Majors

EBay Expands Authentication to Jewelry with GIA Partnership

MajorsJul 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.

20220722_eBay header.jpg
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 … 

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.

The Latest

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy