Authenticity Guarantee for jewelry

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help you sell with confidence. Jewelry experts with extensive industry knowledge inspect eligible items before shipping to the buyer, enabling them to shop more confidently. In the case of returns, Authenticity Guarantee ensures that each return is the same item in the same condition as it was received by the buyer.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

All eligible items have an Authenticity Guarantee blue checkmark badge on the top right of the listing. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller is required to ship the item to the authentication facility. There, the item goes through a multi-point inspection process. Once verified, the item is sent directly to your buyer through expedited, signature-required shipping.

For qualifying jewelry items priced between $200-$499, buyers will see an optional add-on service available on the item page for Authenticity Guarantee. When they add the Authenticity Guarantee service to their purchase, the seller will send the item directly to the authentication facility. There, jewelry and diamond experts will thoroughly inspect and verify the item’s authenticity before it is safely shipped to the buyers.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

For eligible jewelry items priced $500 or more, Authenticity Guarantee is a complimentary service, and eBay covers the cost of authentication and expedited shipping from the authentication facility to the buyer.

For jewelry priced between $200-$499, the cost to add the Authenticity Guarantee service on qualifying items is $40 per item plus applicable taxes, applied at checkout.

Which jewelry items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is available for select unbranded, branded jewelry and loose diamonds, in new or preowned condition, and sold for $500 USD or more. Auction items are also included in the service if the eligible item sells above $500.

Eligible jewelry that is listed and sold for $200-$499 USD is eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service.

All jewelry categories have eligible items except for Loose Beads, Loose Gemstones, Jewelry Care, Design & Repair, Jewelry Mixed Lots, Watches, Parts & Accessories.

Eligible brands are Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, David Yurman, Hearts On Fire, John Hardy, Judith Ripka, Le Vian, Pomellato, Roberto Coin, Tacori, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Scott Kay, Verragio, Simon G, Effy, Mikimoto, Mastoloni, Vera Wang, Hermes, Lagos.

To be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, unbranded and branded jewelry must also meet the following criteria:

• Metal purity: Items must be one of the following metal types and purity: Sterling silver (925+), gold (9K+), palladium (500+), platinum (850+). For plated metal, the base metal composition must be as listed above.
• Gemstone type: Gemstones are not required. However, for items with a main gemstone(s), all gemstone varieties are eligible except the following that are excluded from the AG program: Amber, Copal, Turquoise, Jet, Mabe Pearl, Ivory, Tortoise Shell, Plastic, Pyrite, Marcasite, Chrysocolla, Howlite, Musgravite, Taaffeite.
• Secondary Stone: Any Stone, No Stone, except excluded stones mentioned above.
• Gemstone treatments: colored gemstones that are eligible for verification are commonly treated, the assumption is that all gemstones are treated unless otherwise stated. In most cases, GIA will verify these treatments. However, some gemstone treatments can only be verified through complicated advanced testing. In these special cases, GIA will not verify the treatment. Any rare gemstone requiring complicated advanced testing will not be verified. For a full list of treatments that GIA does not verify, see the AG program disclaimer.
• Additional information:
  • Country of origin will not be verified for any gemstone.
  • The natural or laboratory-grown origin of all varieties of quartz and Hematite cannot be determined.
  • Chalcedony, Garnet and Feldspar Species will be verified but the varieties cannot be specified due to the required advanced testing.
  • Jade is an umbrella term used for Jadeite, Nephrite, Omphacite and Kosmochlor. Jade will be verified but the four terms mentioned will not be verified due to the required advanced testing.

To be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, loose diamonds must also meet the following criteria: 

• 1 piece per listing, minimum carat weight 0.15 ct, be a natural stone or laboratory grown, be colorless within the D to Z range.

Only select items purchased on eBay.com are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that are listed on eBay.com from eligible sellers located in the United States to a buyer located in the United States are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Items shipping to addresses outside of the United States are not eligible. Unincorporated territories (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and armed forces postal locations are not currently covered.

What if I list my jewelry item for $500 and accept a Best Offer below $500, will it be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. Your item will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and sent to the authentication facility for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of $500 or more with either auction format or Best Offer are also eligible.

How do you determine Authenticity Guarantee eligibility for auction-style listings?

All auction-style listings that sell for over $500 are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, regardless of the starting price.

For jewelry priced between $200-$499, the buyer can choose to add-on the optional Authenticity Guarantee service for a fee.

Is customized jewelry eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

At this time, only customized jewelry that is unbranded is eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Customized branded jewelry is not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

An item has been customized if the color, composition, quality of stones or other components and overall design has been altered since being originally manufactured. Customization includes enhancements, repairs, and size adjustments.

Are personalized items eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes, as long as the listing states the item has been personalized with an engraving. Our jewelry experts will verify that the personalization matches what is stated in the listing.

