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. Gold prices have reached more than $1940 per troy ounce, an increase of more than 27 percent in 2020 alone.
Jewelry appraiser and Graduate Gemologist Ben Gordon reports he is now seeing more clients interested in learning what their items are worth if they should need to sell to raise money in these challenging financial times.
Mr. Gordon, explains, “we weigh and test for the purity.” Purity is commonly known as 10K, 14K or 18K. “24K, pure gold, is mostly found in coins, he adds.”
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Much of the gold that is sold ends up in the melting pot somewhere, but Mr. Gordon tells his clients if there is something of extraordinary value that should be rescued or perhaps even sold at auction or directly to a jewelry dealer.
It is certainly worthwhile so spend a few dollars ($$) to learn who will pay the best price to a seller. Especially when that seller could potentially receive thousands of dollars ($$$$) for their tangled jewelry.
“Know what you should expect as a fair price, before you sell,” the Jewelry Judge recommends. “And be aware of current gold pricing. We’re here to help achieve the best outcome for our clients.”
Virtual online and in person consultations are available by appointment.
Call 713 961-1432 or book online
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).
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.”
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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.
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. 
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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.
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.
“Our appraisals are non-invasive. We clean, measure, weigh, test and photograph – all without injuring any sentient being, client or gemstone!”
Texas Independent Jewelry Appraisers 