Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon

Master Graduate Gemologist/Appraiser

You are invited to a FREE informative and entertaining program

What’s in Your Jewelry Box? – Helpful Estate Planning Tips

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at The Village of Meyerland, 4141 North Braeswood at Beechnut. (3^rd floor multipurpose room)

If you enjoy The Antiques Roadshow, you won’t want to miss this!

Lunch will be provided (choice of pasta, salad or sandwich with beverage and desert)

Seating is Limited – so reserve your space now

RSVP to Linda Gordon at 713 961-1432

As a consumer, you will regularly encounter gems that are synthetic man-made or have been treated.

1. Lab-Grown Synthetic Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and every other gemstone are commonly created in a lab and sold in the jewelry market place. Were they described as such by the retailer or on-line merchant? Were they sold as natural?

The increased use of synthetic diamonds, sometimes referred to as lab-grown or man-made diamonds, in jewelry and their marketing make accurate identification and disclosure even more important. Non-disclosure of synthetic gems causes consumers to over pay for them, believing that they are of higher value than they are. 

2.  Gemstone Treatments to enhance their color and/or clarity are common in the jewelry market place. Are they disclosed or sold as Natural, Untreated gemstones.

Non-disclosure of treatments causes the consumer to believe that a particular gemstone is of higher quality naturally and more valuable than it actually is. It is legally required for anyone selling a gem (including consumer to consumer trade) to disclose the treatment procedure it may have received.

3. Gemstone Coatings have been perfected to create any color in gemstone look-a-likes.

4. Even Nano Glass-Ceramic materials are sold and used in jewelry, since they appear similar to natural gemstones and are available in hundreds of colors to match any gemstone.

When comparing precious gemstones for purchase it’s always recommended to get an unbiased and independent opinion. Many jewelers will hold a credit card in exchange for a 24 hour examination period of gemstones or jewelry. The Jewelry Judge specializes in consulting before an important purchase is made. Come see the Jewelry Judge before you commit to a purchase.

The Jewelry Judge has extensive training and experience to identify not only the gemstone, but also any treatments or coatings that may be present. Trust the Jewelry Judge to detect colorless synthetic diamonds, treatments, as well as detecting colored diamond treatments and synthetics.

Book Appointment On-Line

Trust But Verify every fine jewelry purchase!

Here’s a story with a wonderful happy ending!  Our client brought in a box of costume jewelry and miscellaneous chains.  During our consultation and while she participated, we separated anything that was of some value from the costume pieces – mostly for sale as scrap gold.  There were a few items with sentimental value as these were from a family member who had recently passed away; and a tangle of miscellaneous pieces.

We cleaned several items to reveal any stamping or branding marks and found a generously sized blue stone ring in the pile of jewelry. Here’s the prize we found.

After testing the center stone for authenticity and researching this ring, we discovered that the center stone weighed over 22 carats, and the ring was stamped Buccellati.  It was a stunner!

We delivered a full appraisal report to our client and referred her to a reputable New York auction house, Fortuna.  With our appraisal report, our client was able to set her reserve price.

The opening bid was $4,000 and the final knock-down price was $28,000 – well exceeding our client’s expectation.

Our clients benefit from the strategic partnerships we have established.  It’s our job to research value and potential ‘salability’ and we were very pleased that the owner of the aquamarine sparkler was happy with the price she received.

What started as a simple sorting and identifying task turned out to be a surprise treat for us all.  That’s better than an entire box of chocolates!

What’s in your jewelry box?  Call for a consultation to find out!

With 65 Years in the jewelry industry, I have been around longer than some of these wives’ tales!

#1 – Toothbrush and Toothpaste

They are great for your pearly whites, but not your pearls or any other type of jewelry. The abrasives in toothpaste will scratch metals and softer gemstones and buildup in crevices.

#2 – Ammonia, Windex®, and Mr. Clean®

Ammonia, Windex, denatured alcohol, acetone and other harsh cleaners can dull or pit the surface of softer gemstones.  While these cleaning agents may be safe on harder gemstones in small concentrations, most of us do not use the correct ratio, making them a bad choice.

#3 – Hydrogen Peroxide

While many of us know hydrogen peroxide to be an effective disinfectant, it is not really designed to be a cleaner. In some cases, it may have a chemical reaction with sterling silver and other metals, harming the finish. Professional products from your jeweler are your best bet.

