Authenticity
Authenticity is fundamental to Edmonds & Pearce.
Every piece is physically examined before it is offered for sale. Our assessment considers the jewellery itself, its construction and materials, identifying marks, condition and any accompanying documentation.
Where appropriate, this is supported by specialist testing, documentary research, independent laboratory reports and expert opinion.
We do not rely on automated or image based authentication as a substitute for examining a piece itself.
Our purpose is to establish what can reasonably be known and to represent each piece accurately.
Our Authentication Process
No single mark, test or characteristic is relied upon in isolation.
Depending on the piece, we examine hallmarks, assay marks, maker’s marks, signatures and serial numbers, together with precious metal content, gemstones, stone cuts, settings, construction, craftsmanship and condition.
Diamonds and gemstones are examined under magnification and, where appropriate, specialist gemmological testing methods are used. Precious metals may also be tested using suitable non destructive methods.
We also look for evidence of resizing, repair, restoration, replacement components and other alterations that may form part of the history of a piece.
Antique & Vintage Jewellery
Older jewellery often carries evidence of the life it has already lived.
Hallmarks, construction, stone cuts, settings, workmanship and signs of alteration can all contribute to establishing the period and history of a piece.
Where an exact date or attribution cannot be established with confidence, we make that clear. Estimates and terms such as “circa” or “attributed to” are distinguished from confirmed information.
Age related wear, previous repairs and sympathetic restoration are not automatically considered faults, but significant condition issues and alterations are disclosed where identified.
Signed & Designer Jewellery
A signature or stamp alone is not treated as proof of authenticity.
Signed jewellery is assessed with particular attention to signatures, maker’s marks, serial and reference numbers, materials, construction, craftsmanship and known characteristics of the relevant house or designer.
Where appropriate, documentation, provenance or specialist authentication may also be sought before a piece is offered for sale.
We do not knowingly offer replica or counterfeit jewellery.
Independent Certification
Where a diamond or gemstone is accompanied by an independent laboratory report, the issuing laboratory and relevant report details are identified.
Where available, report information is checked directly with the issuing laboratory and laser inscriptions are examined against the corresponding report.
A laboratory report applies only to the diamond or gemstone identified within it. An independently determined grade is not applied to other stones within the same piece unless they have also been independently assessed.
Where independent certification does not exist, we make that clear.
Buy With Confidence
We believe confidence comes from being clear about both what is known and what is not.
Not every characteristic of a piece can be conclusively established through physical examination or non destructive testing. Where something is estimated, attributed or has not been independently verified, we describe it accordingly. We do not present an assumption as fact.
If you would like further information about the authentication, condition, hallmarks, certification or characteristics of a particular piece, we are happy to provide it before purchase.
Further information about our descriptions and assessments can be found in our Terms & Conditions.