Question 1

What is the "Souvenir Shop Gem and Turquoise Fraud" scam in Isfahan?

Accepted Answer

Isfahan is Iran's main center for turquoise and semi-precious stone jewelry, and unscrupulous vendors in the bazaar sell dyed howlite, glass, or plastic as genuine Neyshabur turquoise. The fakes are convincingly presented in traditional silver settings alongside genuine pieces, and tourists who later test the stone at home find it has no resale value whatsoever. Buy stones only from established shops displaying official gemological certification. Genuine turquoise is heavier, slightly cooler to the touch, and has natural matrix patterns that are irregular — perfect uniform color is a red flag. Request a written receipt identifying the stone type.

Question 2

What is the "Antique and Handicraft Forgery" scam in Isfahan?

Accepted Answer

Isfahan has a centuries-old reputation for its miniature paintings, khatamkari (marquetry), and silver filigree work. In the bazaar and tourist-facing shops near Naqsh-e Jahan Square, machine-made or mass-produced items are sold as handmade originals at prices reflecting their supposed artisanal value. Miniatures printed on aged-looking paper are passed off as hand-painted originals; khatamkari boxes with visible machine repetition are sold as master craftwork. Visit craft workshops in the bazaar where you can watch artisans working — legitimate hand-painted miniatures take many hours to complete. Ask to see a certificate of authenticity from the Cultural Heritage Organization, which legitimate antique dealers can provide. Be skeptical of any "antique" priced suspiciously low or any miniature completed in less than a day.

Other Tourist Scams in Isfahan

Souvenir Shop Gem and Turquoise Fraud

Antique and Handicraft Forgery

Experienced a scam here?