Answers to common questions about our jewelry appraisal and gemological services
We conduct our appraisals in a fully equipped gemological laboratory. We encourage clients to participate in the appraisal process, which helps them better understand their items. Throughout this process, clients receive comprehensive education on the full quality analysis of their items. Our appraisal reports are detailed, full-page documents that clearly support the value of the items—no brief, three- or four-line appraisals here.
Insurance companies determine item value at the time of loss, which often results in a lower payout than the appraised value. The typical claims process involves replacing the item; however, the replacement must match the original quality, as specified in the appraisal. Jewelry cannot be replaced with the cash value listed on the appraisal—only with the item described in detail.
Many appraisals tend to overlook essential quality aspects of jewelry items. At Boston Gem Lab, we offer comprehensive appraisals that detail all quality factors that support the item's value. We also educate our clients about what's included in our appraisals, helping them spot lower-quality substitutions that may arise during negotiations between insurance companies and jewelers handling replacements.
Jewelry can only be replaced based on its description. We educate our clients about all aspects of our quality analysis. Our appraisal reports must guarantee the same quality, even when an insurance company negotiates with the jeweler to lower their cost for the replacement item.
After the minimum charge, additional items typically cost $75.00 each; simple items are $50.00 each. However, some items that require extensive research may incur higher fees. We will email most appraisals within 24 to 48 hours and send a formal appraisal later in a priority box for your records.
No, only basic descriptions are required, but it is essential to communicate the quality to the client in the same way we do for insurance appraisals; fair market value differs from retail replacement value. Additionally, we provide appraisals for wholesale estate jewelers, such as J. & S. S. DeYoung (established in 1835), as well as for auction houses. These appraisals require research on comparable items in the relevant market.
Yes, the jewelry appraisal team at Boston Gem Lab has extensive experience in certifying both loose and mounted diamonds and gemstones. We provide essential information on our certificates, including cut grades for fancy diamonds—details that are not typically found on GIA certificates—as well as origin and treatment reports for colored gemstones. Additionally, we conduct a quality analysis that is not included with other gemological labs.
Yes, throughout our more than 39 years in business, we have regularly completed antique jewelry appraisals. Visit our appraisals page to see some examples of the appraisal types we offer.
We partner with top European goldsmiths who specialize in handmade jewelry. Your costs are lower than traditional casting, while the quality is significantly superior. We perform all work under a microscope, ensuring precision for antique restoration, new mountings, and repairs. We also provide a microscopic view of the completed work.
We have established strong relationships with estate dealers and auction houses that recognize our appraisals as a reliable way to assess the quality of items submitted for sale. Additionally, we offer clients an independent gemstone pricing guide to support jewelry asset management and liquidations.
Our show-and-tell presentations for clients utilize a microscope and other gemological instruments, providing the best validation for recent jewelry or gemstone purchases.
Boston Gem Laboratory appraisals are conducted in the presence of our clients. Our numerous reviews attest to the exceptional client experience we provide.