Appraisals
An appraisal of a gemstone or an item of jewelry involves two operations: evaluation and valuation. Evaluation is determining the quality of the gemstone and or the mounting; valuation is then assigning a monetary value to these items, based upon their quality assessment. And, of course, there are various levels and markets to consider in assigning these values, depending upon the nature of the appraisal assignment. The most common type of valuation report is the insurance replacement cost appraisal, used primarily as the basis to determine the premium for an insurance policy on a newly acquired piece of jewelry.
At PGS, our expertise is in the evaluation reports assessing the quality of gemstones, whether loose or mounted in jewelry. Our most detailed diamond report is the Expert Opinion Certificate of Quality. This report describes the Color, Clarity, Cut (shape, proportions and finish), and the Carat weight of a loose diamond. However, perhaps the most important component included in this Certificate of Quality is an accurate mapping diagram or plot of the diamond’s inclusions and surface blemishes. This plotting diagram can then be used to positively re-identify that diamond at any time in the future. This can be achieved even if the diamond has become damaged, and in some cases, even if the stone has been re-cut to try to hinder re-identification.
A smaller format, less detailed report PGS also issues on loose diamonds is the Carte Blu™. Because it includes a photograph of the stone rather than an identifying plot of the stone’s inclusions, each stone has its respective report number laser inscribed into its girdle. A photo of the inscribed number is also included in the report. The laser inscription of the report number can also be applied to a fully certified diamond’s girdle for a small, additional fee. PGS provides this service for diamonds with reports from other laboratories, as well, provided it can be verified that the diamond and report match. Many insurance companies offer a 10% premium reduction on diamonds that have been laser inscribed, as they are more readily identifiable if recovered after being lost or stolen.
The Carte Blu™ is also used to report on gemstones mounted in jewelry and as a valuation report to record the Insurance Replacement Cost Estimate of the reported item. PGS offers these valuation reports in addition to the evaluation report for a small, additional fee starting at $15.00, and ranging to a maximum of $100.00, depending on the size and number of stones and how elaborate the jewelry item is.
The PGS Laboratory also offers the verification of diamonds – to make sure that they match with their reports which have been issued by other laboratories. We refer to these reports as a Second Opinion and reduce their charge by up to 50% from our normal fees.
Tom Tashey, a Graduate Gemologist (G.G., 1975) from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (F.G.A., 1978), and director of the PGS laboratory, brings 28 years of professional laboratory experience and expertise to every analysis performed or reviewed.
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