Jewellery Appraisals

An appraisal is a written professional opinion as to the authenticity, quality, design and estimated value of a piece of jewellery. Since it is an opinion, backed and supported by education, training, equipment and experience, it is important to understand that there can be honest variations between competent appraisers.

The most common reasons for obtaining an appraisal are:

1. Insurance purposes, against loss, damage, or theft.
   Updates are recommended every 1 to 5 years.
2. Estate/Probate purposes ie.: Fair Market Value
3. To confirm the quality of new purchase
4. To confirm the value of any purchase
5. To find out the appreciated value of present jewellery or heirloom
6. Identification of stones and authenticity of metals
7. International travel purposes (U.S. and Canada Customs)

The Gemologist – a professional who has had extensive gemological training and has passed intensive written and practical examinations to obtain his/her degree.

The gemologist/appraiser must have years of experience and knowledge in evaluating gems and jewellery based on accurate information from the marketplace ie. pricelists, trade publications, etc.

The gemologist must constantly keep current with the ever-changing gemological technologies and market developments. He/she must be using modern techniques and equipment in order to conduct their tasks.

There are others with scheduled appointments and you would be walking in on their time. Please call (403) 264-8526, we will gladly make an appointment to suit your schedule.

You are welcome to watch us work on your jewellery from our viewing area, this way you can be at ease that your jewellery never leaves your sight. You have the option to drop off your items to be appraised, but we recommend that you wait until our services are completed.

We recommend that you update your appraisal every three to five years, depending on the supply and demand of your gemstone, its size and its quality.

We recommend having your diamond plotted. A plot is a diagram of your diamond’s inclusions which are located in specific regions in your diamond. No two diamonds have the same inclusions in those locations. Therefore, a plot is like a fingerprint. After the repair, any gemologist will be able to I.D. your diamond.

1. Identification of all stones, their shape, dimensions, and approximate weights.
2. A quality analysis, based on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) system of grading.
3. All diamonds must be graded as to their colour, clarity and cut.
4. Coloured stones must be graded as to their colour (hue, tone & saturation), clarity (degree of flaws), and cut (proportions).
5. All metals must be described as to their content, stampings, setting styles, design and gram weight. Also noting engraving (if any)
6. The appraisal certificate must be numbered, dated, signed and sealed by the gemologist.
7. An estimated retail replacement value or estate value must be clearly stated on the certificate.