As 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…
News ArchiveOne area of misuse of the GemGuide is in pricing large gemstones beyond the largest weights listed. This can occur with any variety of gemstone and it is critical to understand what happens in the…
News ArchiveThe tourist market is its own market with very different behaviors when it comes to jewelry. Is it a rip-off or just a market where higher prices can be expected? Is buyer's remorse a reason…
News ArchiveIn Tucson, an appraisal forum was held, developed and sponsored by the California Institute of Jewelry Training and Master Valuer International. The concept was to invite a panel of appraisal experts to discuss appraisal issues…
News ArchiveAn honest, upscale jeweler sends his appraiser friend the most recent password for accessing the GemGuide online. Not a big deal he thinks, as he has experienced numerous occasions with customers having copies of price…
News ArchiveThe practice of appraising has been exploding for more than 20 years, spurred by a small but aggressive group of trained valuators determined to make appraising a true profession. Seemingly, books have been published overnight…
News ArchiveLets face it - most diamonds are sold based on a laboratory report. Ask the appraisal customer if they were told the color and clarity grade (and sometimes the cut grade), were based on the…
News ArchiveHigh Priest with a Torch If a goldsmith, without even the benefit of a ceremony, marries an engagement ring to a wedding band, this priestly act leaves appraisers little choice but to value them as one…
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