Our client removed the jewels from the pouch, and we had a quick intake of breath. Intense colors, lots of sparkle! BUT…
Returning from a trip to Sri Lanka and the Far East, she wanted to know if she had gotten a good deal. Sri Lanka is known for its rubies. She purchased the complete suite from the same source which guaranteed authenticity.
Even in the photo, it is clear why we gasped. Rubies, especially those in these generous sizes, ranging from 2.00 ctw to 5.00 ctw are seldom flawless. Flawless means free from natural inclusions or other distinguishing characteristics. These were perfectly clean, even under the microscope. The color was even.
The Jewelry Judge was certain that these rubies were synthetic, but it was necessary to demonstrate to the client how we came to that conclusion. The surrounding white stones were not diamonds – that alone was a warning sign. These rubies were frankly fake!
Natural rubies are rare, they’re also expensive. Synthetic rubies run approximately 70-90% cheaper than natural rubies.
Our client paid such a low price for the entire suite of jewelry that she should have been suspicious. What was a low price for ‘rubies’ was really a very high price for glass!
“We urge our clients who travel abroad to buy only from trusted sources.” Remember, when travelling outside of the country, there is no Better Business Bureau; no Interstate Commerce Commission; no fraud complaint authority.
When in doubt, check it out! Consult with The Jewelry Judge for peace of mind. Call 713 961-1432 for an appointment to verify before you make an important purchase of jewelry.
Most of the news has been negative lately. But there is a ray of light for jewelry owners who want to sell their little worn jewelry or broken and damaged chains. 
We love prospecting for gold!
Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon is known for his 
“At our gem lab, we have always done appraisals in full view of our clients,” Mr. Gordon affirms. “Of course, we miss the person- to-person office visits, but we’re happy to be able to continue to help with virtual online consultations.”
In difficult economic times, people sell hard assets such as jewelry and luxury valuables to provide money for other priorities, such as college tuition or travel.
When making a hard decision, we recommend knowing the hard facts about hard assets. Difficult decisions become easier with a Jewelry Judge Consultation. Make your decisions based upon hard facts – Call 713 961-1432. 
As a small business the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon is always wondering how to reach new clients to keep our business growing. In our 67 years’ experience, we find that there is nothing better than ‘word of mouth’ but possibly equally powerful are online reviews.
March 11, 2020 – Paulete GW
March 13, 2020 – D.N.
Most US retailers are not familiar with the special design of the patented Crown of Light diamond cut. Instead of the 58 facets of the traditional round brilliant cut diamond, Crown of Light round diamonds have 90 facets. There are other differences as well that are identified during a Jewelry Judge Crown of Light valuation.
We verify that you are in possession of the Crown of Light jewelry while speaking with you online. Before our ‘virtual’ appointment, you provide us the information on your purchase receipt. At the conclusion of the appointment, Master Graduate Gemologist Ben Gordon will provide a written digital appraisal report via email (pdf files and photos).
With the current price of gold upwards of $1600 per troy ounce, gold jewelry sellers are back.
A gold karat is a unit of measurement that identifies its purity. 100% gold is soft and malleable and would be impractical as jewelry as it would become distorted and wear quickly. Other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, and nickel are therefore mixed with gold to strengthen it.
Everyone should know if their gold jewelry is 14k, 18k, 22k or another purity, as well as, its weight in grams or pennyweights. While 
Here’s a case in point – the mismatched sapphire.
No one panicked!
The Jewelry Judge frequently mentions the term indemnity. “It’s the main purpose for an insurance replacement appraisal,” he says. “And yet we seldom hear other appraisers use the word.”
Have you just received your Grandmother’s pendant as a gift or inheritance?
Why a Free 15 Minute Consultation?
Holiday Trend 3: Pandora beads may make a seasonal comeback
Holiday Trend 5: Pave Diamonds 
Holiday Trend 6: Luxury Watches 
Once we have thoroughly cleaned a jewel, we examine it for any changes from its original condition when new. For example, we test the prongs of a mounting to assure that they are secure. We check for sizing changes – a loss of weight could put a lovely engagement ring at risk of slipping off without the wearer knowing it. It is not unusual for the edge of a gemstone to show wear. In many cases such small imperfections can be polished out to restore the original beauty without loss of carat weight.
Let the 
Cleaning dissolves and removes dirt and grime, but it takes knowledge and skill to clean jewelry properly. Opals, for example, should never be cleaned in hot steam. And pearls improperly cleaned can be permanently damaged.
Our practice has always been to provide steam cleaning as a free service to our clients. You benefit from the pleasure of wearing your jewelry with pride.
As a Master Graduate Gemologist and Independent Appraiser, he approaches each task from the prospective of a scientist whose first task is to identify and authenticate. Only then, when the facts are in, can appropriate values be determined.
Auctions
That may sound harsh, especially with jewelry stores everywhere offering certified diamonds. So, what’s up with that?
A big part of the Jewelry Judge mission is education, so clarity (no pun here) is important to Mr. Gordon. Diamonds with Grading Reports have undergone scientific analysis by qualified professionals who analyse, report and grade the qualities of each gemstone. There will be a description for each of the four C’s, i.e., Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight. There will also be additional language to describe fluorescence, color enhancement, fracture filling or heat treatments.
“Many of the consultations we do are to confirm laboratory Grading Reports,” Mr. Gordon explains. 
When they are SALT + PEPPER Diamonds!
Salt and pepper diamonds are making an entrance this season.
For the third consecutive year, U.S. consumers are expected to spend more on jewelry than any other 
February’s Birthstone 
What does this appraiser think about love and jewelry? 
Most newly engaged couples learn about their diamonds from the retailer who sold it to them. But the details of the sale merely touch the surface so to speak. ‘Hearts and Arrows’ imaging reveals what happens to light inside the diamond.
The cost of an estate appraisal can be based upon the number of items OR the amount of time depending upon the preference of the owner.
Do your due diligence on the seller first. Read other buyers’ comments or reviews, to see whether the seller has a reputation for being ethical, fair, and easy to work with. Verify association with national organizations like the American Gem Society (this is a must)! The American Gem Society is the country’s preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection. Which means, if you’re looking to buy jewelry, you just clicked on the right website.
Ask the seller for detailed pictures and descriptions to ensure the quality of the jewelry you’re purchasing. Especially for high-end watches! If the seller claims the piece is signed or the metal is a certain quality, request a photo of the signature or metal purity stamp on the piece. NOTE: You can also ask that the piece be sent to the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon for review before the purchase is charged.
If you only wear your fine jewelry, on special occasions, a bank safe works well.
Paid too much for a diamond?
Oct. 6, 2018 – Houston, TX – 
Professional Opinion:
Lab-grown (Synthetic) diamonds are here to stay and will only become more widespread in the retail jewelry market. These lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamond and will fool pretty much every conventional diamond testing method.
We precisely examine the property to be included in the appraisal report while testing gemstones, metal properties, obtaining measurements and taking photographs. The information on the items is then recorded in preparation for research and the final appraisal report.
Texas Independent Jewelry Appraisers 