#4 – Bleach

Bleach is not safe for cleaning jewelry, as it damages metal alloys in gold.
This is also why it is not recommended that you wear your jewelry while swimming or in a hot tub because both bleach and chlorine are often used to clean them.

#5 – Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Old wives are big fans of vinegar and lemon juice, and they are great cleaning agents for many things. Just not for jewelry. Both are way too acidic and abrasive, which is damaging to metals and softer gemstones.

The Jewelry Judge cleans every piece of jewelry brought in for a consultation or appraisal, so that the condition of the gemstones and mounting can be properly evaluated.

Make an appointment today!

If you would like the Jewelry Judge to speak at an upcoming club or organization meeting, he does so for FREE to educate and protect the jewelry consumer!

Make an appointment today!

The process of estate settlement is designed to accomplish 3 things:
• determine what assets were owned by the deceased and place a value on the assets,
• transfer the assets to the correct people or institutions, and
• pay any taxes that may be due.

 What’s at Stake? – Dissent after Death
These tasks are the responsibilities of the estate Executor or Administrator who is often a family member in the ‘hot seat.’ Often, they must be accomplished during a period of high emotions when family members are struggling with grief and loss. Sibling and other fierce rivalries can and do arise.

Here are typical situations that Jewelry Consultant Ben Gordon encounters frequently:
• Two high value rings and one diamond necklace, but four grandchildren. How should they be divided?
• Three siblings – each one wants to inherit Mom’s engagement ring, but she didn’t leave instructions.
• Dad had a collection of tie pins in every color gemstone, but none of the sons wear ties.
• Grandmother had several large pearl necklaces. Impressive, but worth keeping?

Each situation can benefit from a neutral intermediary. Mr. Gordon doesn’t arbitrate family feuds, but he DOES offer independent and objective valuations that can end disputes and bring peace of mind in a time of turmoil.

Family Feuds Averted
In the first instance with two rings and a necklace – he can calculate the fair market value to arrive at a dollar total that can be divided equally in four ways. Especially if the grandchildren do not intend to wear grandmother’s jewelry.
In the case of one engagement ring but three siblings; surely Mother didn’t intend to create a family division. Once the value of the ring is determined, an equitable split can be divided. If one sibling gets the ring, then the other siblings can receive different items from the remainder of the estate of equal value.

As for Dad’s tie pins – with a known value, the sons can decide together who receives which tie pin and may elect to redesign the stones into something they or their spouses might wear and enjoy.

And the pearls – perhaps their value will go to a future tuition payment for a grandchild; or, if they turn out to be frankly fake costume jewelry, they can be donated to a charity thrift shop or enjoyed in dress- up play for some little princess!

Harmony Restored
As a graduate gemologist and jewelry consultant, Mr. Gordon can bring each estate situation to a harmonious resolution. All it takes is a consultation. He works by appointment and will consult with multiple family members so that everyone hears the same details. He can also provide itemized inventories and written reports, depending on the amount of detail required by the estate administrator.

Settling an estate requires a team effort to coordinate between attorneys, accountants, medical professionals and family members. A jewelry consultant should be one of the professional team members as well – especially if an estate is to be probated.
Consider valuing jewelry before an unexpected death takes place. Updating previously valued items is faster and easier than researching from scratch and may be less costly.

Peace of mind from a trusted jewelry professional – What’s that worth to your heirs?

Comprehensive Appraisal and Consulting Services for Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi,Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth.

As well as, Global Travelers!

I am committed to providing world class services with personal attention, sensitivity and confidentiality for our clients. By providing services by appointment only, your privacy and security are assured.

Engagement Ring Appraisals – Purchasing a diamond engagement ring is an important decision. Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon is available to help you protect your new asset, be it a recent purchase or family heirloom. We are also available to consult before you make your purchase, helping you choose wisely.

Estate Appraisals – Fair Market Appraisals are issued to establish a basis for equitable distribution of assets, estate tax preparation, dissolution of marriage asset assessment and pre-sale valuations for auction and other secondary markets.

Celebrate!
You did it! Consider toasting your engagement with a night on the town, a glass of bubbly or a celebration with friends and family.

