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Authentication Process
Summary: radstuff89 shared their experience selling a vintage 1940s 14k gold, pearl, and emerald necklace on eBay. The item was sold for $2,000 and routed for authentication in Carlsbad, CA, but failed the verification process, leading to its return. Despite having the necklace appraised by two jewelers who valued it between $2,200-$2,400, eBay's authentication team deemed it inauthentic. radstuff89 expressed frustration with the process, as they believe that the authentication team made a mistake due to a lack of understanding of pearls from that era. They've reached out to the buyer with no response and are now faced with returning costs exceeding the sale price. Although they contacted eBay support, they were unable to connect with the authentication team but were offered credit if they chose to relist the item. radstuff89 is seeking advice on how to proceed given this challenging situation.
Hello,
I've been a seller for 25 years and got hit with a first time issue. I sold a 1940s 14k gold, pearl, and emerald necklace. It was listed at $2,400 and I accepted an offer of $2,000. The item was automatically routed to be authenticated in Carlsbad, CA by Ebay. The piece has been in my family's possession since 1942 and was appraised by 2 separate jewelers prior to my listing it. Both put the piece between $2200-$2400. I was notified ebay is returning it and it didn't pass verification. It is a 1942 Mikomoto. It doesn't have trademarked branding on it simply because not all Mikimoto pearls from that era have an "M" stamped into the gold. Anyone that knows anything about pearls from that era should know this. Particularly someone in authentication.
I've repeatedly reached out to the buyer during the entire process and I've received no response from them.
The item is being sent back to me and ebay is asking for more money than I received for the item! I spoke to a rep today and she said ebay would credit me should I choose to relist theitem but that they couldn't put me in touch with anyone in authentication.
What is my recourse? Their "expert" cost me a huge sale, is 100% incorrect with their authentication and has left me questioning the entire system. If this is who they have working there, we should probably all be concerned .
Any advice is appreciated!
