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

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Kenton W.

left us a 5 star review

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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!

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Robert Smith
Rated 5.0
September 6, 2025

Had a great experience the gentleman was Highly knowledgeable and polite. I would highly recommended

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Sarah Hoffmann
Rated 5.0
September 6, 2025

I sold some of my grandmas jewelry to Paul and it was a super smooth process and I felt very well consulted. Will sell more to him.

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Liz Kemper
Rated 5.0
August 29, 2025

Paul, the owner of Pacific Jewelry & Watches, is a wonderful appraiser. He is knowledgeable, professional, and customer-oriented. His fee is very reasonable, especially compared with other appraisers on the Westside. I have used Paul to appraise jewelry and sterling flatware, and will continue to use his services in the future. I highly recommend Paul.

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Jessica Walton
Rated 5.0
August 28, 2025

Paul is courteous, kind and very good at his job. He will tell you how much your jewelry is worth with the highest accuracy, and a bonus - he's a super nice person!

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Mark Larsen
Rated 5.0
August 14, 2025

Had a great experience at Pacific Jewelry selling several items. Paul is a friendly, easy going guy who is patient and very knowledgeable. Total satisfaction with the prices he gave, in fact, he gave me more than I expected. Thank you Paul!

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Vader Mau5
Rated 5.0
August 9, 2025

I saw Paul for my engagement ring appraisal. I really appreciated him waiting for me since I got a flat tire right before my appointment. He took his time explaining the cost of the ring and what it takes to make a ring like mine and he seemed genuinely excited about explaining the process. He was fairly quick in his responses to me when I scheduled the appointment and was quick to send me the documents for my insurance. I really appreciate this experience because most professionals in jewelry talk down to people that don’t know anything about jewelry. Will definitely recommend him to my friends and will come back when I acquire more jewelry.

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Vader A.
Rated 5.0
August 8, 2025

I saw Paul for my engagement ring appraisal. I really appreciated him waiting for me since I got a flat tire right before my appointment. He took his time...

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Rosa M. Navarro
Rated 5.0
August 7, 2025

I was treated with complete courtesy and attention. All of my questions were answered to my complete satisfaction, and I felt that I was given the best possible price for the items I brought in. I would not hesitate to return in the future if I have other items to sell. I would recommend Pacific Jewelers to anyone interested in an honest appraisal and/or sale of personal valuables.

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Mark Shweitzer
Rated 5.0
July 31, 2025

Paul was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and easy to work with! Very convenient place to get a watch appraisal!

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Othelo M.
Rated 5.0
July 29, 2025

Provided a straightforward and smooth service. Friendly and professional. Responsive to DM/text. Highly recommended and convenient.

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L G.
Rated 5.0
July 29, 2025

I found Paul through a website for the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and saw his yelp reviews - which convinced me to use his services. He was...

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Steph Prader
Rated 5.0
July 24, 2025

Paul is a smart and chill dude! I appreciated his relaxed, kind manner while appraising my jewelry. He gave me a great price along with good conversation. I highly recommend him!