Shop fine jewellery with confidence

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help you shop with confidence. Jewellery experts with extensive industry knowledge physically inspect all eligible items before they are posted to you.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

It’s easy! Browse and shop eBay’s listings with the “Authenticity Guarantee” badge. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller posts the item to the authentication facility. There, the item goes through a multi-step inspection process. Once verified, the item is carefully packed and posted to your address at checkout via tracked, next day delivery, paid for by eBay!

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. Authenticity Guarantee is a complimentary service, and eBay covers the cost of authentication and fast, tracked, next day delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.

What jewellery items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Only selected listings on eBay.co.uk are eligible for the Service. eBay may amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions. Although only selected items are eligible at the current time, the Authenticity Guarantee will be rapidly expanding. Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge to see if items are included at this time. Eligible Items must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Sold Price: £500 and over, exclusive of postage (Auction items are also included in the service if the eligible item sells above £500.)

2. Condition: New and Used UK items.

3. Category: Fine Jewellery, Engagement & Wedding, Men’s Jewellery, Costume Jewellery.

4. Branded jewellery: Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, and Chopard.

5. Unbranded jewellery: Unbranded jewellery is defined as jewellery with no attributable designer, brand, or logo.

6. Engraved branded jewellery: Eligible if the item was engraved by the brand.

Additional information:

Country of origin will not be verified for any gemstone.

All listed items must meet the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973

Does eBay prohibit the sale of harmful materials in jewellery?

Yes, eBay prohibits the sale of materials found in eBay’s Hazardous Materials and Prohibited Items policies. All jewellery listed on eBay (including items eligible for Authenticity Guarantee) must comply with eBay’s Jewellery Policy including all applicable legal requirements related to levels of metals such as nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery.

The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge

2. Jewellery listed in categories not named above

3. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of jewellery such as Jewellery Mixed Lots or other items listed in the categories named above.

4. Items with ineligible stones: jade, opal, turquoise, quartz and amber and pearl

5. Customised branded jewellery

6. Engraved branded jewellery not outlined above

7. Items purchased using an offline payment method

8. Listings that offer local pickup

9. Items posted to P.O. Boxes

10. Items in breach of the Hazardous Materials, Prohibited Items and/or Jewellery policies.

Only items purchased on eBay.co.uk are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that post to a buyer address outside the UK are not eligible for the service at this time

All listed items must meet the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973

Ineligible items will not be authenticated. More information about item eligibility may be found here

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

Authenticity Guarantee for jewellery 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. For example: diamonds clearly stated as treated will not be verified for colour or clarity grades; coloured diamond treatments will not be verified; clarity is evaluated based on the area of the stone that is visible; areas of the stone that are covered by the setting will not be part of the evaluation and diamonds will only be verified for clarity when they are 0.15ct or more. More information can be found here.

Is customised jewellery eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

At this time, only customised jewellery that is unbranded is eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Customised branded jewellery is not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

An example of a customised item may be an item where the colour or composition of the original stone has changed, or where gemstones have been added.

Are personalised items eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes, unbranded personalised items are eligible. Branded items are only eligible if the personalisation was carried out by the brand.

For eligible branded and unbranded personalised items, the listing must state that the item has been personalised with an engraving. Our jewellery experts will verify that the personalisation matches what is stated in the listing.

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 jewellery. As a trusted authority on diamonds, coloured 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, jewellery experts will confirm that the item matches the listing. Then they will perform a multi-step 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 pack the jewellery piece before posting it to the buyer via tracked, next day delivery.

Is there an Authenticity Guarantee card?

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

Will original reports be verified and included with the item?

If the listing states that a report will be provided, the jewellery expert will confirm the report was included with the item. However, the information on the report will not be verified. Only reports from the Gemological Institute of America will be authenticated. Please note GIA will not be providing a new authentication report with the item.

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 jewellery experts will inspect the item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, as well as listing description accuracy, the item will be posted to you as soon as possible via tracked, next day delivery.

How can I track the progress of my purchase?

The order status will be updated in your “My eBay” purchase history and in the View Order Details section. Delivery information can be seen on My eBay Purchase History. The authentication status can be seen on View Order Details. You will also receive an order update email when your item has been inspected as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service.

How does delivery work?

