Strikethrough prices on Black Friday: identifying fake discounts on jewelry

Black Friday strike-through prices: how to spot fake discounts on jewelry. In short: Since 2022, in Germany, any discount promotion must state the lowest price of the last 30 days. If this information is missing or if a recommended retail price is stated instead, the strike-through price is not evidence of a saving. For unbranded fashion jewelry, there is usually no market price to compare it against.

As of September 2026. By Phil, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

A strike-through price is a claim, not proof. This is particularly noticeable with jewelry, because the same necklace from the same factory can be listed under six different shop names at six different "regular" prices.

What the Price Indication Ordinance requires

Paragraph 11 of the PAngV stipulates: Anyone advertising a price reduction must state the lowest total price they have charged in the last 30 days. The strike-through price must therefore not be a desired price, but one that was actually charged. Exceptions apply to gradual price reductions and to goods that have been in the range for less than 30 days.

In practice, this means: If an offer says "instead of €129" without any indication of when those 129 euros were charged, the statement is at best incomplete. If "RRP" is stated next to it, you are comparing it with a manufacturer's recommendation that no one has ever paid.

Three checks that take two minutes

Take the product name or item number and search for it at a second retailer. If the price there differs significantly, the strike-through price was just for show. Use Google Image Search with the product photo; many promotional items will then appear from twenty different providers. And open the product page in a private window; some shops show different prices to returning visitors.

How to check quality during a sale is explained in the article How to spot high-quality jewelry in a sale. The general pricing structure of jewelry is explained in Understanding Jewelry Prices.

Why Corelune does not use strike-through prices on Black Friday

Because the tiered discount system runs all year round anyway: 20 percent from two items, up to 35 percent from five. An additional made-up original price would not change that, except to make the number in the banner larger. The price per piece for stainless steel jewelry is usually between 15 and 45 euros anyway, so there is little room for dramatic percentages.

Related: Black Friday Jewelry 2026: How to spot genuine deals and buy wisely.

Matching pieces: Gold-colored stainless steel link chain, 40 to 45 cm and Stainless steel heart bangle with enamel. You can find more bestsellers in the category the most popular pieces.

More on the topic: Buying jewelry in a sale without making a mistake: sizes, lengths, returns and Black Friday gifts under 50 euros: jewelry that lasts after the sale. You can find an overview in Black Friday Jewelry 2026: How to spot genuine deals in three checks.

How Corelune discounts

Corelune does not use countdowns or strike-through prices, but a tiered discount system that applies all year round. It is just as high on November 27 as it is in May. The selection is available under Corelune bestsellers.

The reason for stainless steel is practical: the material does not tarnish and does not need polishing. Gold-plated pieces have 14-karat gold in a layer of 2.5 micrometers, silver-colored pieces have a white gold coating, and rose-colored pieces are rose gold. The prices are between 24.95 and 64.95 euros. The downside: with rings, you have to get the size right; they are very difficult to resize.

Shipping is from the Netherlands and usually takes two to four business days, free from an order value of 59 euros. Anyone who orders on November 27 has around four weeks of leeway for delivery and exchange until Christmas Eve. In December, both periods shrink.

Overview of materials, dimensions, and prices

Showering, swimming, and sports do not affect stainless steel; it does not tarnish. Here are the specifications from the Corelune range for reference.

Frequently asked questions

Is a strike-through price with an RRP illegal?

Not automatically. Comparison with a manufacturer's recommended retail price is permitted as long as the RRP is genuine and is identified as such. It becomes misleading if the RRP only exists for promotional purposes or if the retailer has set it themselves.

How do I check the price history of a piece of jewelry?

Price comparison sites cover jewelry less comprehensively than electronics because item numbers are missing. A screenshot of the product page taken two weeks before the promotional day is more reliable. Anyone who notes down what a piece costs in October will know exactly by the end of November whether the discount is genuine.

Does the 30-day rule also apply to discount codes?

Yes, for general discount promotions. Personalized codes, for example for newsletter subscribers or loyal customers, are not subject to the obligation according to current case law. The line is blurred and has already been the subject of several proceedings, which is why shops handle this differently.

How can I tell if a piece is right for my everyday life?

Ask yourself whether you would wear it on an ordinary Tuesday. What passes this test will actually be worn. Pieces that are only suitable for a rare occasion will usually end up in a drawer after a short time.

View Corelune bestsellers

About the author

Phil runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewelry every day since 2024: quality checks, complaints, and wear tests in everyday life. The information in this article comes from the company's own range and from what customers have reported. Where Corelune does not offer something, this is also stated here.

At Corelune: Free shipping from 59 €, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

→ View Jewelry Gifts under 50 € at Corelune