(HOUSTON) – Once again, Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon was recognized by the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas with its Pinnacle Awards for Excellence. This is Mr. Gordon’s third time to receive the Pinnacle award (2013, 2016, 2022) and the 10th award for Excellence in the Workplace that he has received in the past decade from the BBB.
Jewelry Judge Ben GordonAnniversary Celebrations
Gordon enters his seventh decade in the jewelry industry in the centennial year of the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau celebrated its 100 Year Anniversary at the award luncheon attended by approximately 1000 guests. The BBB motto, “Begin with Trust” resonates with the “Knowledge You Can Trust” motto that describes the relationship Gordon establishes with his clients. “Trust is earned with every client. It is gratifying to be working now with the children and even grandchildren of my earliest clients,” said Gordon. Ben Gordon and wife/lifelong business partner Linda accepted the award.
Ben Gordon is a GIA Master Graduate Gemologist and Jewelry Appraiser. The Jewelry Judge has over 70 years in the jewelry industry. Gordon values diamonds, precious gemstones, and fine jewelry in his gem lab in Houston’s Galleria/Uptown area. Authenticating man-made diamonds and verifying natural earth-mined gems are another important skill he possesses. Specializing in estates, he often works with insurance companies and lawyers as well as individuals and heirs. Often his appraisals prevent disputes among family members.
Ben Gordon and wife/lifelong business partner Linda.Living History
“Jewelry tells the story of Real People,” says Gordon. “Sometimes the story is a mystery to be solved, sometimes it’s a story of a lifetime to be remembered, appreciated, and handed down to heirs.” When identifying a jewel, Gordon demonstrates his encyclopedic knowledge and prodigious memory. “At age 87, I lived through ‘vintage’ but I’m not an ‘antique’ pieced yet!’
Technology and Trends
“Fashion styles and trends have come and gone and come around again,” he comments. “Advances in technology such as lab grown diamonds; color enhanced gemstones along with the skills and new equipment to detect them are coming fast. It’s thrilling to keep current.” At eighty-seven, Mr. Gordon has no plans to retire. In fact, he recently extended the lease on his office space.
“Jewelry is not merely adornment,” he states. “It is family history, emotional attachments, and memories. And of course, for me, it’s a life-long passion.”
His legacy is the knowledge and passion shared with peers and clients.
