Authentication Jewelry

So you’ve inherited a diamond brooch from your great aunt and are considering consigning it. You’ve been told it’s solid gold and genuine diamond, but how do you know for sure? While it may be a beautiful piece, it’s difficult to authenticate on looks alone. When you bring in a piece to consign with us, we’ll evaluate it in several ways; from metal content (karat) to stone size (carat), color and clarity.

A bill of sale from a reputable jeweler is always a good first step. For gold and platinum, we can test it right here in the store to confirm karat content. To confirm carat, and clarity of diamonds and colored stones, we will often rely on a grading report by a certified grading laboratory such as the GIA (learn more about the GIA).

Many colored stones are heat-treated to enhance the color. While this enhances the appearance of the stone, a natural (non-heat-treated) stone of the same color and clarity will always be more valuable. Appraisers will always assume a stone is heat-treated unless there is paperwork that confirms otherwise.

An independent jewelers appraisal is also helpful, but can be somewhat subjective. At times we may not agree with the original appraiser’s conclusion and will offer you a valuation based on our jeweler’s experience.

So if you’re bringing a piece in to consign with us, bring any paperwork you have, including:

• Bill of sale
• GIA Certificate/certified grading laboratory certificate
• Appraisal

What if Aunt Beatrice didn’t leave you any supporting documents? Don’t worry, we’d still love to see your pieces and help you decide if they’re appropriate for consigning. Feel free to contact our jeweler if you have any questions.