We’re often asked why we don’t use AI or automated image-based tools, especially as they’ve become more common across the industry. The answer is straightforward. For the type of certificate we issue, we believe the item needs to be seen in person.
Our 72-point protocol is built around physical inspection. We assess stitching, leather, hardware, embossing, and structure directly. That standard matters to us because the certificates we issue are designed to hold weight in legal, insurance, and institutional settings. For that to happen, we need to know exactly how the item behaves under proper examination.
This is not a criticism of every remote authenticator. There are individuals working off photographs who have deep experience and long-standing credibility, and their approach is very different from the automated models currently marketed as scalable solutions. Our decision not to work from images is not a statement about those professionals. It is simply a reflection of the standards we have set for the kind of documentation we issue.
For us, the process must be structured, multi-expert, and based on direct handling. That’s the model our guarantee is built on, and it is what our clients expect.