Authentication & Condition
How We Review Every Piece
Each item offered by Empire Diamond passes through a structured review before it is listed. That process covers era attribution, metal fineness, stone identity and treatment, condition, and provenance documentation — in that order. What we can confirm, we confirm. What we cannot, we say so.
Era & Attribution
We attribute pieces to a period — Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century — based on construction technique, hallmark style, stone cut, and setting type. Period attribution reflects our best assessment. Signed pieces (Cartier, Van Cleef, Tiffany, and others) are identified where signatures, stamps, or serial numbers are present and verifiable.
Metal Fineness & Hallmarks
Metal fineness is verified by hallmark, XRF analysis, or acid test. We note which method was used in each listing. Hallmarks are photographed and described where legible. Partially worn, struck-over, or import-restruck marks are disclosed as such — we do not interpret ambiguous marks as definitive.
Where a serial number is present on a signed piece, we record it. Serial numbers are not independently authenticated against manufacturer archives unless a third-party letter accompanies the piece.
Stones: Identity & Treatment
Stone identification is based on visual examination, loupe inspection, and, where warranted, referral to GIA-trained gemologists in our Fifth Avenue atelier. Stones listed with a specific identity (natural ruby, Colombian emerald, old-cut diamond) reflect our assessment at the time of review.
Treatment disclosure follows industry standard: heat treatment in sapphires and rubies is assumed unless a no-heat report accompanies the stone. Clarity enhancements, fracture filling, and surface coating are disclosed when detected. We do not represent stones as untreated without supporting laboratory documentation.
Where significant stones are present, we note whether a GIA, AGL, Gübelin, or equivalent laboratory report exists. Copies of reports ship with the piece.
Condition Grading
We use a five-point scale:
- Unworn / New Old Stock — No signs of wear. Original finish intact.
- Excellent — Light surface wear consistent with careful ownership. No structural issues.
- Very Good — Moderate wear. Minor scratches or softened detail. Fully wearable.
- Good — Visible wear, minor losses, or small repairs. Disclosed individually.
- Fair — Significant wear, repairs, or alterations. Detailed notes provided. Priced accordingly.
Condition notes in each listing describe the specific piece — not the grade alone. Photographs show the condition area whenever possible.
Repairs & Restoration
Prior repairs, restorations, and alterations are disclosed when identifiable. Common disclosures include shank replacements, resized bands, re-tipped prongs, replaced clasps, re-enameled surfaces, and re-plated metals. We do not represent restored pieces as original-condition unless the restoration is period-correct and professionally executed to conservation standard.
If you intend to use a piece in an estate, insurance, or resale context, we recommend an independent appraisal regardless of our condition assessment.
Documentation Limits
Estate jewelry, by nature, arrives without complete provenance records. We document what accompanies a piece — original receipts, prior appraisals, auction records, family correspondence — and photograph it for the listing. We do not fabricate provenance. If a piece has no documentation, the listing says so.
Our review is not a legal appraisal, certification, or guarantee of value. It is an honest description by experienced hands.
Request Additional Detail
If you require additional photographs, measurements, weight, loupe video, or clarification on any aspect of a listing before purchasing, we welcome the request.
Contact us or book a private appointment at our Fifth Avenue showroom. GIA-trained gemologists are available for in-person review by appointment.