Diamonds are graded at 10x magnification

Appraisals  


Our Resident Gemologists



Troy Schmidt BA, FCGmA, GJ and his daughter
Stephanie Schmidt GG(GIA), GJ

certified & accredited gemologists

Troy studied jewellery arts at the Gemological Institute of America and graduated in 1984 from the Canadian Gemmological Association.
He has over 25 years experience and also serves as a consultant to legal and insurance companies.

Stephanie, following in her father's footsteps is a recent graduate of the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA)


Appraisal Procedure

  • Each item is polished and ultrasonically cleaned, then checked for security and any required repairs
  • Each item is electronically weighed and measured
  • The item is examined for karatage and trademark stamps and tested for gold content
  • The gems are identified with gem instruments and gem laboratory equipment
  • The gems are measured and quality graded
  • The item is photographed
  • The values are determined by our appraisal system and research with suppliers
  • The appraisal describing and listing the recommended insurance value for each item is produced.


APPRAISALS


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

Do I need an appointment?
No.  Our our staff will take-in your items and issue you a receipt.

What should I bring to the store?
Bring all previous appraisals, bills of sale and certificates.  Anything that could help the gemologist to get the most accurate description and value.

Are pictures of the items provided?
Yes each item is photographed and the colour photo forms a part of the appraisal.

Who can appraise jewellery?
Anyone - you can - there is no licensing requirement.  Just get a fancy letterhead. 
Many insurance companies will accept any appraisal. 

If the item is appraised too high they collect the premiums and replace at the real cost.  If the item is too low they settle at the low insured value.  You need to get it right.


Who should appraise jewellery?
A certified accredited gemologist, whose appraisal will have legal credibility. 

If you can't afford a gemologist or there isn't one in your area, then at the very least get the opinion from a jewellery retailer who buys and sells a lot of jewellery and has a good idea of values.  A goldsmith or watchmaker isn't a good choice.
 
Why wouldn't I want a higher appraised value?
An appraisal is a recommendation of insurance, if inflated you pay higher premiums than necessary.

Doesn't an appraisal tell me what its worth?
No - what anything is worth - is what a willing buyer will pay you for it.  Shop around, compare prices of like items - that's the closest you'll come to what its worth today, in this market.

They have an appraisal with the ring I want to buy?
Our industry is plagued by fraudulent appraisals.  An appraisal is not a sales tool.  Be wary of anyone who presents an appraisal when trying to sell you the item.  For more information and remedies see
fraudulent appraisals.

Be interested only in quality grading reports from accredited independent labs; GemScan, EGL, IGL, GIA or CanadaMark.

Can I wait for the appraisal?
No.  An accurate proper appraisal takes time, we complete appraisals in order they come in.

Do you remove gems to weigh them?
No.  Never unless requested, carat weights are estimated from measurements and proportions.

How often should my jewellery be appraised?
AGS recommends every 2 years, we recommend at least every 3 years.  Ask your insurance company for their recommendation.


What do I look for before leaving my jewellery somewhere for appraisal?

  • Is your jewellery safe and protected?
  • If someone claims to be a gemologist verify it - FCGmA, FGmA or GG (GIA) are the accepted North American credentials.
  • Is the business insured with a 'Jeweller's Block' policy'?
  • Are they members of the Canadian Jewellery Association and the Canadian Professional Appraisers Association?
  • Find out where the appraisal will be done, many send them out of town to an appraiser.
  • Determine what certification, experience and equipment the appraiser has.
  • Obtain a receipt for your items left in their trust.