Jewelry & Watches

01 · Identification clues

• Jewelry: inside the band, on the clasp and on the reverse for maker's marks and purity stamps. Some pieces carry assay-office hallmarks.
• Watches: brand and model on the dial; reference and serial engravings on the caseback.
• Boxes and papers: original boxes, warranty cards and service records.

02 · Information worth recording

• Every visible mark, copied exactly, including partly worn ones.
• For watches: brand, model or reference if known, and whether it runs.
• Approximate measurements, ring size or bracelet length.
• Stones as described in any documents, without assuming type or weight.
• Condition: missing stones, bent prongs, worn plating, cracked crystals.

03 · Useful photo views

1. The whole piece, front.
2. The clasp and inside of the band, where marks usually are.
3. The watch dial, straight on.
4. The caseback, for engravings.
5. Box and papers, showing what comes with the piece.

04 · Paperwork to gather

Original boxes and warranty papers, service and repair receipts, existing appraisals or gemological reports, and purchase receipts. Nothing needs to be created to begin.

05 · Careful handling

• Store pieces separately so they don't scratch each other.
• Don't polish metal or clean stones with chemicals.
• Don't open a watch caseback yourself.
• Don't wind or set a long-stopped watch if you're unsure how.
• Keep loose stones or links labeled and with their piece.

06 · What photos can't show

• Metal purity, stone identity and carat weight.
• Whether marks are accurate. They can be worn, misread or applied to items that don't meet the standard.
• Watch authenticity, originality of parts and service history.

We don't provide appraisals or gemological testing.

07 · Common questions