Appraisal vs. Authentication: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to buying, selling, or insuring fine jewelry and luxury watches, understanding the difference between an appraisal and authentication is essential. At Pacific Jewelry & Watches, we specialize in evaluating high-end timepieces and jewelry, helping you determine their true value and legitimacy.

What Is an Appraisal?

An appraisal is a professional assessment of your jewelry or watch’s monetary value. Certified appraisers examine the piece’s materials, craftsmanship, condition, and market demand to assign an accurate value. Appraisals are often necessary for insurance coverage, estate planning, or selling your luxury items.

At Pacific Jewelry & Watches, we provide detailed appraisals for Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, and other high-end watch brands. Our experts consider factors such as precious metal content, gemstones, rarity, and resale trends to give you a fair and current valuation.

Ready to schedule an appraisal for your piece in Los Angeles? Contact Pacific Jewelry & Watches today.

What Is Authentication?

Authentication verifies whether a jewelry piece or watch is genuine and not a counterfeit. Authenticators examine serial numbers, hallmarks, engravings, materials, and craftsmanship details to confirm the item’s origin. Authentication is critical when buying or selling luxury watches and designer jewelry, as counterfeits can be highly convincing.

Pacific Jewelry & Watches uses advanced tools and brand-specific expertise to confirm authenticity for brands like Rolex, Omega, and Audemars Piguet. We provide authentication reports to give you confidence before you buy or sell a luxury item.

Why Does the Difference Matter?

While appraisals determine valueauthentication confirms legitimacy. A piece can be appraised for value only if it is genuine. If you plan to sell your watch or jewelry in Brentwood or anywhere in Los Angeles, both services are essential to ensure you get top dollar and avoid counterfeit issues.

When Should You Get Each Service?

  • Appraisal: When you need a resale estimate, insurance valuation, or estate planning document.
  • Authentication: Before purchasing a pre-owned luxury watch or jewelry, or before selling, to prove legitimacy to buyers.

Ready to schedule an appraisal in Los Angeles? Contact Pacific Jewelry & Watches today.

Trust Pacific Jewelry & Watches for Both

Our team offers expert appraisals and authentic brand verification to protect your investment. Whether you want to sell your Rolex, appraise your diamond ring, or confirm a Patek Philippe’s authenticity, we provide reliable, transparent services right here in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

Visit Pacific Jewelry & Watches today for trusted appraisal and authentication services. Get the confidence you need before buying or selling your luxury timepieces and jewelry.

About Pacific Jewelry & Watches

Image courtesy of Canva

Carol Goodkind

left us a 5 star review

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Carol Goodkind
Rated 5.0
November 21, 2025

My meeting with Paul of Pacific Jewelry and Watches could not have been better. I brought in a box of jewelry that I inherited but had no need for. Although the stones weren't real, the gold in some of this was, and I left Paul's office with a considerable amount of money. Paul was very pleasant to do business with, I think primarily due to his strong knowledge base in both metals and gems. He was informative, he explained how his tools worked, and what he was looking for. And in the end I got a bunch of money for stuff that I had no need for. This is a strong recommendation.

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Harvey Brown
Rated 5.0
November 18, 2025

Excellent experience.

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songe riddle
Rated 5.0
November 12, 2025

This was a great experience. Paul was a real pleasure to deal with and gave me a great price for the pieces I brought in. I’d come back.

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Denise Tabor
Rated 5.0
November 8, 2025

Comfortable experience. Felt like family.

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Denise T.
Rated 5.0
November 7, 2025

Very professional. Explained everything. Answered all of my questions easily. A smooth and easy experience.

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Miky Nahm
Rated 5.0
November 5, 2025

Great experience, smooth and helpful, thanks 😊

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Simon
Rated 5.0
October 29, 2025

Best deal on selling gold Highest value and very nice to work with I would recommend this 10 out of 10 times

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barbara brawerman
Rated 5.0
October 22, 2025

Paul is such an expert! Kind, knowledgeable. The experience was so easy. Felt cared for. Great place!

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Emma Rutter
Rated 5.0
October 22, 2025

So lovely to work with! Paul was incredibly kind and helpful in explaining each of my pieces to me. He was also very responsive and from what I could tell from gathering other opinions, offered me very fair prices. Highly recommend!

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fydbac
Rated 5.0
October 18, 2025

Oct. 16th, 2025: My first time ever going to such an establishment, and Paul was AMAZING. He was open, patient, and didn't try to deter me in any direction: Which attributed to me feeling his sincerity and honesty. He simply answered my questions and told me what material was legit or not + everything was out in the open, the machines, calculator, and etc.. Normally I'd shop around, but his energy was enough that I didn't feel I was being cheated and should visit others. Will definitely recommend to others!

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Cameron Quevedo
Rated 5.0
October 14, 2025

Paul of Pacific Jewelry & Watches is a consummate professional and highly recommended. I visited his office for a ring appraisal-- Paul was super helpful and patient in walking me through the appraisal process, what factors establish the value of a ring, and took time to answer all of my questions along the way. I will be using Pacific Jewelry & Watches for future appraisal needs, and have no problem recommending him to family and friends. Thank you Paul!

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Cameron Q.
Rated 5.0
October 14, 2025

Paul of Pacific Jewelry & Watches is a consummate professional and highly recommended. I visited his office for a ring appraisal-- Paul was super helpful...

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Kenton W.
Rated 5.0
September 25, 2025

This is a reputable company, Paul is honest and very knowledgeable. You can count on him to provide excellent appraisal service, as well as a fair market...

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Erica Johnson
Rated 5.0
September 24, 2025

Quick and easy experience! He got me in so fast and trust his expertise. Will definitely be using for more appraisals!

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M K
Rated 5.0
September 24, 2025
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Mr. Movements
Rated 5.0
September 23, 2025

A big thank you to Paul. Just had my gold pieces appraised and sold same day. Very professional and knowledgeable as well as fast and easy. Thanks again.

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matthew Siporin
Rated 5.0
September 18, 2025

I just sold a decent amount of silverware and gold with Paul at pacific jewelry. Not only did he give me a great price but he was an even better person. 10/10 would recommend anyone to come see Paul if they are looking to sell some jewelry or anything of value.

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David Lee Michelson
Rated 5.0
September 18, 2025
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Ali Cilli (KyuMulis)
Rated 5.0
September 15, 2025

Paul was super helpful and informative in describing the cost of my pieces and why their values were what they were. I had two very different pieces of jewelry that he was able to give me the values of. He told me what the gem was on a necklace, the necklace’s money worth in gold, and on another piece he was able to run it through a machine to tell me the gold percentage (since it wasn’t stamped on the piece like it usually is.) He appraised both pieces that I brought and I only sold him one. He did not charge me for his time. I am not familiar with jewelry appraising. As my first experience, Paul was fantastic and super helpful in a realm where surely you could be scammed by someone else. Based on our conversation and his in-depth explanations - I feel very satisfied with his appraisals on my pieces and it matches up with what I expected going in. He was also sure to answer any questions I had. One tip for people new to this: I believe he, and other Jewelry appraisers, will give you the material value. I don’t believe it accounts for things like “designers” or brands - but that was not a problem in my case nor is it a thing that most appraisers do to my understanding. It’s something to consider though if you believe you have a rare/designer piece that may be worth more than its materials. (I could also be wrong, so it’s extremely worth asking!)

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Jayson Lansford
Rated 5.0
September 12, 2025

I had to sell some coins from my grandfather‘s collection that I inherited and coming here was the best decision! It was an honest and fair process and grateful I found it after so many places!