CONMEN are duping shoppers into buying fake gold rings and chains.

Jeweller Francis Loughran says that about 20 people have brought rings to be valued at his Discount Jewellery Centre in the belief they have been sold a bargain.

However, on closer inspection, the trinkets turn out to be worthless brass, costume jewellery, plated in gold.

Mr Loughran, who runs the shop in St Helens Road, Daubhill, said: "People are spending between £20 and £50 on these rings but they're absolutely worthless.

"I'll bet hundreds of people have paid good money for them."

He said the rings and bracelets had been bought in bulk, probably on the internet, and were being punched with an 18-carat mark to make them look authentic.

He said his customers had reported men approaching people outside shops, pubs, banks and bookmakers and showing them the rings.

Mr Loughran, who has been a jeweller for 20 years, said."They are cutting or scratching the rings on the underside and the colour is the same underneath but it's actually brass and not gold."

He added that he had personal experience of the conmen's tactics when he was approached in Bolton town centre by a man who asked him the time in broken English.

When Mr Loughran replied, the man offered him a ring.

"I told him it was brass and he denied it. But when I said I was a jeweller, he made his apologies and went away," he said.

Mr Loughran said he was first asked to value a ring three weeks ago and had probably seen about 20 since then.

This week, two customers took in chains with a similar mark, which were also made of brass.

The signet rings are all of a similar style, quite heavy, with a stone cut into the top and an Asian or Turkish-style design. The chains had a figaro link.

Bolton Trading Standards said it had not had any specific complaints regarding fake jewellery.

But a spokesman added: "We would urge people to make sure they buy jewellery from reputable dealers and always check the hallmark.

"If you are in any doubt you can get in touch with us on 01204 336586."