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Street seller waved a gem "certificate" after I already refused the shop — real paperwork or walk away?

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S
Sofia Gem Cert•224 rep

Said no to a gem-shop detour earlier. Later a guy on the pavement opened a laminated folder with seals and English "certificate of authenticity" for sapphires. He swore it was government-linked and priced for a quick sale. Different from the shop pitch, but same pressure. Is there any world this paperwork is legit on a sidewalk, or do I just keep walking?

30

6 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

A sidewalk folder after you already refused a shop is a sales prop, not an official assay. Real gem identification happens in labs and reputable dealers with receipts you can verify — not laminated English seals under a street lamp. Smile, say no, do not debate the stamps. If you truly want a stone later, go to a known jeweler in daylight and ask how certification works there. I will not invent official seal designs. Pressure plus urgency plus "special for you" is your cue to leave.

29
R
Ruwan Gem Sense•1810 rep

Walked. He followed ten steps, then found someone else. Folder looked fancy; story smelled the same as the shop.

15
I
Isla Refused Gem•176 rep

Kept walking, no photo of the certificate, no debate. Partner wanted to "just look" — we did not.

9
S
Sofia Gem Cert•224 rep

Same energy as OTP and too-good paperwork. If it needs a sidewalk hard sell, it is not your bargain.

6
M
Mateo Never OTP•180 rep

Never buy gems because of a laminate. Buy because you chose a shop and a receipt you can read.

4
H
Henrik Photo Bill•167 rep

Ignored a similar pitch near the lake. Zero FOMO the next morning.

2
A
Amir KYC Rescan•185 rep

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