Tell your engagement story on our Facebook page and receive a FREE Jeweler’s Loupe.

Did He/She Keep it Traditional?
Was it an intimate setting, preferably one with family and friends waiting nearby?
Did He/She drop to one knee and let your heart do the talking.

What was the Location, Location, Location?
Did he/she Propose from an extreme location – atop a mountain, while skydiving, or on the shores of a romantic and faraway beach.

What was his/her inspiration?
Did he/she use modern technology for a Twitter or Video proposal.

Email or post your story and pictures on the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon Facebook page and we will send you a Jeweler’s Loupe, so you can admire that engagement ring up close!

Spread the News!
Your partner will most likely handle this for you, but make sure to share the big news with people you know.  Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon will also share it on his Website as well as his Facebook Page.

Thanks for Sharing!
Share your engagement story to your social media and get a chance to WIN ONE of THREE Books:  Gem Care, Consumer Guide to Colored Gemstones or Gemstone Buyer’s Guide-Pocket Edition.

Even when your diamonds come with a grading report that provides an objective analysis of the 4Cs, you need an Independent Jewelry Appraiser to verify you received exactly what you expected. Grading reports from AGS Laboratories and GIA Laboratories are the most trusted in the industry.

So Make an Appointment for a Jewelry Judge Double Check for Peace of Mind.

Houston’s Most Experienced Jewelry Appraiser!

There are many Synthetics and Simulants sold on-line.

Our Gem Laboratory regularly receives near-colorless transparent crystals for identification. Often because the jewelry was purchased on-line or at an estate sale or flee market and the seller sold them as, or it was hoped by the buyer that they were diamond.

One such stone finding it’s way into the jewelry market is phenakite. Phenakite is misidentified most often as quartz or diamond. Phenakite is colorless, pale yellow, pink, or brownish and valued at approximately $85 per carat. Colorless Quartz at $2 per carat (because it is so abundant) is more often misrepresented as Phenakite.

Interestingly, phenakite was named in 1833 from the Greek word for “deceiver.”
Needless to say, the value of phenakite is very different from both quartz and diamond.

Faceted and polished phenakite, shows little fire but can be very bright, which is why labs have synthesized this mineral and may use them as diamond imitations in jewelry. The most common diamond imitations are high-leaded glass (i.e., rhinestones),  cubic zirconia (CZ), and lab-grown moissanite. But white sapphire or topaz can also be used as alternatives to diamond. Sellers are required to disclose the gemstones and any treatments used.

Despite the outward similarities to quartz and diamond, phenakite has very different optical and physical properties. One indicator is that phenakite has birefringence and a lower specific gravity, which would rule out both quartz and diamond as a possible identification for this stone.

Simulants are much less expensive than Natural “real” earth mined diamonds. Imitations allow consumers to enjoy the flash and dazzle of diamond-like jewelry and to inexpensively own the latest fashion trend. But no matter how convincing the illusion, all diamond simulants have optical and physical characteristics that can be identified by a trained gemologist.

Get a Jewelry Judge Double Check!

Come in for a Jewelry Judge Consultation so you know what you have, as well as, verify you received what you paid for!

1. Many jewelers are very knowledgeable about the jewelry they sell. But most have trained in jewelry sales – not jewelry science! They may not have the necessary precision gemological instruments, gemological knowledge, nor the latest computer technology required for analysis and appraising fine jewelry.
2. A retailer has a vested interested in selling, which may create a conflict of interest clouding anyone’s ability to provide an impartial valuation. (Even if it is FREE!)
3. The majority of insurance companies require an appraisal from an independent appraiser before providing a policy. Accepting an appraisal from a retail jeweler  may result in having a claim denied or a pay out reduced.

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon is a Master Graduate Gemologist and Independent Jewelry Appraiser with over 65 years in the jewelry industry. As a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), he is trained to identify and grade diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls, as well as being knowledgeable in fine and antique jewelry.

For Integrity and Honesty, Trust the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon.

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon is available in his Houston gem lab to consult and appraise jewelry for insurance replacement, estate probate, division of property, and for consultation when you are buying or selling.

