GemSecure Jewelry Appraisals



THE APPRAISAL PROCESS



What Happens First?

When you arrive for your appointment you will need to fill out an intake form that asks some brie questions. I will then explain a little about the appraisal process and begin the physical evaluation of your jewelry item(s). During the appraisal, you sit directly across from me and your jewelry items are always in plain view. The physical evaluation of your jewelry items includes measuring, testing, note taking, calculating and photography. As I am conducting the inspection of your jewelry, I will explain to you what I am doing and answer any questions or concerns you may have during the process.



The Evaluation Process


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Diamond Grading:


Clarity Grading: - The internal characteristic or inclusions of your diamond will be observed under a high powered gemological microscope and a plot diagram will show the location and type of inclusion. A clarity grade using the GIA clarity grading system will be assigned and noted in the report.


Color Grading: The amount of inherent color in your diamond will be evaluated and compared to GIA master graded diamonds under proper daylight diamond grading lamps. A letter grade from D to Z will be assigned based on the amount of color or (lack there of) your diamond is exhibiting. The color grade assigned will use the GIA's color grading system and noted in the report.


* I have a full set of master graded diamonds used for comparison that have been graded and certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).


Carat Weight: If your diamond is mounted, the carat weight is estimated by using a standard formula for the type of cut for your stone. If your stone un-mounted, it is directly weighed on a digital carat weight scale. The weight is noted in the report.


Cutting Proportions: The cutting proportions of your diamond are evaluated. This includes, measurements of the diameter or length & width, along with the depth of your diamond. Depth%, Table%, Crown Angle, and Girdle Thickness are evaluated and noted in the final report.


Finish: Symmetry and Polish will be assessed and given a grade of Poor to Excellent and noted in the report.


Cut Grade: A cutting class is assigned based on the stones cutting proportions and is noted in the report.


Fluorescence: Your diamond will be tested for a reaction to long wave and short wave ultra violet light. The findings will be noted in the report.


Enhancements: Any and all enhancements that are detectable by gemological testing and or observation will be noted in the report.




Colored Stone Grading:


Color Grading: The color of your stone is compared to a GIA master color comparison set to determine the stones color or hue and noted in the report.


Saturation of Color: The saturation of color (The amount of color exhibited) inherent throughout the stone is evaluated and noted.


Tone: The degree of lightness or darkness the gemstone exhibits in the stone is evaluated and noted.


Carat Weight: If your stone is mounted, the carat weight is estimated by using a standard formula for the variety and cut type of your stone. If your stone un-mounted, it is directly weighed on a digital carat weight scale. The weight is noted in the report.


Cutting Proportions: Depth%, Girdle thickness


Cut Grade: The cutting class based on the stones overall cutting proportions, symmetry, shape & appeal are evaluated and noted in the report. Clarity Type: The clarity type is noted for your variety of colored stone.


Clarity Grading: A clarity grade is assigned that is appropriate for the clarity type for your stone and noted in the report.


Finish: Symmetry and Polish will be observed and given a grade of Poor to Excellent and noted in the report.


Enhancements: Any and all enhancements that are detectable by gemological testing or observation will be noted in the report.



Mounting Attributes:


A complete evaluation of the mounting is done and is described in detail in the final report. Each piece of jewelry will be weighed, measured and described in detail. Inscriptions, hallmarks, karat stamping's, signatures and any other identifying markings are noted. A metallurgic analysis is done on all metals if the jewelry item is not clearly stamped with the metal karatage. Any additional diamond accents or colored stones are evaluated for clarity and color and carat weight and are estimated using the appropriate formulas. The findings are noted in the report. Custom design and hand fabricated work, along with signed pieces are noted and taken into account in the final value conclusion.


The Final Hard Copy Appraisal Report:


All the quality analysis information gathered from the physical inspection is documented in a methodical and clear easy to understand format in the final written appraisal report. Digital Photographs of all jewelry items are taken and included in the appraisal document. Your appraisal report will include the specific intended use and appropriate market level researched in the report, as well as explain the grading systems used. An explanation and the definition of market level used will be included, along with the instructions for the appropriate use of the appraisal report.


Partial List of Gemological Instruments Available at GemSecure:


Diamond Proportion analyzer, Electronic Carat Weight Gem Scale, Electronic Metal Scale, Dichroscope, Polaroid Filter Lenses for Microscope, Refractometer, Day Light Diamond Grading Light, 10X Hand Loupe, Master Diamond Comparison Set / GIA, Polariscope, GIA Proportion Scope, Ideal Scope, Hearts & Arrow Scope, Heavy Testing Liquids, Fiber Optic Light Source, Chelsea Filter, Millimeter Micrometer, Presidium Electronic Gemstone Gauge, Presidium Electronic Gemstone Tester, Presidium Gem Weight Scale, GIA GEM Spectroscope, G-1 Electronic Gold Tester, Ultra-Violet Light (long and short wave), Leverage Gauge and Tables, Electronic Moissanite Tester, Electronic Diamond Tester



GemSecure Jewelry Appraisals

11282 Washington Blvd., Suite 206
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 821-1453


patrickdavisappraiser@gmail.com