How do I ensure my listing will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Make sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-3 below.

1. Meet the eligibility requirements. Eligible items include a branded or unbranded jewelry item (new or used), or a loose diamond. An eligible item may be listed according to its characteristics, within any Jewelry or Loose Diamonds categories: Fine Jewelry, Men’s Jewelry, Wedding & Engagement, Antique & Vintage, Children’s Jewelry, Fashion Jewelry, Ethnic, Regional & Tribal, Handcrafted & Artisan Jewelry, Other Jewelry and Loose Diamonds. An eligible item must be priced at $500 and above. For eligible jewelry items priced between $200-$499, the buyer can choose to add-on the optional Authenticity Guarantee service for a fee.
2. Select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your item:
   1. New with tag: A brand-new, unused item in the original packaging (such as the original packaging/dust bag).
   2. New without tags: A brand-new, unused item that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials. For example, a new jewelry item (with absolutely no signs of wear) no longer in the original packaging/dust bag falls into this category.
   3. New with defects: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item. Possible cosmetic imperfections range from natural color variations to light scratches due to handling. The item may be missing the original retail packaging materials (such as original box or tag). New factory seconds and/or new irregular items may fall into this category. The original tags may or may not be attached. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
   4. Pre-owned: An item that has been used, worn, or showing signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging materials or accessories. Include full details and description of any imperfections in your listing.
3. Accurately describe your item in detail and take as many photographs as needed. Ensure that you capture any defects, including tears in the box and any anomalies on the jewelry item, etc. If using stock images or screenshots, they must include original accessories. If taking your photos, everything pictured will be assumed as included. Accurate documentation and photographs will ensure your item can flow through the authentication process smoothly.

How can I confirm my item qualified for Authenticity Guarantee?

A blue badge with "Authenticity Guarantee" will automatically appear on your item's listing page. Upon making a sale, you can also check your order details in the Seller Hub sold section. If the item is eligible, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your item sold with Authenticity Guarantee.

Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?

For jewelry priced $500 or more, you cannot choose to bypass the authentication service as eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a required service designed to protect buyers and sellers.

For jewelry priced between $200-$499, the buyer can choose to add-on the optional Authenticity Guarantee service.

Where am I shipping the item?

eBay will provide you with the address of the authentication center along with the buyer's name and a unique ID number. Please use the exact address eBay provides and include the unique ID number on Address Line 2. Once the jewelry expert verifies the item, they will ship it to the buyer's address at no cost to you.

How do I provide tracking information?

Once you've shipped the item, you'll need to upload tracking information through the My eBay tab. Providing tracking information ensures your item will be inspected and seller protections cover you. It also allows buyers to track the progress of their purchases through each step of our authentication process.

Can I offer combined shipping?

Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined shipping promotions since each authenticated item is put into a separate order for processing. Please ship all orders individually.

How do I track the status of my item?

You can track the status of your item throughout the process in the View Order Details section of your Seller Hub.

What happens at the authentication facility?

Once the authentication facility receives the jewelry piece or loose diamond, an expert confirms the item is consistent with the listing image, title, and description. Then they will perform a multi-point inspection process to verify metal type, purity, and gemstone quality, among other characteristics as described in the listing. Finally, they will generate custom documentation verifying the item's authenticity, and carefully package the jewelry piece before shipping it to the buyer via secure, expedited delivery.

Who is providing the authentication service?

eBay is collaborating with GIA®, the Gemological Institute of America®, to provide our Authenticity Guarantee service. GIA® is a nonprofit institute dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry. As the trusted authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls, GIA® upholds the highest standards in gemological research, education, and science.

Are seller promotional items included in the repackaging?

Seller promotional collateral remains with the jewelry or loose diamond through shipping as long as the item's size and weight do not cause the package to exceed our Authenticity Guarantee packaging. Additional seller collateral that impacts the size or weight of the total package may not be included in the repackaging.

What should I include/not include in my shipment to the authentication facility?

You can include seller promotional materials, but please do not include seller branded jewelry pouches. Original jewelry packaging should be included if it is part of the item listing.

Are certificates verified and included in the repackaging?

If the listing states that a certificate will be provided, the jewelry expert will confirm the certificate was included with the item and will be repackaged. However, the information on the certificate will not be verified. Only certificates from the Gemological Institute of America will be authenticated.

What will happen if I send an off-brand or counterfeit item?

We will not send off-brand or counterfeit item(s) to a buyer, even if you include them in the listing description. We will only send off-brand item(s) back to you if you provide a return label.

Off-brand items are accessories or collateral items that do not match or belong to the jewelry brand. Counterfeit is any percentage of the piece that has been modified with the intent to deceive, meaning the quality of the modification appears professionally made.

Is there an authentication card?