Book Appointment  or Call 713 961 1432. We do our best to accommodate your busy schedule.   Visit our website:  The Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon

Emerald has rapidly moved back into 3rd place as a gemstone in jewelry. It is positioned as one of the “big three” gemstones, just behind sapphire (1st) and ruby (2nd) by jewelry designers and buyers.
Increased production has helped generate the new buzz for emeralds, with many beautiful gemstones coming from Zambia and with Muzo in Colombia now back in production, both mining and selling are in full swing.

Know what you have by getting a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report or Consultation.

Many Colombian emeralds (and other colored gemstones) may be undervalued, since their rarity and beauty still catch the attention of investors.  But over priced on-line sources are all too common.

Quality Emeralds from Colombia are superior when compared to Brazilian and African gemstones.  The emeralds from Colombia are considered to have the finest color, and are used as the yardstick by which all other emeralds are judged.

Determining if what you have is a Columbian Emerald is done using a Chelsea filter, which is basically a blue filter, which will reveal hidden secrets in the different wavelengths of a stone.  The Chelsea filter was originally devised to separate green glass (or any green tone)
from emeralds. If the stone under the Chelsea filter looks pink or red, it is a Colombian Emerald (Brazilian and African emeralds remain green due to iron content).  This is because of the unique light spectrum of emeralds, which has a double peak, one in the red zone and one in the blue zone which alternatively cancel their peaks out and accentuate the light spectrum our eyes detect as “emerald green,” a color unmatched by any other gemstone.  The Chelsea filter takes advantage of this by blocking the blue part of the spectrum and only allowing the red or pink to come through in a Colombian Emerald.  If the stone still looks green with a Chelsea filter, it is something other than a Colombian emerald (tourmaline or green glass, etc.).

As a consumer, you will regularly encounter marketplace gemstones that have been treated to change their appearance.  Because these treatments are not always apparent to the unpracticed eye, and are sometimes difficult to distinguish even by experts, it is necessary and legally required for anyone selling a gemstone (including consumer to consumer trade) to disclose all treatment procedures it may have received.

Inclusions are a part of the natural beauty of an emerald.  Emerald is harder than quartz or tourmaline and resists most scratching and wear.  It is less hard than diamond and Sapphire, and like all gemstones, it may be damaged if dropped or bumped hard.  Also, small microscopic fissures are common to emerald due to their crystal nature and current mining methods.  After cutting and polishing, emerald fissures that reach the surface (if any) are masked with a colorless oil (usually Cedarwood Oil) or resin to reduce the visibility of those fissures.  This simple and low-tech process is accepted as normal by the gem industry and is called clarity enhancement which may be minor, moderate or significant.  The Emerald color is unaltered by this treatment and remains natural.

Emeralds set in jewelry have lasted for centuries, and with the proper care, your emeralds will do the same.  Since the great majority of natural emeralds are fracture filled, it is dangerous to clean them ultrasonically or with steam.  Ultrasonic vibrations can weaken already-fractured stones, and hot steam can cause oil or unhardened resin to come out of the fractures.

Clean by using warm, soapy water coupled with a soft toothbrush and gentle scrubbing. This is the safest way to clean emeralds.

 The Curse of Turbulent Love – La Peregrina Pearl

Photo Credit:  Ana Herda

Elizabeth Taylor loved her gemstones and jewelry!  One of her favorites was La Peregrina Pearl, a 50.6-carat pearl, one of the largest natural pearls in the world, measuring approximately 0.7 inch by 1 inch in size.

La Peregrina means “the pilgrim” or “the wanderer” in Spanish.  The pearl was discovered
in the Gulf of Panama during the 16th century. King Philip II of Spain gave the pearl to
Queen Mary I of England before their marriage in 1554, but the King abandoned her and she died in 1558 without providing an heir. Queen Mary I was nicknamed “Bloody Mary” after her death because of the hundreds of Protestants she ordered to be executed during her five-year reign.

Following the Queen Mary’s death, King Philip II took La Peregrina Pearl back. the King then proposed to the dead queen’s younger half-sister, Elizabeth I.  The pearl was worn by Spanish royalty until the 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded and seized the Spanish crown, and the pearl.

La Peregrina Pearl was passed down to members of the Bonaparte family, but was ultimately sold to Lord James Hamilton in 1873.  It was then sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 1969 to Richard Burton, who gave it to his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, as a Valentine’s Day present.  The couple married and divorced twice, with their second marriage lasting only nine months.  Elizabeth Taylor held on to the pearl and married seven more times.

