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