Yes, verified jewelry and loose diamonds will receive a unique authentication card containing a QR code confirming that it is authentic.

What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?

Items will be inspected within two business days after they receive it. Once verified, the item will be shipped directly to your buyer with three-day, signature required delivery.

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

Signature confirmation will be required for items over $750.

What should I do if I need to cancel the order?

If you can't complete a sale with a buyer, you can cancel the order by locating the sale in Seller Hub or the My eBay tab and following the cancellation process. The buyer will be notified of the order cancellation immediately. Learn more about canceling an order.

Can buyers return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

Buyers can return an item for any reason if you accept returns, and the return is requested within your return window. In the unlikely event the buyer determines an item is not as described in the listing and the return is requested within the eBay Money Back Guarantee time frames, you will need to accept the return.

In the case of a return, how does Authenticity Guarantee work?

For eligible returns, we will instruct the buyer to send the item back to the authentication facility. If the buyer is returning because they changed their mind, your return policy determines who pays for shipping costs back to the authentication facility. If the buyer is returning because the item isn’t as described, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs to the authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, a jewelry expert will check to verify that the returned item is the same item in the same condition as it was sent to the buyer. If the item passes inspection, the jewelry expert will ship it to you. Otherwise, the item will be sent back to the buyer and the return denied. If buyer abuse is detected, eBay will take appropriate action. Learn more about our abusive buyer policy.

Why would my item be returned to me by the jewelry expert?

Your item may be returned to you if it does not pass our authentication checks, or if the item is not consistent with your photographs and item description. You will not be charged for the cost of shipping the return, and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately.

Can I relist my item if it did not pass our authentication checks due to the item condition not matching the listing description?

Yes, to avoid not passing authentication due to the item not being accurately described, we recommend adding all damage, wear and tear to the listing description and more photos of the item to verify the condition.

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost while in possession of the jewelry experts?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in possession of the authentication facility, eBay will refund the buyer and will not seek reimbursement from you.

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost in transit when it is shipped from the authentication facility to the buyer?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged, please notify eBay Customer Support.

What automated protections does eBay have for sellers?

We have automated protections for sellers who send their items to the authentication facility within their stated handling time. Once the item goes through inspection and is sent to the buyer, sellers are fully protected against any negative or neutral feedback. The Item Not Received cases will be removed from the Service Metrics dashboard before the next evaluation cycle. Should an Item Not Received case be closed and a refund issued to the buyer, the seller will not be responsible for that refund as long as eBay has tracking confirming delivery to the authentication facility, which can be found in the View Order Details.

Does eBay prohibit the sale of harmful materials in jewelry?

Yes, the following materials are not allowed to be sold on eBay: Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Selenium, Phthalates.

What aspects will be authenticated and how are aspect values determined?

Authenticity Guarantee for jewelry is limited to a review of claims regarding item quality and characteristics listed by the seller. These claims are assessed within defined ranges and tolerances. Learn more.

Is Authenticity Guarantee associated with any brands sold on eBay?

No, the Authenticity Guarantee service is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands sold on eBay.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Jewelry (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Jewelry”) makes inspection and authentication services (“Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.com. These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Jewelry and Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items detailed below sold and purchased on eBay.com and sets out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for Jewelry.

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.com User Agreement, eBay’s User Privacy Notice, and all policies posted on our sites (collectively, and as the same may be amended from time to time, “eBay’s Policies”) apply in addition to these Terms. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between these Terms and eBay’s Policies, these Terms will control as to all matters that they explicitly address. For all matters not explicitly addressed by these Terms, eBay’s Policies will control.

2. Applicability of eBay's Money Back Guarantee.

   For authenticated items, eBay Money Back Guarantee only covers items that satisfy the eBay Money Back Guarantee eligibility requirements and are not received or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Applicability of eBay Hazardous Materials Policy.

   After the purchase of an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to an authentication facility to carefully inspect the item’s authenticity and conformity to the item’s listing details. Upon confirmation of the item by the authentication facility, it is properly packaged and securely shipped to the buyer. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, the item is returned to the seller and a refund is issued. Sellers agree to comply with eBay’s Hazardous Materials Policy found here. Items may, in connection with the receipt of items and the performance of the Authentication Services for Jewelry, be tested for radiation in compliance with certain governmental regulatory standards. If an item has a level of radioactivity in excess of the applicable standards, eBay will comply with the requirements of the applicable regulatory bodies. Irradiated items may not be returned to a seller if the item has a level of radioactivity in excess of the applicable standards and may be transferred to an entity authorized to receive irradiated articles.

4. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

   After the purchase of an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item (description in Section 8(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to an authentication facility to carefully inspect the item’s authenticity and conformity to the item’s listing details. Upon confirmation of the item by the authentication facility, it is properly packaged and securely shipped to the buyer. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, the item is returned to the seller and a refund is issued.