After Taylor’s death in 2011, La Peregrina Pearl was bought for 11.8 million by an anonymous buyer at a Christie’s auction.

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon provides appraisal and consultation services, either at our Gem Lab or at your home and your jewelry never leaves your sight.  We want you to watch and ask questions during the entire process.

Confidence comes with a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report.

Call to make an appointment 713-961-1432
Book Appointment On-Line

Gentlemen Beware of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond

Like the Hope Diamond, the 105.6-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond is believed to have been extracted from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India.  Koh-i-Noor in Persian means “mountain of light.”

Mentioned in the memoirs of Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India.  Babur wrote that the Koh-i-Noor diamond was stolen from the Rajah of Malwa in 1306, and that it was originally 739 carats in uncut form.

Throughout history, the gem traded hands among various Hindu, Mongolian, Persian, Afghan and Sikh rulers, who fought bitter and bloody battles to own it.  According to legend, a Hindu description of the Koh-i-Noor warns that “he who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes.  Only God or woman can wear it with impunity.”

The diamond was obtained by the British in 1849 and given to Queen Victoria in 1850.  To heed its legend, the diamond has since only been worn by women, including Queen Alexandra of Denmark, Queen Mary of Teck and the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, wife of King George VI.

Currently, it is set as one of the jewels within a British monarchy crown that is kept at
the Tower of London Jewel House.  The fight to possess the Koh-i-Noor continues as India
has repeatedly tried unsuccessfully to lobby for return of the diamond.  According to British Prime Minister David Cameron, the British government owns the gem fair and square.

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon provides appraisal and consultation services, either at our Gem Lab or at your home and your jewelry never leaves your sight.  We want you to watch and ask questions during the entire process.

Confidence comes with a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report.

Call to make an appointment 713-961-1432
Book Appointment On-Line

 Photo Credit: Natural History Museum

The Delhi Purple sapphire is another cursed imposter, because it is not a sapphire, it is an amethyst, which is a type of quartz. This mysterious gemstone is rumored to have been stolen by a British solider from the Temple of Indra, the Hindu god of war and weather, in Kanpur, India during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. It was brought to England by Colonel W. Ferris, whose family then suffered many financial and health disasters.

The gemstone was given to Edward Heron-Allen, a scientist and writer, in 1890, who claimed to have started having bad luck immediately after receiving it. He gave the amethyst away to friends, who were also struck with misfortune and quickly returned the gift back to him.

Heron-Allen warned that the Delhi Purple sapphire is “accursed and is stained with the blood, and the dishonor of everyone who has ever owned it.” Wary of its alleged powers, he kept it locked away in seven boxes, each surrounded with good luck charms.

After his death, Heron-Allen’s daughter donated the amethyst to London’s Natural History Museum in 1943. Along with the stone, she gave them a letter that her father wrote cautioning future owners against directly handling it.

The mysterious Delhi Purple sapphire is now permanently on display as part of the London Natural History Museum’s Vault Collection of precious gemstones.

 Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon provides appraisal and consultation services, either at our Gem Lab or at your home and your jewelry never leaves your sight.  We want you to watch and ask questions during the entire process.

Confidence comes with a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report.

Call to make an appointment 713-961-1432
Book Appointment On-Line

 Photo Credit: ruby-sapphire.com

The Black Prince’s Ruby is also known as The Blood-Red “Great Impostor”, because it isn’t actually a ruby at all, but a large spinel.  Spinel is the great impostor and a curse of gemstone history since many famous rubies in crown jewels around the world are actually spinels.

Spinel is a hard, glassy mineral that crystallizes into various colors, but the most commercially important are red and pink.  Spinels are worth significantly less than rubies, but are generally highly sought after by gem connoisseurs. Well-formed spinel crystals are in high demand among collectors.

The gemstone is believed to have been mined from Badakshan, which is present-day Tajikistan. It was first recorded during the 14th century, when it was plundered from the Moorish Kingdom of Granada by Don Pedro the Cruel, who was the ruler of Seville, Spain.

The “ruby” was then owned by Edward of Woodstock, who was called “the Black Prince,” because of his success on the battlefield during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1415, King Henry V attained the Black Prince’s ruby and had it set in his battle helmet alongside real rubies. The king wore the helmet when he defeated the French forces at the Battle of Agincourt.

