What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help you shop with confidence. Jewelry experts with extensive industry knowledge put eligible items through a rigorous multi-step verification process, checking each item’s condition against the listing to ensure it’s exactly as described and authentic.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

Search for eligible items by selecting Authenticity Guarantee in the filter menu. Eligible items will have a blue Authenticity Guarantee badge in the search results and on the item detail page. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller ships the item to the authentication facility. There, the item goes through a multi-step inspection process. Once verified, the item is carefully packaged and shipped to you through expedited, signature-required shipping.

For qualifying jewelry items priced between $200-$499, you will see an optional add-on service available on the item page for Authenticity Guarantee. When you add the Authenticity Guarantee service to your purchase, the seller will send the item directly to a third-party authenticator. The authenticator will thoroughly inspect and verify your item’s authenticity before it is shipped to you safely.

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 you.

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

How do I know if an item is eligible for Authenticity Guarantee? 

You can identify eligible listings by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee checkmark in the search results and on the item detail page. You can also search for eligible items by selecting Authenticity Guarantee in the filter menu.

Which jewelry items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee? 

Authenticity Guarantee is available for select unbranded jewelry, 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, Effy, Gucci, Hearts On Fire, Hermès, H.Stern, Ippolita, John Hardy, Judith Ripka, Konstantino, Lagos, Le Vian, Marco Bicego, Mastoloni, Mikimoto, Pomellato, Roberto Coin, Scott Kay, Simon G, Tacori, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Verragio, Vera Wang.

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 either. 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. 

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. 

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, you can choose to add-on the optional Authenticity Guarantee service.

Who is providing eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee 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 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. 

What happens at the authentication facility?

Once the item arrives at the authentication facility, jewelry and diamond experts will confirm that the item matches the listing. 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 piece before shipping it to the buyer via secure, expedited delivery.

Is there an authentication card? 

Yes, all verified items come with custom physical and digital documentation providing more information about the item’s authenticity.

Will original certificates be verified and included with the item? 

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

How long will the authentication process take? 

After you purchase an eligible item, the seller is required to send the item to the authentication facility, where they inspect the item within two business days of receipt. Once verified, the item is carefully packaged and shipped to you via expedited, signature-required delivery.

How can I track the progress of my purchase?

Tracking information is available on the Purchase History page, where you'll be able to track the shipment of your order and see exactly where it is in the authentication process. You will also receive an order update email once your item goes through inspection. 

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

Signature confirmation will be required for items over $750.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

Additional seller collateral that impacts the size or weight of the total package may not be included in the repackaging. Additionally, seller collateral that may damage theitem in shipment will be removed.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the item does not match the listing or the item’s authenticity can’t be verified, the jewelry and diamond experts will send the item back to the seller. You will be issued a full refund to your original payment method. 

What if I purchase an item with an Authenticity Guarantee badge but once it gets to the authentication facility it’s deemed as ineligible for verification? 

If an item was miscategorized and is sent to the authentication facility, we will not verify the item and will ship it directly to you. If you wish to return your item because it did not go through Authenticity Guarantee, and the seller does not accept returns, we will still accept your return as long as the return requested is within the eBay Money Back Guarantee time frames.

What should I do if I want to change or cancel my order?

You can request to cancel your order through the Purchase History page within an hour of purchase if the seller has not yet shipped the item. 

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate address changes at this time. Please double check to make sure you've entered the correct address. Learn more about canceling your order here.

Where is my item shipping to, and why is it not my address?

As the first step in our Authenticity Guarantee process, your item will first ship to the authentication facility. Once verified, the item will be sent to the address you entered at checkout.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee? 

You can return an item for any reason if the seller accepts returns and the return is requested within the seller's return window. In the unlikely event that you receive an item that does not match the listing you can return the item, even if the seller doesn’t accept returns, as long as the return is requested within theeBay Money Back Guaranteetime frames.

Does the eBay Money Back Guarantee protect authenticated items? 

Yes, authenticated items are covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee as long as all eligibility requirements are met.

How does the return process work?

You will first send the returned item to the authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, jewelry and diamond experts will verify the item returned is the same item and in the same condition as received. Once verified, the expert will ship the item to the seller, and a refund will be processed. The seller or buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for shipping costs to the authentication facility, and eBay covers the shipping cost from the authentication facility to the seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the jewelry expert after I requested a return?

If the jewelry and diamond expert determines the returned item is not the same item or is not in the same condition, the item will be sent back to the buyer and the return is denied. Learn more about our Condition of returned items policy.

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 and loose diamonds 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.