For security reasons, you will need to provide a unique PIN code to the driver on delivery. When you receive your delivery updates, you will be advised of a 4-digit PIN code that you will need to provide to the driver. The PIN code will be clearly displayed in your updates via email, SMS or in the DPD app. Once the PIN code is provided to the driver, they will input it into their handheld device and if correct, the parcel will then be handed over to you. Please ensure that a valid email address and/or telephone number is registered on your eBay account in order to receive the PIN code.

I don't have a PIN code?

If you do not have your PIN code, then the driver can resend it to the email address and mobile number registered on your eBay account whilst at your doorstep, which you can then give to the driver so that the parcel can be handed over to you. If you do not have a device handy to access your PIN via email, SMS or DPD App, then the driver will be unable to hand over the parcel. The delivery will be re-attempted the following day or you will be able to reschedule your delivery to a day that’s more convenient to you. If unsuccessful again the parcel will be returned to us.

Signatures will be required instead of a PIN code for delivery to the following post codes: FK17 - FK21, GY1 - GY10, HS1 - HS9, IM, IV1 - IV63, JE1 - JE5, KA27 - KA28, KW0 - KW17, PA20 - PA38, PA41 - PA49, PA60 - PA78, PA80, PH19 - PH29, PH32 - PH33, PH45 - PH 48, PO30 - PO41 and ZE1 - ZE3.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

​​Yes, if the seller has included original packaging as described in the listing, all components will be sent to you.

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, you will be issued a full refund to your original payment method.

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

Your jewellery will be posted to the authentication facility. Once verified, the jewellery will be sent to the address you entered at checkout.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

You can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return takes place within the seller’s return window. In the unlikely event that you receive an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return. In order for a refund to be processed, all returns must be sent to the authentication facility for verification (to check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories, or that the item is not consistent with the listing) and re-authentication before the item is returned to the seller.

Learn more about eBay’s policy on condition of returned items here.

Does the eBay Money Back Guarantee protect authenticated items?

Authenticity Guarantee purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.

How does the return process work?

If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased or the item isn’t as described, the item will first be sent to eBay’s authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will inspect the item to confirm that the item returned matches the item originally sent to you by verifying the authenticity and condition including any original packaging or accessories (for clarity, this includes the item’s box where applicable). Once verified by the authenticator, it will be posted to the Seller and a refund will be processed. The seller or buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for postage costs to the authenticator, and eBay covers the postage cost to the Seller.

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

If the authenticator determines the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, it will be sent back to you and the return will be closed.

Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?

No, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a required service designed to protect buyers and sellers.

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

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.co.uk 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.

   eBay’s Money Back Guarantee covers items returned within the seller’s return window and items that satisfy the eligibility requirements and are not received, are not as described or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

   After the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 8(a) below) on eBay.co.uk the buyer automatically instructs eBay to initiate the Services. The item is then posted 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 posted 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.

4. Description of the Services.

   The Services are limited to a review of claims regarding jewellery quality and characteristics by the seller. These claims are assessed within defined ranges and tolerances. For example: diamonds clearly stated as treated will not be verified for colour or clarity grades; coloured diamond treatments will not be verified; clarity is evaluated based on the area of the stone that is visible; areas of the stone that are covered by the setting will not be part of the evaluation; and diamonds will only be verified for clarity when they are 0.15ct or more. To learn more click here.

   The Services are provided at an authentication facility for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items (as detailed below) purchased and delivered within the United Kingdom (“Authentication Facility”). Authenticators will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt at the facility and the authenticated item will then be sent to the buyer as soon as possible. This check will include inspection of the item for authenticity, and for accuracy against the item listing. By purchasing an Eligible Item, you agree and acknowledge that you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Facility to perform the Services. By listing an Eligible Item for sale, you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Facility to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer’s instructions. More information about the authentication experts and Services may be found here.

5. Materials in jewellery.

   Sellers agree to comply with all applicable legal requirements related to levels of metals such as nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery, as well as other poisons, carcinogens and materials prohibited under eBay’s Hazardous Materials and Prohibited Items policies. All jewellery listed on eBay must also comply with our Jewellery policy.

   Items may, in connection with the receipt of items and the performance of the Services for jewellery, 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.

6. Results of the Services for jewellery.

   The results of the Services for jewellery 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 Services for jewellery 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 Services for jewellery 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 Services for jewellery 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 Programme Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.co.uk; 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.

   a. Item Eligibility.