The gemstone was passed along to British royalty, including Henry VIII and his daughter, Elizabeth I, until King Charles I was beheaded for treason in 1649 and the gemstone was sold. Charles II bought the gemstone back from an unknown party, but nearly lost it when the infamous Irish colonel Thomas Blood attempted to steal the crown jewels of England from the Tower of London in 1671.

The Black Prince’s ruby is currently set dead-center at the front of the Imperial State Crown of England.

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon provides appraisal and consultation services, either at our Gem Lab or at your home and your jewelry never leaves your sight.  We want you to watch and ask questions during the entire process.

Confidence comes with a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report.

Call to make an appointment 713-961-1432
Book Appointment On-Line

Photo Credit: Natural History Museum | nhm.ac.uk

The Eye of Brahma Diamond also known as the Black Orlov is a 67.50 carat cushion cut diamond, mined in India during the early 1800s. According to folklore the original 195 carat diamond was stolen from a sacred shrine in Southern India, removed from the eye of a statue of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, wisdom and magic.

The diamond was later named the Black Orlov when it was acquired by the Russian Princess Nadezhda Orlov.  Legend has it, that Princess Nadia, along with two of the Black Orlov’s other owners, committed suicide by jumping off of buildings, after coming into possesion of it. But these stories have not been substantiated.

In 1947, Charles F. Winson bought the diamond and cut it to its current size of 67.50 carats. It was set in a necklace made up of 124 diamonds, as the center piece of the pendant surrounded by 108 diamonds.  It has since been purchased and resold by a number of times by private owners, and has been displayed at various museums around the world.

 Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon provides appraisal and consultation services, either at our Gem Lab or at your home and your jewelry never leaves your sight.  We want you to watch and ask questions during the entire process.

Confidence comes with a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report.

Call to make an appointment 713-961-1432
Book Appointment On-Line

With the price of gold and platinum around $1250 per ounce, it may be tempting to consider investing in jewelry. Let’s discuss this.

To realize a profit on a piece of fine jewelry, it must appreciate (increase) from its original purchase value to a value greater than the retail price paid. But we buy jewelry at retail and when we sell it, it’s on the secondary market typically at a discounted price.

In other words, you cannot expect to pay retail and sell at wholesale to make a profit… . The likelihood of this happening in the short term is slim to none!

But Gold/Platinum prices look Good Now…

Of course, precious metals and precious stones (diamond, sapphire, ruby) or semi-precious stones (amethyst, aquamarine) or pearls are used in the manufacture of fine jewelry. Over the past decades, they have increased in value. Note the word, ‘decades.’

The reality is that sellers of jewelry typically receive ONLY the value of the metal. Unless there are individual stones of high quality and grade and at least 2 carat weight, the value received will generally NOT include the stones.

When the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon values an item, he weighs and measures it and grades the stones using scientific instruments. He identifies the style, manufacturer and craftsmanship of the setting. Looks for manufacturing and proof stamps such as 14k, 18k, and designer hallmarks. As well as, researches comparable sales of identical or equivalent items and determines if the item is commonly available or rare.

Studying these specifics allows the Jewelry Judge to arrive at a total replacement value. This is what you would want to receive from an insurer if the item were lost or stolen – but not likely what you would receive if it were sold.

Over the long term though, buying fine jewelry is often considered a way to preserve wealth, generally over decades. In the form of jewelry, wealth can be passed down through generations maintaining monetary, artistic and sentimental value. Fine jewelry means all of these things, but perhaps least of all “the potential for profit.”

Beware the Sales Zealot

When showing a piece of jewelry we have heard enthusiastic sales people say, “This would be an investment piece”. Perhaps what is meant is that it will be worth enjoying for years to come. Perhaps this means it is of a quality that will hold its value; perhaps it means it’s not a fad item, but a classic, for example a brilliant cut solitaire engagement ring. Perhaps it means commitment to the future. But this statement should certainly not be interpreted as “buy today, sell tomorrow at a profit.”

So What Is An Investment Piece?

Yes, a diamond CAN become an investment ….. if a fair price has been paid at the outset and given a l-o-n-g enough time horizon….. and if just the right buyer comes along at the time an owner wishes to sell… and if the size is larger than an olive and if the cut, color and grade are excellent… and if….. and if….