5. Description of the Services.

   The Services are provided at an authentication facility for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items (as detailed below) purchased and delivered within the United States (“Authentication Facility”). Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt by checking logos, tags, materials, hardware, quality, and more as applicable, and for accuracy against the item listing. Items may also be photographed for use by eBay or its licensees as part of eBay’s image catalog or for any other purpose, at eBay’s exclusive discretion.

   By listing for sale or purchasing an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item, you acknowledge and agree that the Eligible Item is sent to the Authentication Facility to perform the Services. More information about the Authentication Services may be found here.

6. Results of the Authentication Services for Jewelry.

   The results of the Authentication Services for Jewelry do not include valuation, grading, or appraisal of any item. eBay does not provide valuations, gradings or appraisals of any items in connection with the performance of the Services.

   The results of the Authentication Services for Jewelry are provided using the techniques, equipment and knowledge used or applied at the time the Services were performed, which techniques, equipment and knowledge may be different from the techniques, equipment and knowledge used at another time, The results of the Authentication Services for Jewelry may differ from the results of similar services performed on the same item by others depending upon when, how, and by whom the services were performed, the then-current state of the technology and knowledge used for the Services, and may differ in the future as a result of changes and improvements in techniques and equipment.

   eBay is under no obligation to modify or update the results of the Authentication Services for Jewelry once the buyer has received the item, notwithstanding any varying report from another service provider, change in technology or methods used to perform the Services, new services offered, or how results are provided for the same or a similar item provided in the past or in the future.

   The testing techniques and the technology used for testing items to determine if they are laboratory-grown, have been treated, and the like are subject to change, evolving and include certain subjective elements, and the ways in which an item might be laboratory-grown or treated are changing and dynamic and are becoming more sophisticated. As a result, it might not be possible in all cases to determine whether an item is unstable, laboratory-grown or has been treated using then-current techniques and technology and eBay makes no representations or warranties in this regard.

7. Authenticity Guarantee Program Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.com; however, eBay reserves the right to institute, alter or amend fees or costs associated with the Services, at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion.

8. Eligibility.
   1. Item Eligibility.

      Only select listings on eBay.com are eligible for the Service. eBay reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you, to alter or amend the eligibility requirements for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category and/or value of items and/or transactions. Ineligible items will not be authenticated. eBay reserves the right to charge sellers for costs affiliated with processing miscategorized items or to impose additional consequences including account suspension where items are improperly routed to avoid Authenticity Guarantee. More information about Eligible Items may be found here.

   2. Country Eligibility.

      The Authenticity Guarantee program is not available for all countries. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee program or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice. The countries currently eligible may be found here.

9. Party Roles.
   1. Your Role as Seller.

      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by an authenticator subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to a facility located within the United States, as directed by eBay; the cost of shipping to the authentication facility is not covered by eBay.

   2. Your Role as Buyer.

      By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you acknowledge and agree to inspection and photographing of the Eligible Item by the authenticator prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to ship the Eligible Item to the authenticator and to inspect the Eligible Item by the authenticator before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on returns under the Authenticity Guarantee can be found here.

   3. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.

      If buyer or seller circumvent or do not comply with Sections 9.a or 9.b of these Terms, or if buyer or seller violate or are found to be non-compliant with the Terms, eBay reserves the right to take immediate action such as, but not limited to, account restriction or suspension or the transfer of fees and costs associated with Authenticity Guarantee.

   4. Impact of Fraud Detection on Buyers and Sellers.

      You acknowledge and agree that if the authenticator detects fraud or suspects that an item is counterfeit, the item will be removed from marketplace circulation- neither buyer or seller will receive the item; in addition, eBay will work with the proper authorities as needed.

10. Data Privacy.

    eBay’s collection of personal information in connection with the Authenticity Guarantee program is governed by the User Privacy Policy that applies to your use of the eBay.com website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. In order for the Authentication Facility to provide the Services under the Program, the order information, including, but not limited to your name, address, email address, telephone number, is provided to the Authentication Facility. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authentication Facility, who may disclose this information, however collected, to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (such as shipping carriers and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the Services.

11. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered.

    Items that are lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are eligible for eBay's Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eBay Money Back Guarantee guidelines.

12. Program Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right, but not the obligation, to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee program, the name of Authenticity Guarantee, any of the Services provided under the program, features, and/or functionality offered under Authenticity Guarantee, and/or the service providers used to provide any or all of the Services under Authenticity Guarantee, at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you.

13. Amendment.

    eBay may amend these Terms, including applicable fees, at any time by posting the amended terms on the eBay site. Except as stated elsewhere, all amended terms shall take effect immediately and automatically when posted on the eBay site.