The Jewelry Judge

About this Appraiser

Mr. Barry S. Block is a highly respected, award-winning member of the jewelry industry who has been actively involved in the Gemstone and Jewelry Profession since 1967. As President of The Jewelry Judge, New York, with offices and gemological laboratory in Carle Place, NY, he is currently a full time appraiser of Gems and Jewelry. As an Independent Jewelry Appraiser, he does not buy or sell Jewelry. In addition, all work is done in front of the client, while they watch, either in his office/laboratory or on site.

Mr. Block opened the first U.S. based Jewelry Judge on Long Island, New York in 1989. His appraisal practice has grown to be one of the most successful Independent Jewelry Appraisal Offices in the U.S., and today is the model for ‘The Jewelry Judge’ licensing program. He is President and CEO of The Jewelry Judge, a National Network of Professional Jewelry Appraisers.

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In 1991, Mr. Block′s Gemological education earned him the Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. His appraisal education has earned him Certified Senior Appraiser Status from the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, and Accredited Senior Member status from the American Society of Appraisers. In addition, Mr. Block is a Registered Master Valuer with the Master Valuer Program and Accredited Senior Gemologist with the Accredited Gemologists Association. With the required advanced gemological and appraisal training, Mr. Block earned the title of Master Gemologist Appraiser®, the highest level of appraisal education from the American Society of Appraisers, a title which must be re-certified every 5 years. He was the first person to hold this title in the State of New York. With offices and gemological laboratory in Carle Place, N.Y., his office is the Jewelry Judge Licensing programs National headquarters and training center.

Mr. Block has been retained, on numerous occasions, as an expert witness by the Nassau County District Attorney′s office, as well as by many other attorneys, to appraise jewelry for the purpose of determining value for prosecution or defense, determination of value for State and Federal inheritance taxes and equitable distribution in the matter of divorce, insurance coverage and for sale or purchase of jewelry items.