   Authenticity Guarantee is available for unbranded and selected branded (currently Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, and Chopard) and Jewellery, in new or preowned condition, listed under Fine Jewellery, Engagement & Wedding Jewellery, Costume Jewellery and Men's Jewellery categories, and sold for GBP £500 or more. Auction items are also included in the service if the eligible item sells above £500.

   Only selected listings on eBay.co.uk are eligible for the Service. eBay may amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions. Although only selected items are eligible at the current time, the Authenticity Guarantee will be rapidly expanding. Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge to see if items are included at this time.

   Branded jewellery is defined as jewellery with an attributable designer, brand or logo. Unbranded jewellery is defined as jewellery with no attributable designer, brand, or logo.

   All listed items must meet the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973.

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

   Eligible Items must satisfy the following conditions:

   Eligible Items must satisfy the following conditions:

   1. Sold Price: £500 and over, exclusive of postage (Auction items are also included in the service if the eligible item sells above £500.)

   2. Condition: New and Used UK items

   3. Category: Fine Jewellery, Engagement & Wedding, Men’s Jewellery, Costume Jewellery

   4. Branded jewellery: Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, and Chopard

   5. Unbranded jewellery: Unbranded jewellery is defined as jewellery with no attributable designer, brand, or logo.

   6. Engraved branded jewellery: Eligible if the item was engraved by the brand (evidence may be requested e.g., receipt).

   7. Metal purity: Items must be one of the following metal types and purity: Sterling silver (925+), gold (9ct+), palladium (500+), platinum (850+). For plated metal, the base metal composition must be as listed above. For further details click here.

   8. Gemstone type: Gemstones are not required. For items with a main gemstone(s) the main gemstone must be a diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, agate, aquamarine, aventurine, bloodstone, blue chalcedony, brecciated mookaite, carnelian, cat's eye chrysoberyl, chrysoprase, garnet, jasper, malachite, morganite, mother of pearl, moss agate, onyx, pearl, peridot, tanzanite, tiger's eye, topaz or tourmaline. Secondary gemstone(s) can be any gemstone species except for ineligible stones (see below).

   9. Gemstone treatments: Eligible gemstones are commonly treated. In most cases, GIA will verify these treatments. However, some gemstone treatments can only be verified through complex advanced testing. In these instances, GIA will not verify the treatment. For a full list of treatments that GIA does not verify, please see here.

   The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

   1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge

   2. Jewellery listed in categories not named above

   3. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of jewellery such as Jewellery Mixed Lots or other items listed in the categories named above.

   4. Items with ineligible stones: jade, opal, turquoise, quartz, amber and pearl

   5. Customised branded jewellery

   6. Engraved branded jewellery not outlined above

   7. Items purchased using an offline payment method

   8. Listings that offer local pickup

   9. Items posted to P.O. Boxes

   10. Items in breach of the Hazardous Materials, Prohibited Items and/or Jewellery policies

       Ineligible items will not be authenticated.

   b. Country Eligibility.

   The Authenticity Guarantee service on ebay.co.uk is available for buyers with a delivery address in the United Kingdom. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for Authenticity Guarantee or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice.

   c. Additional Info.

   For a jewellery item to be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, it must be listed at a price of £480 or over. If listed at the minimum price of £480, the final sale price will always be at least £500 as the buyer will be subject to a Buyer Protection Fee.

9. Party Roles

   1. Your Role as Seller.

      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Facility to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer’s instructions and you authorise its inspection by authenticators subsequent to its purchase.

      Upon purchase, you are required to post the Eligible Item, using a postage service with signature confirmation, to a facility located within the United Kingdom, as directed by eBay. You cannot drop off or deliver the Eligible Item in-person at the Authentication Facility. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of postage to the Authentication Facility is not covered by eBay.

      You acknowledge and agree that if the authenticators cannot verify an item’s authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you shall cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

   2. Your Role as Buyer.

      By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Facility to perform the Services. You acknowledge and agree to inspection 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 post the Eligible Item using a postage service with signature confirmation to the Authentication Facility and to the inspection of the Eligible Item 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 8.a or 8.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.

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.co.uk 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 postage 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. eBay assumes the delivery risk from the Authentication Facility to the buyer and any items lost or damaged at the Authentication Facility. Items that are undeliverable or otherwise unclaimed after thirty (30) days will be considered abandoned and eBay reserves the right to donate or otherwise dispose of the item in our sole and absolute discretion.

12. Service Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right to amend, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee.