Our Condition Standards
AYW Luxury Jewelry Condition Grading Standards
Every piece offered by AYW Luxury is carefully inspected and assigned a condition grade so buyers have a clearer understanding of what to expect before purchasing.
Condition grades reflect the overall state of the jewelry, including visible wear, surface marks, structural integrity, prior use, and presentation.
Because pre-owned jewelry can vary by age, material, gemstone, construction, and previous ownership, condition grading is based on the complete piece rather than a single characteristic.
New
Brand-new condition with no visible signs of wear.
The piece may include original designer packaging, tags, paperwork, or protective materials when available.
Items in New condition have not been previously worn or show no evidence of prior use.
Like New
Near-pristine condition with little to no visible wear.
The piece may show only minimal signs of handling or storage that are difficult to detect without close inspection.
Like New jewelry should present very close to new while still being classified as pre-owned when applicable.
Excellent
Very well-maintained condition with light signs of previous wear.
Minor surface marks, faint scratches, or subtle evidence of handling may be visible under close inspection.
Jewelry graded Excellent should remain highly presentable and structurally sound, with wear consistent with careful previous ownership.
Good
Fully wearable condition with more noticeable signs of previous use.
A piece graded Good may show:
Surface scratches
Light finish wear
Small cosmetic marks
Minor patina or oxidation
Visible signs of normal ownership
The jewelry remains functional and suitable for continued wear unless otherwise disclosed in the individual listing.
Fair
Visible wear is present, but the piece remains wearable and structurally serviceable unless specifically noted otherwise.
A Fair-condition item may include:
Moderate scratches
Dents or small impressions
Finish wear
Noticeable surface marks
Heavier patina
Visible signs of age or frequent wear
Any important structural or cosmetic concerns will be disclosed in the product description when identified.
As Is
Offered in its current condition and may require cleaning, repair, restoration, resizing, replacement parts, or other professional service.
An As Is listing may include jewelry with:
Significant cosmetic wear
Damaged or worn components
Missing or replacement parts
Loose or damaged gemstones
Non-functioning hardware
Alterations
Other disclosed service needs
The product description will provide available condition information, and the price is intended to reflect the item’s present condition and disclosed needs.
How AYW Luxury Evaluates Jewelry Condition
Depending on the type of jewelry, our condition review may consider:
Surface wear
Scratches and abrasions
Dents or impressions
Metal finish and polish
Patina or oxidation
Gemstone condition
Prongs and stone security
Clasps, hinges, and closures
Chain and link integrity
Ring-shank condition
Repairs or alterations
Replacement components when identifiable
Overall presentation
Structural integrity
Different materials naturally show wear differently. Sterling silver, polished gold, high-polish surfaces, gemstones, enamel, leather, and other materials may each develop distinct signs of use over time.
Condition Grades & Pre-Owned Jewelry
A condition grade describes the overall state of a piece at the time it is inspected and listed.
It does not mean that every surface or component will be completely free of microscopic marks or signs of handling.
Even jewelry graded Like New or Excellent may show subtle characteristics consistent with previous ownership, storage, age, or professional cleaning.
Buyers should review both the assigned condition grade and the individual product photographs and description before purchasing.
Condition Transparency
AYW Luxury is committed to providing clear and accurate information about the jewelry we offer.
Whenever possible, individual product listings include:
Detailed condition descriptions
Multiple photographs
Close-up images
Measurements
Materials
Gemstones
Hallmarks
Relevant signs of wear
Packaging information
Production status
The product photographs generally show the actual piece being offered for sale, allowing buyers to review its appearance before purchasing.
Professional Inspection & Authentication
Condition grading is separate from authentication.
Every designer jewelry item offered by AYW Luxury is professionally inspected and evaluated for authenticity before being listed for sale.
Depending on the piece, authentication may include review of:
Brand hallmarks
Precious-metal markings
Materials
Gemstones
Construction
Craftsmanship
Weight and proportions
Collection-specific characteristics
Select qualifying purchases may also include an AYW Luxury Authenticity & Valuation Report.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry Condition Grades
What does Excellent pre-owned condition mean?
Excellent condition generally means the jewelry has been well maintained and shows only light evidence of previous wear, such as minor surface marks or faint scratches visible under close inspection.
Is Like New the same as New?
No. New indicates no visible signs of wear, while Like New describes a pre-owned or handled piece that remains near-pristine with little to no visible wear.
Can an Excellent-condition piece still have scratches?
Yes. Fine surface marks or faint scratches can be normal on pre-owned jewelry, even when the overall condition is excellent.
What does As Is mean?
As Is means the jewelry is being offered in its current condition and may require cleaning, repair, restoration, or other professional service. Any known material issues should be disclosed in the listing.
Are condition grades subjective?
Condition grading involves professional judgment because jewelry can vary significantly by age, materials, design, and previous use. AYW Luxury uses the overall state of the piece, product photography, and relevant condition details to provide the clearest representation possible.
Does AYW Luxury photograph the actual item?
Product photographs generally show the actual individual item offered for sale unless a listing specifically states otherwise.
Shop Certified Pre-Owned David Yurman Jewelry
AYW Luxury specializes in authenticated pre-owned David Yurman jewelry, including rings, Cable bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, men’s jewelry, gemstone designs, and rare retired collections.
Shop Certified Pre-Owned David Yurman Jewelry
You can also explore our broader selection of authenticated luxury jewelry from David Yurman, John Hardy, LAGOS, Konstantino, and other respected designer brands.
Shop Certified Pre-Owned Designer Jewelry
Discover More from AYW Luxury
Learn more about the importance of professional authentication and transparent pre-owned jewelry standards:
Certified vs. Pre-Owned Jewelry: Why Certification Matters