmanship.
03 · Documentation
Photographs and certificate
The photographs show the item for sale. The 100 Carati Certificate of Authenticity records the stated characteristics based on the checks carried out.
How the RELUX Method works
Selection and checks before workshop treatment
We examine the integrity and condition of the piece. Where applicable, we verify the gold fineness and check the characteristics that will appear in the product listing.
Five steps at the jeweller’s bench
- Preparation. Depending on the piece, degreasing or pickling helps remove surface residues.
- Ultrasonic cleaning. Used where suitable for the piece to help remove residues.
- Jeweller’s inspection. The jeweller examines the piece at the bench and decides where work is needed.
- Refinishing and polishing. The jeweller works on the surfaces that need attention, taking the original finish into account.
- Final cleaning. Residues from the work, such as polishing compound, are removed.
Final checks and documentation
We check the result before offering the piece for sale. The photographs and description help you assess the individual item, from its proportions to its finish.
Watch the five steps in the RELUX Method video (Italian page)
What to check before buying online
Five checks to make on a product listing
- Condition and finish. Read the stated condition and look at the close-up photographs. For a ring, also check the profile of the setting and, if visible, the inside of the band.
- Metal, fineness and weight. Compare these details together when they are available. The total weight refers to the whole piece, which matters especially when it includes stones.
- Stones and documentation. If a detail such as carat weight is important to you, check which stone it refers to and whether it appears in the listing or accompanying documentation.
- Dimensions and fit. Use a piece you already wear as a reference. For a bracelet, also check its thickness and clasp. For a ring, check the size and width of the band.
- Price of the individual piece. Compare pieces with similar metals, weights, stones and conditions. Looking at price alone can put very different pieces on the same footing.
How to read the Certificate of Authenticity
Each piece you purchase comes with the 100 Carati Certificate of Authenticity, which records the stated characteristics based on the checks carried out. When a report from a laboratory or another organisation is available, it is mentioned in the listing or supplied with the piece.
Learn about the checks and the 100 Carati Certificate of Authenticity
How to choose jewellery for the way you wear it
On the hand
Rings
Start with the size. A wide band can fit differently from a narrow one of the same size. For everyday wear, look at the setting in profile to see how high it sits.
On the wrist
Bracelets
Compare its length with a bracelet that fits you well. If the links are thick, also consider how much space they take up around your wrist.
Around the neck
Necklaces and pendants
Use a necklace you own to picture where the chain will fall. Check the necklace length and the dimensions of the pendant separately.
Two situations to consider
For everyday wear. If you are choosing between two rings of the same size, compare the profile of the setting and the width of the band. You can assess both in the photographs before deciding.
As a gift. If you know the length of a necklace the recipient wears often, use it as a reference. Then compare the size of the pendant with one they already wear.
Benefits and limits of refurbished jewellery
A refurbished piece lets you choose a specific design, style of workmanship or combination of metal and stones. Look at the characteristics of the individual piece. Size, finish and condition can vary even between items of the same type.
If a ring is a different size from yours, check whether its setting can be resized before buying. If an especially even finish is important to you, look at the close-ups and ask for details about that piece.
The value of reuse
Choosing a refurbished piece brings an existing item of jewellery back into use. Estimating any environmental benefits would require data on the refurbishment work and on the product’s life cycle.
Frequently asked questions about refurbished jewellery
Can refurbished jewellery show signs of wear?
Yes. A piece may retain slight signs of wear after refurbishment. Read the stated condition and check the close-up photographs.
Is every piece polished?
Polishing and refinishing are carried out when needed, according to the materials, condition and original workmanship.
What proof of authenticity do I receive?
You receive the 100 Carati Certificate of Authenticity. Any external certificates are mentioned in the listing or supplied with the piece.
Do the photographs show the piece I will buy?
Yes. The listing shows the actual refurbished piece for sale. Check the measurements as well to assess its proportions.
Can any ring be resized?
Resizing depends on the individual ring. Before buying, ask whether the setting you have chosen can be resized.
The 100 Carati selection
Find the refurbished piece that suits you
Start with the type of jewellery you wear most. When a piece catches your eye, compare the photographs, measurements and condition in its listing.