Gold and diamond bracelet with marquise and emerald-cut diamonds resting on a soft pink surface.

Expert Jewelry Appraisals & Valuations

Master GIA Graduate Gemologist Ben Gordon provides comprehensive, unbiased appraisals you can trust. We don't buy or sell jewelry, we help you understand and document the jewelry you have.

73+

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

GIA

MASTER GEMOLOGIST

While-You-Watch Service

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Transparent from start to finish

We don’t buy or sell

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100% unbiased jewelry appraisals

Houston, TX

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In-person & virtual appointments

Comprehensive Appraisal &
Consultation Services

OUR SERVICES

Trusted by Houston families for over 70 years for every kind of jewelry appraisal need, across insurance, estate, legal, and personal evaluations.

A person using a jeweler's loupe to examine a diamond-encrusted piece of jewelry.

Jewelry Appraisals

Authenticating and providing detailed written value documentation to help you understand what you own. Accepted by all major insurance carriers to protect your treasured pieces.

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Expert Repair Services

Professional repairs performed with care, from prong re-tipping and clasp replacement to full restorations of heirloom pieces.

Collection of jewelry including a gold flower-shaped brooch, two pearl and rhinestone earrings, a diamond necklace, a flower-shaped rhinestone pendant on a chain, a silver chain bracelet, a diamond and gold lipstick-shaped pendant, and a pair of diamond and gold numbered pins.

Inherited Jewelry Valuation

We examine inherited pieces and help you understand what you have, its history and craftsmanship, and what it's worth today, with thorough documentation.

Gold jewelry including two rings and multiple chains and necklaces placed on a round metallic surface.

Gold & Precious Metals Testing

Accurate testing and valuation of gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals using professional lab equipment.

A jewelry store clerk hands a bracelet to a customer, while another customer inspects jewelry with a smartphone in hand. The display case contains various jewelry pieces.

Purchase or Resale Valuation & Advice

To avoid any conflicts of interest, we do not buy or sell jewelry. In many cases, we might be able to refer you to one of our trusted resources to obtain the best price.

Close-up of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch with a two-tone gold and silver band, diamond-encrusted bezel, and mother-of-pearl dial with diamond hour markers.

Watch Appraisals, Valuations & Repairs

Expert valuation of fine timepieces including vintage, luxury, and collectible watches for insurance or resale purposes.

A large, faceted diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds on a dark surface.

Diamond Documentation / Grading Verification

Independent review of existing diamond and gemstone grading reports to confirm accuracy before a major purchase.

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Expert Witness for Legal Claims

Credible courtroom testimony backed by seven decades of gemological expertise for insurance disputes and litigation.

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In-Person or Virtual Consultations

Flexible appointment options. Visit our Houston Gem Lab or connect virtually from anywhere for expert guidance. Book your consultation here

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At-Home Inventory / Appraisals

Professional in-home inventory and documentation of your jewelry collection, without needing to transport valuable items.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Every piece is different, so we need to see it first. That's why we offer a free 15-minute consultation, we'll review your jewelry and give you a clear idea of what's involved before you commit to anything. No surprises.

  • Absolutely. We offer while-you-watch services, meaning you are more than welcome to stay and watch while we perform our craft. Your jewelry never has to leave your sight and never leaves the room. This is one of the things our clients value most about working with us.

  • No, the Jewelry Judge does not buy or sell jewelry, and that's by design. We are strictly an appraisal and consultation service. Because we don't buy or sell jewelry, there's never a conflict of interest. You get a completely unbiased, independent valuation every time.

  • A consultation is a free 15-minute meeting where we take an initial look at your piece and discuss your needs. An appraisal is the formal, documented valuation – the official paperwork you'd use for insurance claims, legal proceedings, estate planning, or resale. We always start with a consultation so we can guide you to the right service.

  • Yes. The Jewelry Judge’s appraisals are accepted by all major insurance carriers. As a GIA-certified Master Graduate Gemologist with 73+ years of experience and BBB accreditation, our documentation both meets and exceeds industry standards.

  • We offer virtual consultations for initial assessments and guidance for clients with certain jewelry or pre-existing documentation. However, for a formal appraisal document, an in-person visit to our Houston lab is recommended so we can properly examine your piece. Contact us to get started

Looking for Trusted Jewelry Appraisal Services?

The Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon would love to hear from you! Book your free 15-minute consultation to see how we can help.

Knowledge and Experience You Can Trust

Master Graduate Gemologist and Jewelry Appraiser Ben Gordon has been working in the jewelry industry for over 7 Decades! Ben’s legacy is the trust placed in him by generations of client families with his jewelry appraisals. Read more about the Jewelry Judge here →

A logo celebrating the 73rd anniversary of Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon's platinum jubilee in 2026, featuring a diamond graphic and the years 1953 and 2026.