Authenticity Guarantee for Jewellery FAQs
What is Authenticity Guarantee?
eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are posted to the buyer and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to the seller.
How does Authenticity Guarantee work?
An “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge is applied to all eligible items. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller is required to post the item to the authentication facility. There, the item goes through a multi-point 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. eBay covers the cost of authentication and fast, tracked, next day delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.
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 jewellery with materials found in eBay’s Hazardous Materials and Prohibited Items policies. Sellers should ensure their items comply with these policies as well as all applicable legal requirements related to levels of metals such as nickel cadmium, and lead in jewellery. It’s recommended that sellers check all product safety guidance, reports and portals as well as other guidance from organisations such as the Assay Office.
All jewellery listed on eBay must comply with the Jewellery Policy.
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.
Which 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:
- Price: £500 and over, exclusive of postage (Auction items are also included in the service if the eligible item sells above £500.)
- Condition: New and Used UK items
- Category: Fine Jewellery, Engagement & Wedding, Men’s Jewellery, Costume Jewellery
- Branded jewellery: Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari and Chopard
- Unbranded jewellery: Unbranded jewellery is defined as jewellery with no attributable designer, brand, or logo.
- Engraved branded jewellery: Eligible if the item was engraved by the brand (evidence may be requested e.g., receipt).
- 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 information, please see here.
- 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). For further information, please see here.
- 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.
Additional information:
Country of origin will not be verified for any gemstone.
All listed items must meet the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973
The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:
- Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge
- Jewellery listed in categories not named above
- Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of jewellery such as Jewellery Mixed Lots or other items listed in the categories named above.
- Ineligible stones
- Customised branded jewellery
- Engraved branded jewellery not outlined above
- Items purchased using an offline payment method
- Listings that offer local pickup
- Items posted to P.O. Boxes
- 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 if I list my jewellery 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 £500 or above are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.
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, and we may request evidence of the same.
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.
I sell eligible items on eBay now, do I need to do anything?
In order to properly protect you and the buyer, our authentication process will be more stringent about how items are described. You should review your items listed in the Fine Jewellery, Engagement & Wedding Jewellery, Costume Jewellery and Men's Jewellery categories, making sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-3 set out below.
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your jewellery item:
- New with tag: A brand-new, unused item in the original packaging (such as the original packaging/dust bag).
- 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 jewellery item (with absolutely no signs of wear) no longer in the original packaging/dust bag falls into this category.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 jewellery 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 tick 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?
No, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee is a required service designed to protect buyers and sellers.
Where am I posting the item?
eBay will provide you with the address of the authentication facility along with the buyer’s name and an ebay authentication code in the format 'ebay:xxxxxxx'. Be sure to use the exact delivery address eBay provides including the authentication code, as the authenticators need that to process your order. The item must be posted to the address provided, sellers cannot drop off or deliver items to the authentication facility in person. Once your item is verified and authenticated it will be forwarded on to the buyer’s address at no extra cost to you.
How do I provide tracking information?
Once you've posted 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 postage?
Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined postage promotions since each authenticated item is put into a separate order for processing. Please post 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 jewellery piece, a jewellery 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 jewellery piece before posting it to the buyer via tracked, next day delivery, paid for by eBay!
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, colored stones, and pearls, GIA upholds the highest standards in gemological research, education, and science.
Are reports verified and included in the repackaging?
If the listing states that a report will be provided, the jewellery expert will confirm the report was included with the item and will be repackaged. 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.
Is there an authentication card?
Yes, verified jewellery 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?
The authenticator will inspect the item within two business days after they receive it. Following inspection, the item will be posted to the buyer via tracked, next day delivery.
Estimated delivery dates will automatically be adjusted on eligible listings.
How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?
When a buyer decides to return an item in accordance with the seller’s return policy or if the item is not as described, they will be instructed to send the item back to the authentication facility. Your return policy determines whether you or the buyer pays for postage costs back to the authenticator. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will verify that the returned item matches the authenticity and condition in which it was originally sent to the buyer. If the item passes the authenticity and condition inspection, the buyer will be refunded and the item will be returned to you with fast, tracked, next day delivery.y, at no cost to the seller.
Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?
Your item will be returned to you if the item condition is not consistent with your photographs and item description. You will not be charged for the cost of posting the return and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified, you will cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.
What will happen if my item is damaged or lost while in possession of the jewellery experts?
In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in possession of the authenticator, eBay will refund the buyer and will not seek reimbursement from you. Should the item be lost or damaged before reaching the authentication facility, the seller is responsible.
What will happen if my item is damaged or lost in transit when it is posted from the jewellery experts 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.