The International Antique Jewelers Association (IAJA), a consortium of global antique and period jewelers committed to elevating the understanding and appreciation of irreplaceable collected treasures, is pleased to announce the launch of their new IAJA Expertise service. The bespoke, first of its kind service provides a personal assessment of a heritage item of jewelry by the world’s leading experts, culminating in a signed “Letter of Expertise” which details the characteristics of the item in the trusted expert’s professional opinion. Designed to offer quick assistance to collectors, dealers, and auctioneers, the new service aims to engender confidence surrounding purchases of vintage, antique, and collectible jewelry.

 “There is a high demand and great need for swift, independent, and unbiased assessment of heritage, antique, and collectible fine jewelry,” states Olivier Bachet, Director of IAJA Expertise and a member of France’s Compagnie Nationale des Experts. “This bespoke and personalized new service by IAJA helps consumers, collectors, dealers, even curators to be certain that the item they are acquiring is genuine with regard to signature and period. A signed Letter of Expertise may also increase the value of an item. I have seen a jewel multiply in value by as much as ten times following my expert opinion.”

The IAJA has recruited a distinguished international team of trusted experts specializing in jewelry, precious objects and collectibles. The team consists of former curators, archivists and directors from the world’s inimitable jewelry brands, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston. This new service includes reliable consultation and an expert assessment based on careful examination and scrupulous research of an item. Upon successful completion of the process, a signed Letter of Expertise will be offered declaring the item an original in the expert’s opinion.

“Each expert has at least 20 years of experience in the market,” says Bachet. “Together, we bring our accumulated wealth of knowledge and specialization to offer dependable assessments for all submissions we receive. The team is committed to honesty, integrity, and impartiality to every aspect of the process, and we are bound by professional confidentiality.”

The Letter of Expertise is subject to strict legal regulation. The three-to-four-week process price begins at 1250 euros. An industry professional, collector, auction house or general public contacts IAJA via email at info@iaja-expertise.com to schedule a virtual consultation and arrange for an assessment of an item. Depending on the type of item, it is shipped to the location of the most relevant IAJA expert for personal examination. Based on the knowledge, expertise, experience, and information available to the expert, a well-researched letter will be generated that includes a detailed description of the individual characteristics of the item such as the period, maker/origin, use, metal and stones. The item is returned, and a signed Letter of Expertise is mailed to the owner.