Houston Jewelry Puts Ethics Ahead of Quick Profit

Why we don't offer appraisals—and why you should care

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Our Commitment to Ethical Standards

We show this commitment by not offering appraisal services—even though many jewelers do. That distinction matters.

What Is a True Appraisal?

A true appraisal is a detailed, unbiased value opinion written by a qualified, independent professional. Personal property appraisers are members of recognized associations:

• American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
• International Society of Appraisers (ISA)

Membership requires formal study, tough exams, and ongoing education.

These appraisers must put the property owner's interests first.

The Conflict of Interest

A jeweler who buys, sells, or trades jewelry has a fundamental conflict of interest when it comes to appraisals:

• If we're buying from you, we have financial incentive to undervalue the item
• If we're selling to you, we have financial incentive to overvalue the item
• An appraisal should reflect the property owner's interests, not the appraiser's financial interests

Choosing quick profit would be easy. Many jewelers do it.

We believe doing what's right matters more than what's profitable.

What GIA Training Does NOT Include

A GIA Graduate Gemologist (Gemological Institute of America) is trained to identify and grade diamonds and gemstones.

GIA training does not include appraisal standards. It shows gemological skill, not appraisal credentials.

What Houston Jewelry DOES Offer

When you trade in jewelry with Houston Jewelry or bring items for us to purchase, we provide:

• Professional Evaluation - We assess condition, authenticity, and market value
• Fair Market Pricing - Competitive offers based on current market rates
• Transparency - We clearly explain how we determined our offer
• No Obligation - You're never required to accept our evaluation or offer

We're honest about what we provide: a professional evaluation that serves our business interests.

We do not label it as an independent appraisal. That's the ethical difference.

If You Need an Independent Appraisal

For insurance purposes, estate settlements, or when you need an independent valuation of jewelry you own, we recommend contacting:

• American Society of Appraisers (ASA) - Find an appraiser at www.appraisers.org
• International Society of Appraisers (ISA) - Find an appraiser at www.isa-appraisers.org

Independent appraisers provide documentation that reflects your interests as the property owner.

These appraisals are valuable for insurance, estate planning, and any time you need an objective assessment.

Why This Matters to You

In an industry built on trust and ethics, it's important to know the difference between a business that puts you first and one that chases quick profit.

By not offering appraisals while we buy and sell jewelry, we show our commitment to ethical business practices and respect for your interests.

It's a choice we make every day: ethics ahead of quick profit.

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Protecting the Trust That Built Our Name

Ethical business practices go beyond pricing or appraisals.

They also include protecting our brand. In a market built on trust, a fake business using your name can destroy that trust overnight.

Why Name Protection Is an Ethical Imperative

Because of our long reputation in Houston, some try to trade on our name.

This isn't just a business problem—it's an ethical issue because:

• Customer Protection: Customers seeking the authentic Houston Jewelry experience deserve to know they're working with the legitimate, established business they trust
• Preserving Reputation: Our reputation for ethics, quality work, and fair dealing was earned over generations. Fraudulent operators undermine that trust for everyone
• Accountability: When customers work with an unauthorized business using our name, they lose the accountability and guarantees that come with dealing with the real Houston Jewelry
• Industry Integrity: Allowing brand theft to go unchallenged sets a precedent that ethics don't matter—undermining the entire foundation of trust in fine jewelry

How to Verify You're Working With the Real Houston Jewelry

There is only one legitimate Houston Jewelry—and we are located at 9521 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas. Here's how to verify:

• Location Check: Any business using the "Houston Jewelry" name that is not located at 9521 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas is not us
• Federal Trademark Registrations: Houston Jewelry Inc owns federal trademarks for:
  • "Houston Jewelry"
  • "Houston Jewelry Factory"
  • "Houston Wholesale Jewelers"
  • "Andre Pailet"
  These federal registrations provide legal protection at the national level and create a clear record of legitimate ownership
• Harris County DBA Registrations: For decades, we have registered multiple DBA (Doing Business As) filings with Harris County to deter unauthorized use of our name locally. These records are public and verifiable
• Texas Secretary of State Registration: Since Texas House Bill 3609 took effect in 2019, we have maintained registration with the Texas Secretary of State in addition to our federal trademark protections. This multi-layered approach helps ensure brand integrity across the state
• History: Our complete 160-year legacy—including former operating names (Houston Wholesale Jewelers, Houston Jewelry & Distributing Company, and since 1993 Houston Jewelry & Fine Gifts)—is thoroughly documented in our history section
• Continuous Family Ownership: Five generations of the Donsky-Solomon family have managed this business since the 1950s. That level of documented continuity isn't something fraudulent operators can claim

If you encounter any business using the "Houston Jewelry" name anywhere in Texas that is not at our Westheimer location, you've found someone attempting to profit off our history and reputation.

We encourage customers to report such businesses to the appropriate authorities.

Online Marketplace Impersonators & Competitive Misdirection

Protecting our name extends beyond brick-and-mortar fraud. Across digital channels, competitors use tactics that can misdirect customers looking for the real Houston Jewelry.

Marketplace Imposters

Sellers sometimes appear on Amazon or eBay with names that suggest a Houston Jewelry connection. These sellers are not connected to us. If you see a seller claiming an affiliation, contact our showroom before buying. We can confirm if a seller is legitimate.

Our Archived Online Properties

Houston Jewelry Inc owns several domain names reflecting our leadership in early internet retail: MyWeddingBand.com, 1WeddingBand.com, and WeddingBandSuperStore.com.

During the early web era, these sites made us a leading online wedding band retailer. They now remain online as historical archives.

Market changes made high-volume online sales unsustainable for a family business focused on quality and service.

Today, these domains remain registered to Houston Jewelry Inc as part of our digital history. They are not actively managed as retail sites. Any active commercial use by other entities is unauthorized.

Unethical Search Marketing: When Legal Tactics Undermine Trust

Some competitors buy search ads for "Houston Jewelry" and use our trademarked name to redirect customers.

This is legal, but ethically questionable. It puts quick profits ahead of transparent competition.

In an industry built on trust, that distinction matters.

We believe customers should think carefully before doing business with companies that use legal-but-unethical practices.

A jeweler's willingness to compete with integrity—rather than confusion—shows how they'll treat you and your most meaningful pieces.