Independent Diamond Appraisers - California

Independent Diamond Appraisers - California

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15 independent appraisers found in California

Nancy Stacy
ASA (MGA); AGA, NAJA, JVC, JA
Contra Costa Gem Lab
712 Bancroft Road, #436
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Ph: 925-939-4367
www.jewelry-appraisal.com

Resume	Resume. Since: 1980. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	I think it is unethical for the appraiser to direct clients away from one vendor and to another.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Fee Schedule
Recent Education	My most recent educational event was the AGA seminar on red diamonds—natural diamonds with induced color. Amazing, considering there are probably only 100 or so natural color red diamonds around. I have taken and passed the ASA courses, the ISA courses and the JCRS insurance appraisal course. I have written and taught several appraisal courses for ASA, including updating the Master Gemologist Appraiser course. I have taught appraisal courses in various universities throughout the country.
Master Stone Set	Lazar Kaplan Ideal cut diamond grading set certified by GIA
Cut Evaluation Tools	I use an H&A scope, the Ideal-Scope, the ASET, a crown angle gauge, and a mm gauge built in to the ocular of my microscope.
Cut Info in Report	Table, Crown height, Crown %, Crown angle, Pavilion depth %, Girdle thickness and finish, Culet size and note if abraded or chipped, Brilliance on a score of Poor to Excellent, Proportion Grade (GIA scale of IA-IVB) and H&A symmetry noted if present
Other Areas Of Expertise	I appraise vintage and period jewelry, and can discriminate between an old piece and a reproduction.
Unique Services	Diamond Gemprints while you wait. Appraisal document can now be provided in .PDF form, which most clients (and insurance companies) seem to prefer--or I can provide it the old-fashioned way: two printed copies. I have a portable lab, but prefer to work in my office. For some legal cases and government agencies such as US Customs, it is necessary to go on-site, which I do at my daily rate.
Publications	Co-auther of the manuals for the two advanced ASA courses leading to the Master Gemologist Appraiser cettification: ASA GJ205 and ASA GJ206, among other course manuals.
Turnaround	For one item—while you wait. The turn-around time on larger jobs depends on the size of the job. Right away for small jobs, several weeks for large estates. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	I rarely grade for stores—but the local jewelers pass out my business cards and recommend me to their customers. If I were ever to have a conflict of interest, I would disclose it prior to accepting the assignment.
Opinion	Know that there are many types of appraisals, and that jewelry can have a different value in one market as opposed to another. Be an informed consumer. Remember that every color & clarity grade represents a range. A “G” color diamond could be nearly an “F” or nearly an “H” and that may be reflected in the price. Same thing with clarity. Probably the most important part of an insurance appraisal is a detailed description of the value-making characteristics of the item. The insurer is bound by what is
* Note:	There is no regulation of jewelry appraisers. Most have not invested the time or money in education and equipment to be qualified as professionals. Credentials come in many shapes and sizes. Know the difference, and check with the credentialing association

Jennifer Thornton-Davis
GG, MGA ASA, NAJA
In Depth Appraisals
16830 Ventura Bl., Lobby, Suite i
Encino, CA 91436
Ph: 818-988-5583
www.indepthappraisals.com

Resume	Resume. Since: 1995. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	No
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Fee Schedule
Recent Education	USPAP, ASA continuing education class in June/Vegas. AGS/Tucson 2005
Master Stone Set	Master graded stones (GIA)
Cut Evaluation Tools	Ideal-Scope, ASET Scope
Cut Info in Report	Most diamonds I see are in the mounting, so am limited in what I can report, but I try for table and depth percentage. I am working on reporting the cut grade.
Other Areas Of Expertise	I never report on origin. That must come from GIA, AGTA, American Gem Lab or AGS, Gublin. I stopped saying "old" European on my reports years ago. Can I tell if its a modern "old" cut. I would say yes. I only report that I am suspicious of treatment. I leave that up to the labs.
Special Policies	Making clients, not customers.
Unique Services	Portable/moblie Lab
Turnaround	On the average* 7-10 business days for insurance purpose. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	No
Opinion	My web site is my explanation of what I offer, what I charge, my gemology and appraisal education. There are other "appraisers" who charge similar or more then I do, but their education and continuing education usually is not equal to mine. It is important for the consumer to know this when "shopping" for an appraiser. I also try and grade to the standards as taught by GIA, not make up my own nomenclature. The appraisal methodology used, is that which is taught by the association one belongs to. If you say

