Authenticity & Quality: The AYW Luxury Inspection Process
The AYW Luxury Standard: How We Expertly Inspect & Recondition Pre-Owned Designer Jewelry
At AYW Luxury, we believe that every piece of pre-owned designer jewelry should be just as breathtaking as the day it was first purchased. Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and trust is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s an iconic David Yurman cable bracelet or another piece of fine designer jewelry, every item in our collection undergoes a meticulous multi-step process before it is accepted and listed on our website.
From initial sourcing to final listing, we thoroughly inspect, authenticate, and professionally recondition every item to ensure it meets our exacting standards. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the expert process that brings our curated collection to life.
1. Sourcing: Only the Finest Pre-Owned Jewelry Makes the Cut
Our journey begins with sourcing. We partner with a trusted network of industry professionals, private collectors, and verified sellers to acquire pieces from reputable origins. We don’t accept every item—only those that meet our stringent criteria for brand authenticity, craftsmanship, and condition are even considered.
When we seek out David Yurman and other designer jewelry, we focus on timeless styles, excellent provenance, and well-preserved pieces. Every submission is pre-screened before entering our evaluation pipeline.
2. Initial Inspection: Expert Eyes on Every Detail
Once a piece arrives at our facility, it undergoes a comprehensive initial inspection. Our in-house team of experts—including GIA-trained professionals—carefully examines the item under magnification and specialized lighting.
This stage includes:
- Brand hallmark verification: We inspect for correct logos, serial numbers, and manufacturer stamps.
- Metal composition testing: Using non-invasive tools, we test for gold karat, silver purity, or platinum content.
- Gemstone review: We evaluate the clarity, cut, color, and condition of any diamonds or gemstones.
- Structural integrity: We assess for wear, weakened joints, bent prongs, or signs of previous poor repairs.
If a piece doesn’t meet our expectations during this phase, it’s respectfully declined or returned to the sender.
3. Authentication: No Guesswork, Just Proven Expertise
At AYW Luxury, authenticity is non-negotiable. Our specialists use a combination of brand-specific training, forensic analysis, and reference materials to confirm whether a piece is genuine.
For brands like David Yurman, we analyze details that are often missed by casual observers, such as:
- Signature cable twist tension and design consistency
- Correct use of mixed metals like sterling silver and 14k gold
- Authentic clasps, links, and unique gemstone settings
- Font styles and stamping locations on hallmark engravings
We also cross-reference each piece with documented catalogs, model archives, and historic design guidelines. When necessary, we consult with third-party authenticators for added assurance. Only after passing this authentication phase does a piece move on to reconditioning.
4. Professional Cleaning: Bringing Out the True Brilliance
After authentication, each item is professionally cleaned using industry-standard tools and methods. This process is far more detailed than household polishing.
Here’s what we do:
- Ultrasonic cleaning: Removes years of residue and buildup from hard-to-reach areas using sound wave technology.
- Steam cleaning: Gently lifts oils, dust, and debris without harming stones or metal.
- Hand polishing: Restores luster to silver, gold, and platinum while carefully preserving signature patinas.
Our cleaning specialists are trained to treat delicate designer pieces with the utmost care. We never over-polish or alter the character of a piece—we simply enhance its natural brilliance.
5. Reconditioning & Repairs: Restoring to Peak Condition
If a piece needs more than just cleaning, we move it into the reconditioning phase. This is where our certified bench jewelers perform meticulous repairs using jeweler-grade tools and materials.
This may include:
- Retipping or replacing prongs to secure loose gemstones
- Restringing or soldering to strengthen links and joints
- Replacing clasps, earring backs, or lost accent stones
- Surface refinishing to remove light scratches while preserving the design
We always aim to preserve the integrity of the original design. Our repairs are meant to restore—not alter—a piece's intended beauty.
6. Final Quality Inspection: The Last 10% Makes All the Difference
Once a piece is reconditioned, it goes through a final round of inspections to ensure it is showroom-ready. This is where we examine every element again, from metal to gemstone, clasp to curve.
Each item is reviewed by at least two senior specialists for:
- Consistency with the brand's standards
- Pristine presentation quality
- Functional wearability
- Absence of flaws or damage
This final checkpoint is what sets AYW Luxury apart. Our commitment to excellence means that even the smallest imperfections are addressed before a piece is ever made available for purchase.
7. Photography & Listing: Reflecting the True Beauty
Once approved, the jewelry is professionally photographed in our studio. We use high-resolution photography with optimal lighting to highlight the unique features of each item—without artificial enhancements or misleading editing.
Each listing on AYWLuxury.com includes:
- Clear, accurate photos from multiple angles
- Detailed specifications including metal type, stone carat weight, size, and condition notes
- A transparent description of any minor wear (if present)
- Our Authenticity Guarantee, ensuring that every piece is 100% verified
We believe in total transparency and trust. What you see on our site is exactly what you receive.
8. Secure Packaging & Delivery: Jewelry Deserves VIP Treatment
After a piece is purchased, we prepare it for secure and elegant delivery. Every order is carefully packaged in a luxury presentation box, wrapped in protective material, and shipped with full tracking and insurance.
We understand the value—both emotional and financial—of designer jewelry. That’s why we handle every shipment with white-glove care.
Why Our Process Matters
There are many places to shop for pre-owned designer jewelry—but very few go to the lengths we do. At AYW Luxury, every piece tells a story, and we’re here to make sure it’s a great one.
From the moment we acquire a David Yurman bracelet to the second you unbox it, our process is guided by a single standard: excellence. We don’t just list jewelry—we restore, authenticate, and elevate it.
Shop with Confidence
Every item at AYW Luxury is:
✅ Expertly Inspected
✅ Professionally Reconditioned
✅ 100% Authentic Guaranteed
✅ Beautifully Presented & Securely Delivered
This is sustainable luxury, perfected. When you shop with AYW Luxury, you're not just buying a piece of jewelry—you’re investing in craftsmanship, trust, and timeless elegance.