Question: Can an insurance company reasonably turn down my client for coverage on her ring that has a chipped diamond? Answer: Yes but it is the insurance company’s game. We just need to know the rules…
News ArchiveThe historical importance of Japanese akoya, South Seas, and Tahitian pearls is key to the cultured pearl industry. Early courses taught by the GIA and subsequent grading systems developed by Gemworld incorporated key elements of…
News ArchiveNew jewelry is easy to value but what happens when a customer brings in an item of jewelry showing damage or excessive wear? As the independent appraiser, your job includes an accurate description of the…
News ArchiveAlthough the assignment discussed here involves a cracked or crazed opal, the methodology is similar for any damaged gemstone. The appraiser only has what is in front of them, and if it is a damaged…
News ArchiveThe use of pricing adjustments is relatively common, especially when the appraiser is using the cost approach. However, in assignments where the subject property falls outside of the core range of trading for that variety…
News ArchiveThe appraisal is complete. The proper terms and limiting conditions are given including restricted use for insurance only. And then it happens. Your appraisal shows up on an internet site with an offer to sell…
News ArchiveLab grading differences are becoming a hot industry issue. The differences in grades from one lab to another are problematic. Consumers are being deceived into thinking that they are buying a diamond with higher grades…
News ArchiveAs more companies entered into this technology, known as fracture-filling, or clarity enhanced (CE), the door became wide-open for vendors to assign the clarity grade of their choosing. While we at Northwest Gemological Laboratory have…
News ArchiveLike many of our Appraiser’s Notebook stories,This too was inspired by a true story. What it illustrates is the special considerations that must be accounted for with large, rare diamonds when valuing for insurance. Several months…
News ArchiveGemologists are trained and experienced in recognizing gems, treatments, synthetics, and outright fakes in gems and jewelry, but detecting fake watches is a different challenge altogether. Furthermore, when a watch is determined to be genuine…
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