About The Jewelry Judge
Trusted Long Island Jewelry Appraisals for Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands & Fine Jewelry
Planning a Long Island wedding and need a professional appraisal for your engagement ring, wedding bands, or heirloom jewelry? At The Jewelry Judge, we provide accurate, independent jewelry appraisals on Long Island, specializing in engagement and wedding jewelry for couples who want complete peace of mind before their big day. We offer professional, impartial jewelry appraisals “while you watch,” making the process transparent, educational, and stress-free for newly engaged couples, brides, and grooms. Proudly serving Long Island and New York since 1989, our state-of-the-art gemological laboratory delivers detailed, conflict-free appraisals for diamonds, fine jewelry, and family heirlooms. Because we never buy or sell jewelry, you can trust that every evaluation is honest, unbiased, and based solely on professional gemological standards.
Why Long Island Couples Choose The Jewelry Judge
Independent & Impartial Jewelry Appraisals
We do not buy or sell jewelry. Our sole focus is providing objective, ethical jewelry appraisals you can trust for insurance, estate planning, or prenuptial purposes.
Unmatched Expertise
Barry Block, Long Island’s only Master Gemologist Appraiser®, brings decades of experience to every appraisal. His gemological career began in 1967, with professional appraisal services offered since 1989.
State-of-the-Art Appraisal Laboratory
All jewelry appraisals are completed on-site in our fully equipped lab, ensuring the highest level of accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
Ideal for Engaged Couples
We guide you through every step of the appraisal process, making it easy to understand the value, quality, and craftsmanship of your engagement ring and wedding jewelry.
Each appraisal includes a detailed, itemized, computer-generated report with a professional photograph, suitable for:
Jewelry insurance coverage
Estate and trust planning
Prenuptial agreements
Personal documentation and peace of mind
Long Island’s Trusted Jewelry Appraisal Experts
Whether you’re protecting a new engagement ring, appraising wedding bands, or documenting family heirlooms before your wedding, The Jewelry Judge is a trusted name for Long Island jewelry appraisals built on integrity, transparency, and expertise.
“We Don’t Buy or Sell Jewelry… We Appraise It.”
Let us help you feel confident about your most meaningful pieces.
Contact The Jewelry Judge today to schedule your jewelry appraisal and experience the difference trusted expertise makes.
Interview With The Jewelry Judge
'At the Jewelry Judge, We Don't Buy or Sell Jewelry... We Appraise it'
1. Tell us about The Jewelry Judge and the inspiration behind the company:
Honesty and integrity were the foundations for the first Jewelry Judge Appraisal lab opened by Mr. Barry Block in 1989 in Long Island, New York. Since starting his career in 1967, Barry has built his businesses on ethical standards, continuously providing his customers with product knowledge, professional guidance, and most importantly, value for their hard earned dollar.
Barry's industry experience began when he was seventeen years old, working under his father's wing. After honing his diamond grading skills and learning every aspect of the business the 'old fashioned way,' Barry moved on to the retail end of the trade.
In 1976, after a customer received a 'low ball' appraisal from a local Jeweler, a light bulb went off and Mr. Block realized the need for an Independent Professional Jewelry Appraiser. But in 1976, there was no such thing as an 'Independent Jewelry Appraiser!' It wasn't until the mid 80's that some very knowledgeable and education individuals, including Mr. Block, came to start the Profession of Jewelry Appraisers. Twenty-two years after his start in the Jewelry Industry, Mr. Block sold his interest in his Jewelry Store and opened his independent appraisal lab, The Jewelry Judge.
Barry's industry experience and education coupled with his sales expertise is the formula for professional success. His goal has always been to protect the jewelry purchasing public, as well as the honest reputable jeweler. Since opening his doors in 1989, Barry and The Jewelry Judge have earned the respect and admiration of an entire industry, as well as continuous accolades from his loyal clients.
Barry has spent years networking with many industry leaders, groups and associations to develop The Jewelry Judge: a network of elite jewelry appraisal professionals…the first in the history of the jewelry industry.
2. Do you have a company motto/philosophy and if so what is it?
'At the Jewelry Judge, We Don't Buy or Sell Jewelry... We Appraise it' and 'The Jewelry Judge Appraisal Blends Together Art and Science to Preserve the Past and Protect the Future'
3. If you met a bride or groom to be and had literally one minute to tell them why they should use your company what would you say?
I'd ask if they had their Jewelry (Engagement Ring) appraised yet. Was it appraised by and independent Professional Appraiser or by the seller. The seller, no matter how honest they are, will appraise what they sell for higher than it's sold for, both in dollars and grading costing you to pay more premium dollars than you should. At the Jewelry Judge, we don't buy or sell jewelry, so we are completely non-bias. I then hand them my business card and invite them to call for an appointment.
4. What sets you apart from other Appraisers?
At the Jewelry Judge, all appraisals are done 'while you watch' in a laboratory environment. Since 1989, we still don't buy or sell jewelry. Our only job is to appraise your precious gems and jewelry, so we remain completely impartial. As New York's first, and Long Island's only Master Gemologist Appraiser®, all appraisals are as complete as they can possibly be, including a photo of your item on each of the individually itemized computer generated documents. We tell you everything we're doing as we go through the appraisal process, giving you a great education as well. We do our very best to give you a professional, educational and enjoyable experience. Still, the most important of all for the consumer, we don't buy or sell jewelry!
5. How do you help a couple achieve their dream wedding?
By setting their minds at ease, knowing they received what they were supposed to and, if not, by helping them to do so. We are consumer advocates and, when there are issues relating to a purchase and a client had been wronged, we stand with them to address the issues with the sellers and get what they were supposed to get. Please see http://www.jewelryjudge.net/Testimonials.htm
