Strikethrough prices on Black Friday: identifying fake discounts on jewelry

Strikethrough prices on Black Friday: how to spot fake discounts on jewelry. In short: Since 2022, German regulations have required the lowest price from the last 30 days to be stated for all discount advertising. If this information is missing or a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is used instead, the strikethrough price is not evidence of savings. For unbranded fashion jewelry, there is usually no market price at all to compare against.

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

A crossed-out price is a claim, not proof. This is particularly noticeable in jewelry, because the same necklace from the same factory can be found under six different shop names at six different "regular" prices.

What the Price Indication Ordinance requires

Section 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 strikethrough price, therefore, must not be an aspirational price, but one that was actually charged. There are exceptions for gradual price reductions and for goods that have been in the assortment 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 information is at best incomplete. If "RRP" (Recommended Retail Price) is listed next to it, you are comparing it with a manufacturer's recommendation that no one has ever actually paid.

Three checks that take two minutes

Take the product name or the article number and search for it at another retailer. If the price differs significantly there, the strikethrough price was just decoration. Check Google Image Search with the product photo; many promotional items then appear at twenty different providers. And open the product page in a private window, as some shops show different prices to returning visitors.

How to check quality during a sale is covered in the article Recognizing jewelry quality in a sale. General information on jewelry pricing can be found in Understanding jewelry prices.

Why Corelune doesn't hike up strikethrough prices on Black Friday

Because the tiered discount is available year-round anyway: 20 percent off two items, up to 35 percent off five. An artificially invented starting price wouldn't change anything, except to make the number on 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 percentage figures.

Relevant reading: Black Friday Jewelry 2026: How to spot real deals and buy wisely.

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

Further reading: Buying jewelry on sale without a bad purchase: 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: Identifying real deals in three checks.

How Corelune discounts

Corelune does not work with countdowns and strikethrough prices, but with a quantity discount that applies all year round. It is the same on November 27th as it is in May. The selection can be found under Bestsellers at Corelune.

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 2.5 microns, silver-colored ones have a white gold plating, and rose-colored ones have rose gold. Prices range between 24.95 and 64.95 euros. The downside: with rings, you have to get the size right, as resizing is hardly possible.

Shipping is from the Netherlands and generally takes two to four working days; it is free on orders over 59 euros. Anyone ordering on November 27th has about four weeks of buffer for delivery and exchanges until Christmas Eve. In December, both windows shrink.

Overview of material, dimensions, and prices

Showering, swimming, and sports don't affect stainless steel; it doesn't tarnish. Values from the Corelune range for reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a strikethrough price with an RRP illegal?

Not automatically. Comparing against a manufacturer's suggested retail price is permitted as long as the RRP is genuine and labeled as such. It becomes misleading if the RRP only exists for promotional purposes or if the retailer set it themselves.

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

Price comparison sites cover jewelry less effectively than electronics because article numbers are often missing. It is more reliable to take your own screenshot of the product page two weeks before the promotion day. Anyone who notes the price of a piece in October will know exactly whether the discount is genuine at the end of November.

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

For general discount promotions, yes. Personalized codes, such as those for newsletter subscribers or loyal customers, do not fall under this requirement according to current case law. The boundary is fluid and has been the subject of several proceedings, which is why shops handle this differently.

How do I know if a piece fits into my everyday life?

Ask yourself if you would wear it on an ordinary Tuesday. Whatever passes this test will actually be worn. Pieces that only fit a rare occasion usually end up in the drawer after a short time.

View bestsellers at Corelune

About the author

Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewelry daily since 2024: sample testing, complaints, and everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own product range and customer feedback. Where Corelune does not offer something, it is stated here as such.

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

→ View jewelry gifts under 50 € at Corelune