full in-house laboratory
We do it all
We verify, evaluate, and grade gemstones in accordance with strict GIA Guidelines. By assigning grades to gemstones that have been authenticated using GIA Grading Procedures, they can then be placed into a retail pricing category using Gemworld International's U.S. Wholesale Pricing Guide.
After the jewelry item is completely evaluated, it is then assigned a Retail Replacement Value for insurance purposes. We provide you with a digital copy and a hard copy upon request. A digital copy can be easily be stored and forwarded to your insurance provider.
Jewelry Insurance Appraisals can range from $75 to $250 depending on the item. Call ahead and give us a description of your item for accurate pricing.
If you are just trying to inquire, we can certify your item and provide you with an intrinsic value, as well as comparable pricing in the current market for $55 (maximum fee.)
Gemstone Characteristics
Identification
Here is a Custom made Harry Winston Platinum Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring made in 1934.
By looking under the microscope, we can locate certain clarity characteristics within the gemstone.
These characteristics provide us with evidence as to what the gemstone is and how it was formed (images below.)
Sapphires can contain fine rutile needles known also as “silk” in the jewelry trade. They can
give the stone a velvety, soft and shiny appearance.
Like "silk," some Sapphires also contain crystal inclusions that create a very unique pattern. These three dimensional patterns resemble human "fingerprints."
These images were taken in-house. The image above shows both inclusions combined within the gemstone. Most gemstones contain identifying inclusions.
Wait. Do you have a commercial Laboratory report with that?
Authentication
You should have a Commercial Laboratory Report with your Gemstone. This reassures any buyer that the purchase being made is legitimate. It also reduces the price of an appraisal.
There are numerous laboratory facilities. We recommend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), and EGL USA (a reputable U.S. laboratory not to be confused with EGL international.)
According to JCK Online "Reports from former EGL International are "Counterfeits.
Our In-house laboratory is fully capable of identifying and pricing all gemstones, gemstone treatments, synthetics, simulants, and assembled gemstones. We also provide diamond plotting services.
GIA & Gemworld information
Click Gemworld International or GIA to find out more information on Gemstone Identification and U.S. Gemstone Pricing.
Robert M. Shipley established the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 1931. GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. Gemstones are identified and graded by GIA so that they can be classified according to price.
In 1982, Richard Drucker introduced the world's gemstone industry a colored gemstone pricing guide, now known as GemGuide. The publication, which is recognized as the industry leader for gem pricing and market information, is used for valuation and information in more than 40 countries by jewelers, appraisers, and as a reference in legal cases involving valuation.
In conjunction with material quality and pricing, labor also plays a substantial role in the creation of a finished jewelry product. After all, jewelry is art and is only as good as the artist. Gellar's Blue Book to Jewelry Repair & Design states the manufacturing and labor costs associated with production.
We used all three resources along with the current market to assess the value of an item.
