eBay Expands Authenticity Guarantee to Fine Jewelry

In collaboration with GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, eBay has launched its ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ service for fine jewelry.

New and pre-owned fine jewelry sold for $500+ will be eligible for the service starting now on the US marketplace.

With the expansion, top designer brands such as Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. will soon be available through this service.

The eBay Authenticity Guarantee now covers five primary categories in the US, including sneakers, watches, handbags, and trading cards.

“Jewelry has always been a popular category on the marketplace, and its growth shows how consumer demand is only increasing.”

Tirath Kamdar, GM of Luxury at eBay

“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,” added Kamdar.

With 90 years of expertise, GIA’s unparalleled category knowledge will power the authenticity service and help ensure that buyers can shop and sellers can sell with total confidence.

As part of the collaboration, GIA experts, including gemologists, will perform a multi-point inspection, verifying metal type, purity, and gemstone quality, to confirm the authenticity of every eligible item.

“GIA is the trusted independent source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry; our mission is to protect consumers.”

Pritesh Patel, GIA Chief Operating Officer

“Collaborating with eBay on its Authentication Guarantee extends our mission, helping to protect the millions of eBay fine jewelry buyers and sellers,” added Patel.

A total of two million items have been authenticated since eBay introduced its Authenticity Guarantee in 2020. Over the next two years, the program is expected to surpass five million items.

With the addition of fine jewelry to eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service, the marketplace is bolstering its reputation as the go-to source for luxury goods with its existing array of luxury products backed by authentication services.

By the end of 2022, jewelry authentication will be available on all eligible listings and identified brands on the platform, making shopping for fine jewelry easier and more trusted than ever.

How eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for Jewelry Works

GIA experts use best-in-class techniques to verify the jewelry’s condition and quality, ensuring its authenticity and accuracy.

Every piece of jewelry that goes through eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service is examined by GIA experts to confirm it’s as described in the listing.

They also verify that its condition and quality match the description in the listing as provided by the seller.

Multi-point inspection by experts: Jewelry is examined for authenticity by GIA experts with years of industry experience and knowledge. GIA then performs a multi-point inspection, so buyers can be confident that the jewelry is authentic. Once verified, GIA will ship the item to the buyer safely and discreetly, with signature confirmation required.

Unique Authentication Card: Verified jewelry will receive a unique authentication card with a QR code. Buyers can scan the code to access the item’s documentation, and learn more about the jewelry and its authentication journey.

Verified Returns: In the event of a return, every item is inspected by GIA experts before it’s sent back to the seller. Returns are shipped back directly to the authentication collaborators, verifying authenticity.

The Authenticity Guarantee is live now in the United Stated and shoppers can visit eBay.com/authenticjewelry to browse and buy from a selection of new and pre-owned fine jewelry marked with an Authenticity Guarantee badge.

eBay Jewelry By the Numbers

• On average, there are 7.8 million fine jewelry listings on eBay every day.
• eBay sold 8 fine jewelry items every minute in 2021.
• In 2021, eBay sold over 4.2 million fine jewelry items.
• Purchases of fine jewelry from brands like Chopard, Harry Winston and Hermes are +38% YoY in the past six months.
• Sales of poplar herringbone style bracelets and necklaces are up 48% and 26% respectively YoY.

The eBay Authenticity Guarantee for fine jewelry is now live in the United States.

The company did not announce a timeline for when its authentication service for the jewelry category may become available on other country marketplaces.

Presumably, it will need to find a local partner that can provide the service that GIA is offering to eBay in the US.

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