Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Jewelry Appraisals in New York
Established in 1989, Jewelry Judge has built a reputation as a trusted national network of independent certified jewelry appraisers. Our mission is to provide impartial, transparent evaluations of fine jewelry, including diamonds, gemstones, watches, and engagement rings, without any conflict of interest from buying or selling activities. Our team of certified professionals delivers comprehensive appraisals with detailed documentation, including computer-generated reports and diamond grading plots for items over 1 carat. We prioritize client education, explaining each step of the appraisal process to ensure customers understand the value and characteristics of their jewelry.With locations across multiple states, we serve clients seeking appraisals for insurance, estate planning, divorce settlements, or personal knowledge. Our commitment to integrity and expertise has earned recognition from the Better Business Bureau, including multiple Pinnacle and Award of Distinction honors. We remain dedicated to maintaining our founding principle: offering professional, educational, and trustworthy jewelry appraisal services while you watch.
Services
Diamond Appraisals
Engagement Ring Appraisals
Watch Appraisals
Gemstone Appraisals
Estate Appraisals
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We provide impartial appraisals without buying or selling jewelry
- Certified professionals deliver detailed computer-generated documentation
- On-site explanations educate clients during the appraisal process
- Specialized diamond grading reports with internal characteristic plots
- Decades of experience serving insurance, estate, and personal needs
What people say
Professional staff
Detailed reports
Educational experience
Transparent process
Impartial evaluations
Services
Diamond Appraisals
Our certified appraisers provide comprehensive diamond evaluations using industry-standard grading criteria. Each appraisal includes detailed analysis of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, with internal characteristic plots for diamonds over 1 carat. We explain every step of the process while creating computer-generated reports with itemized photographs.
Engagement Ring Appraisals
Specialized appraisals for engagement rings assess both the center stone and setting. We document metal purity, craftsmanship quality, and design elements while providing insurance-grade valuation reports. Our team explains how market factors affect pricing and offers guidance for future maintenance.
Watch Appraisals
We authenticate and value luxury watches through mechanical inspection and market analysis. Appraisals cover brand provenance, movement type, condition, and rarity factors. Clients receive detailed reports with photographs and recommendations for insurance coverage based on current market values.
Gemstone Appraisals
Our gemologists analyze colored gemstones for natural origin, treatment history, and quality characteristics. Each appraisal includes spectral analysis, weight verification, and market pricing assessment. We provide educational insights about gemstone properties while creating detailed documentation for insurance purposes.
Estate Appraisals
We conduct thorough evaluations of jewelry collections for estate planning or settlement purposes. Our appraisals meet probate requirements with detailed itemization and fair market value assessments. Clients receive organized reports with photographic documentation to facilitate equitable distribution or liquidation processes.
People
Barry S. Block
Founder
Barry S. Block established Jewelry Judge in 1989 as New York's first Master Gemologist Appraiser. With decades of experience, he pioneered the company's educational appraisal approach and remains a key figure in promoting impartial jewelry evaluation standards.
James L. Peddicord
Certified Appraiser
James L. Peddicord brings extensive gemological expertise to Virginia locations. As a certified professional, he specializes in diamond grading and estate jewelry evaluation while maintaining the company's commitment to transparent, educational appraisals.
Richard B. Drucker
Senior Appraiser
Richard B. Drucker serves Illinois clients with specialized knowledge in antique and vintage jewelry appraisal. His expertise in historical craftsmanship combined with modern valuation methods ensures accurate assessments for insurance and estate purposes.
Ben Gordon
Certified Gemologist
Ben Gordon provides Texas-based jewelry evaluations with focus on diamond certification and watch authentication. His technical precision and client education approach align with Jewelry Judge's founding principles of impartial, transparent service.
Geoffrey A. Nelson
Lead Appraiser
Geoffrey A. Nelson oversees California operations with expertise in colored gemstone valuation. His detailed reports and market analysis capabilities support clients seeking accurate insurance documentation and investment-grade jewelry assessments.
Questions
Why choose The Jewelry Judge over local jewelers?
We specialize exclusively in impartial appraisals without buying or selling conflicts. Our certified gemologists provide detailed documentation and educational insights during the evaluation process.
What happens during a jewelry appraisal?
Our certified appraisers examine your jewelry under magnification, explain quality characteristics, and document findings in computer-generated reports with photographs and diamond grading plots when applicable.
Do you offer online jewelry appraisals?
While we primarily conduct in-person appraisals, we provide educational resources about jewelry valuation through our website and social media platforms.
How are diamond appraisals conducted?
Diamond appraisals analyze cut, color, clarity, and carat weight using professional equipment. Diamonds over 1 carat receive detailed grading reports with internal characteristic plots for identification.
What locations do you serve?
We operate in New York, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and Nevada with plans to expand our network of certified appraisers nationwide.
How do I prepare for an appraisal?
Bring your jewelry clean and ready for examination. No special preparation is needed - our appraisers will explain each step of the evaluation process during your appointment.
Reviews (4)
Sharyn S.
May 12, 2022
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This man is exceptional. I came to him with a high-drama estate collection of over 200 pieces of jewelry. He understood the urgency and the turnaround was within days when I was ready to wait months. He has vast knowledge and was able to identify and describe the finest details. Highly recommend.
Faisal Yamin
Dec 27, 2021
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Barry would have a 7 start rating if there was such a thing. He accommodated my time sensitive request and it was a pleasure. Thank you so much and stay in touch
Nancy L.
Mar 20, 2021
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I recently went to Jewelry Judge to get my diamond ring appraised. Barry was very professional and knowledgeable. He answered all my questions in detail. His appraisal was very accurate and in line with my certificate. Would definitely recommend him.
Stamatis Kakleas
Dec 24, 2020
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I couldn't be happier with Barry's work. A world-class jewelry appraisal with a local footprint/vibe. Top notch service and process. I really appreciate the fact that he does not work with jewelers and serves up a pure un-biased appraisal and report. I will be using Barry for ALL jewelry and watch appraisals going forward. If you recently bought an engagement ring and want to certify versus the documentation you received with it, go here. A true master. Thank you Barry!
