TechnologyMay 26, 2022
State of Retail: The Pros and Cons of 4 Jewelry-Selling PlatformsMajorsJul 20, 2022
EBay Expands Authentication to Jewelry with GIA Partnership
New and pre-owned jewelry sold for $500 and above will be eligible for the authentication service.
eBay is expanding its authenticity service to fine jewelry, with the help of GIA experts.
San Jose, Calif.—EBay is expanding its authenticity service to its fine jewelry offerings, teaming up with the Gemological Institute of America to do so.
The authentication service was introduced in 2020, rolling out to watches, sneakers, handbags, and trading cards.
Now, eBay will authenticate new and pre-owned fine jewelry sold for $500 and above, including designer jewelry from Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co.
GIA experts and gemologists will verify the fine jewelry, authenticating the metal type, purity, and gemstone quality.
“Jewelry has always been a popular category on the marketplace, and its growth shows how consumer demand is only increasing,” said Tirath Kamdar, general manager of luxury at eBay.
EBay’s jewelry category has grown significantly over the past year, said the company.
Sales of Bulgari, David Yurman, and Van Cleef & Arpels were all up double digits month-over-month in May, while purchases of fine jewelry from brands like Chopard, Harry Winston, and Hermès rose 38 percent year-over-year in the past six months.
In 2021, eight pieces of jewelry were bought on eBay every minute, said the company, for a total of 4.2 million fine jewelry items sold. There are 7.8 million fine jewelry listings, on average, on eBay every day.
The herringbone style is doing especially well, said eBay, with bracelet sales up 48 percent year-over-year and necklace sales up 26 percent.
“As we continue to listen to our community of luxury enthusiasts in order to foster an even more trusted shopping and selling environment, expanding ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ to jewelry was a crucial next step for our luxury business,” said Kamdar.
Related stories will be right here …
The authentication service was introduced in 2020, rolling out to watches, sneakers, handbags, and trading cards.
Now, eBay will authenticate new and pre-owned fine jewelry sold for $500 and above, including designer jewelry from Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co.
GIA experts and gemologists will verify the fine jewelry, authenticating the metal type, purity, and gemstone quality.
“Jewelry has always been a popular category on the marketplace, and its growth shows how consumer demand is only increasing,” said Tirath Kamdar, general manager of luxury at eBay.
EBay’s jewelry category has grown significantly over the past year, said the company.
Sales of Bulgari, David Yurman, and Van Cleef & Arpels were all up double digits month-over-month in May, while purchases of fine jewelry from brands like Chopard, Harry Winston, and Hermès rose 38 percent year-over-year in the past six months.
In 2021, eight pieces of jewelry were bought on eBay every minute, said the company, for a total of 4.2 million fine jewelry items sold. There are 7.8 million fine jewelry listings, on average, on eBay every day.
The herringbone style is doing especially well, said eBay, with bracelet sales up 48 percent year-over-year and necklace sales up 26 percent.
“As we continue to listen to our community of luxury enthusiasts in order to foster an even more trusted shopping and selling environment, expanding ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ to jewelry was a crucial next step for our luxury business,” said Kamdar.
When a shopper purchases jewelry with an “Authenticity Guaranteed” badge, that item is sent to GIA for a multi-point inspection.
When verified, it’s shipped to the customer with a unique authentication card with a QR code.
Buyers can scan the code to access the jewelry’s documentation and learn more about the piece and the authentication process.
If an item can’t be verified or is not consistent with the listing description, it’s returned to the seller and the buyer is issued a full refund.
If the buyer returns the item, it will first be inspected by GIA experts before being sent back to the seller.
“GIA is the trusted independent source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry; our mission is to protect consumers,” said Pritesh Patel, chief operating officer of GIA.
“Collaborating with eBay on its Authentication Guarantee extends our mission, helping to protect the millions of eBay fine jewelry buyers and sellers.”
Prior to its current Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay offered a similar vetting service called “eBay Authenticate,” which rolled out for jewelry in 2018.
“Once fully rolled out, Authenticity Guarantee for jewelry will encompass more inventory than the initial service (eBay Authenticate) and is free for both sellers and buyers, as opposed to the seller taking only a percentage of their item’s final selling price,” explained a spokesperson.
“Authentication has always been crucial to jewelry, but it was equally important to us to figure out how to offer it in a way that encompasses a plethora of styles, items and brands at accessible price points so that it benefits as many sellers and buyers as possible.”
EBay said it has authenticated more than two million items since launching the Authenticity Guarantee service and expects to exceed five million in the next two years.
More on Majors
The Latest
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
