Why Should I Trust Your Opinion?
What makes us different
Our experience is extensive
Our Appraiser brings expertise gained by working in retail jewelry, wholesale diamonds and gemstones, and insurance replacement services. We have seen valuation on several levels in the jewelry industry. With first-hand knowledge of how mark-ups and margin pricing influences market value, we provide the most accurate account when determining value of your items.
We use the most accurate pricing systems.
Our valuation process references an online database that is updated monthly on current market values of all gemstones and diamonds. The database is recognized as the leader in market information and has been used for valuation and information in more than 40 countries by jewelers and appraisers and has been referenced in legal cases involving valuation.
We have the best education.
Our Graduate Gemologist has a unique collection of experience and knowledge in the jewelry trade which makes our valuation process remarkably accurate. He received his training by the world-renowned Gemological Institute of America at their headquarters in Carlsbad, California. The most prestigious credential in the industry, the GIA Graduate Gemologist program provides the most comprehensive knowledge, technical expertise and practical skills to evaluate gemstones and diamonds. The GIA is the foremost authority of gemstones and diamonds in the world. We evaluate gemstones by the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight), the International Diamond Grading System, and the Colored Stone Grading System. GIA Graduate Gemologists who study on-site at the world headquarters receive 4 times the amount of hands-on experience and exclusive lectures from industry leaders than the distance learning students who share the same title.
Your appraisal includes...
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Identification of all gemstones along with their shape, measurements, and weights.
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All diamonds described by the Four C’s (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight).
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All colored gemstones described by industry recognized detail description system detailing hue, tone, saturation and also cut and carat weight.
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Pearls will be described by their color, luster, nacre, shape, blemishes, and matching.
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Metals will be described as to their carat content (14K, 18K, etc.) as well as platinum and other metal groups.
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The type of construction, craftsmanship, and design.
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The date, appraiser’s name and signature, addendum information, and information on the process of appraising.
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The value, the purpose and the function of the appraisal.
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High Definition Photo-documentation of each item.
My Jeweler Says They Will Give Me An Appraisal For Free!
The pitfalls of using a jewelry store for appraisals
The Concierge Gemologist is not associated with any jewelry store or buying group. Our process of appraisal ensures you will receive the most accurate value. We offer a completely independent opinion, no biased reporting here.
Appraisals received from private jewelry stores can often be reflections of an inflated or deflated market value because the jeweler’s interest is to please their client. Professional appraisal services worldwide agree that any seller cannot offer an unbiased opinion of value. Let’s look at this closer:
Example: My Engagement ring came from the jeweler who made it, so the replacement value must be accurate.
Conflict of Interest: The jeweler would want the customer to think they received a good deal, and likely inflated the value.
**When a item is brand new from a retailer, most insurance providers will accept a receipt as an accurate "Statement of Value." Make sure you ask your provider before you assume you need a formal appraisal.
Example: I need an accurate appraisal to determine retail replacement value in order to acquire the correct amount of insurance coverage, so I’ll take it to a private jeweler who offers appraisal services.
Conflict of Interest: The jeweler sees an opportunity to acquire a new customer for the store. By providing a lower value, that jeweler is leading the customer to the idea that they would have been able to provide the same ring for a lower price than they had paid. That jeweler may not be making a sale today, but could gain your business in the future.
The Concierge Gemologist will never engage in the practice of appraisal if the item originates from our design process. We also refrain from purchasing items that we have engaged in the practice of appraisal. We will never put ourselves in a conflict of interest such as the ones outlined above. We offer a third party appraiser service to several other appraisers in good standing with our standards.