Wear it! Enjoy it!

Our true opinion?… . the Jewelry Judge never recommends buying jewelry solely for investment. Be aware that buying fine jewelry is not the same as investing in gold or platinum. Buy precious metal mutual funds, ETFs or bullion for your portfolio, but buy jewelry to give as a gift or to wear.

If you must think of jewelry as an investment, think of it more as a Certificate of Deposit and not a Growth proposition.

Jewelry should be bought to enjoy now; to be worn and displayed with pride. The pleasure you’ll derive over the years from owning fine jewelry will be priceless!

Should you need to sell jewelry, be sure to ask for a consultation so you know what value to expect and where to go to obtain a fair price.

To value jewelry items for resale, estate, division of property or insurance purposes, contact: The Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon  – Let us show you how easy it is Book an Appointment Today!

Appraise Before the Honeymoon

Have your engagement ring or wedding set appraised for insurance purposes BEFORE the honeymoon.

It is not uncommon for bridal jewelry to go missing after a scuba dive session, a romantic evening swim or a thrilling parasailing afternoon.

Read the many stories of lost jewelry at our blog Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon Blog

With the wedding and travel preparations, it’s easy to forget the seemingly small detail of replacement protection.

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon provides appraisal and consultation services, while you watch, either at our Gem Lab or at your home and your jewelry never leaves your sight. We want you to watch and ask questions during the entire process.

All gems and jewelry are photographed, weighed, measured, tested, evaluated and documented with a professional written report. Appraisal reports are thoroughly researched in the appropriate markets. Along with the printed and signed original report they provide PDF copies of the reports and copies of the photographs including micro-photographs of the gems and jewelry detailing identification features and the condition of the gems and/or jewelry, are easy to email to your insurance company.

Coverage can be in place before you arrive at your romantic destination ready to enjoy a worry-free honeymoon. Let us show you how easy it is, Book an Appointment Today!

Here are some valuable tips to help you protect your jewelry.

1. Dirt buildup may increase the wear of your jewelry. Visit the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon at least once a year to have your Fine Jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected for worn or cracked prongs, faulty clasps, or other potential problems.
2. Salt water and jewelry do not mix. Ocean water can damage some gemstones and metals.
3. Exposure to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals – like gold, silver and platinum – and may harm colored gemstones. Remove jewelry before going into chlorinated pools or hot tubs, and while using household cleaners.
4. Remove Jewelry before swimming as fingers often constrict in water, making rings more likely to fall off.
5. Avoid heavy blows to your diamond. Diamonds can chip if struck at the right angle.
6. Keep jewelry in unlikely places. Jewelry boxes are an obvious place for thieves to look.
7. When traveling, keep valuable jewelry at home or store it in the hotel safe.
8. Don’t place or store your jewelry near vents, grates, sinks or drains.
9. Pearls are easily damaged by an array of personal products like cosmetics and lotions.
10. Most burglaries happen in broad daylight. Always keep doors and windows locked during the day.
11. If you bump or snag your jewelry, have it inspected for potential damage that may be unnoticeable to you.
12. Always take time to place jewelry in a secure place, not in a pocket, on a counter, or in a public area.
13. When not wearing your jewelry, place each item in a separate, soft, compact container. If cluttered together, jewelry can become scratched.
14. One of the best ways to keep valuable jewelry collections secure is to store them in a burglary and fire-resistant safe.

Summertime is a Good Time to Update Insurance Appraisals

Insurance carriers suggest updating insurance values every three (3) years to assure adequate coverage in the case of loss or theft. With upcoming vacation travel plans, it’s always better to be safe and plan ahead. Why not update your appraisals before you travel so you’ll have peace of mind while away.

Confidence comes with a Jewelry Judge Appraisal Report and includes a complimentary condition check and cleaning.

Routine inspections and cleanings assure that your jewelry stays in good condition. During an inspection, the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon looks for broken or worn prongs, weak clasps, or other damage before a diamond or gemstone is lost.

If it’s been three to five years since your last appraisal or if you’ve acquired additional Fine Jewelry items, you’ll want to visit us to review the value and update your appraisal report. Call 713 961 1432 for an appointment.