Christopher Jacobs
CA Jewelers Assoc., NAJA, AGA
A. L. Jacobs & Sons
2445 Truxtun Road, #105
San Diego, CA 92106
Ph: (619) 248-8628

Resume	Resume. Since: 1977. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	No. Ethically, my job is to provide appraisal and gemological services only. I can provide jewelry and watch repair services to my clients.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Fee Schedule
Recent Education	AGS Register Jeweler title (1978-1990); AGS Certified Gemologist title (1979-1990); AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser title (1985-1990); NAJA conferences 8-05, 2-06, 8-06, 2-07, 8-07; Accredited Gemologists Conference 2-07; Tucson Gem Show 2-06, 2-07. NAJA Certified Senior Gemologist; AGA Accredited Senior Gemologist.
Master Stone Set	Yes - I have an AGS graded Master Colored graded diamond series.
Cut Evaluation Tools	Ocular proportionscope.
Cut Info in Report	Shape, length, width & depth measurements, table measurement and percentage, depth percentage, girdle thickness, culet size, polish and symmetry (ex, vg, g, f, p).
Other Areas Of Expertise	Detecting vintage, antique vs. reproduction; diamond and colored stone treatments; natural vs. synthetic determinations.
Unique Services	I provide house and bank calls for larger jobs. I provide instore appraisal clinics for retail stores.
Turnaround	Allow up to one hour for first piece, less for additional pieces. More intricate or research intensive pieces will require more time. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	If a conflict arises, I disclose it prior to accepting any assignment.
Opinion	Experience, knowledge and ongoing education are required to provide the client with quality appraisal services. I take pride in providing my clients well documented and researched appraisals.
* Note:	Accredited Gemologists Association Certified Gemological Laboratory.

Patrick N. Davis
GG, MGA, ASA
GemSecure Jewelry Appraisals
11282 Washington Blvd., Suite #206
Los Angeles, CA 90230
Ph: 310-821-1453
Ph: 310-429-7171
www.jewelryappraiser.net

Resume	Resume. Since: 1990. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	No
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Fee Schedule
Recent Education	ASA Continuing education
Master Stone Set	AGS Master Graded Diamonds
Cut Evaluation Tools	Ideal Scope, Fire scope, Gem Instruments (GIA) Proportion scope and detailed visual analysis of cutting proportions and symmetry analysis and Polish.
Cut Info in Report	A detailed analysis of the cutting proportions which includes: Depth%, Pavilion Depth%, Table%, Crown Height%, Crown Angle Degrees, Girdle Size, Length to Width Ratio,symmetry Shape and Cutting Class.
Special Policies	WHILE YOU WATCH !
Unique Services	While you watch appraisals conducted at my office by appointment or the location of your choice. Off Site, Mobile Lab Services Available. "We Can Come To You!"
Turnaround	3 to 5 Business Days - I offer same day PDF file - email of appraisals for emergency or rushed situations for an additional fee. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	My clients include: brides and bankers, lawyers and auctioneers, insurance companies, financial advisers and especially the general public.
Opinion	I am an independent jewelry appraiser offering professional unbiased appraisals for a variety of intended uses. I offer a while you watch appraisal service, or a mobile lab service to come to the location of your choice. I am sensitive to the many questions my clients might have regarding the appraisal process and am happy to explain the evaluation and valuation process as I am conducting it. My appraisal documents are detailed, comprehensive written reports.
* Note:	* Graduate Gemologist (GG), from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). * Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) from the American Society of Appraisers. * Master Gemologist Appraiser® from the American Society * ASA Los Angele

Theresa L. Newman Brossmer
G.G, ASA, MGA
Gem Appraisals Unlimited
1403 W. Foothill #E
LaVerne, CA 91750
Ph: 909-596-8006
Ph: 951-237-6005
www.gem-appraisals.com

Resume	Resume. Since: 1979. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	Suggesting other prodcts is not part of the appraisal process. I examine, evaluate, and value what is in front of me.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Fee Schedule
Recent Education	I attended lectures in Tucson and Las Vegas this year, covering new technological advancements in diamond synthesis and treatments, including CVD and HPHT, and classes on recent treatment advances for colored stones including Bulk Diffusion with Beryllium and Laser ablation detection. I also completed the re-certification class for Master Gemologist Appraisers in Las Vegas in June 2005.
Master Stone Set	I have diamond master stones. It is a requirement to have diamond master stones to operate an ASA accredited laboratory. My laboratory is ASA accredited.
Cut Evaluation Tools	H&A scope. I am considering the purchase of an Ogi as it will integrate well with the PAS appraisal software I use.
Cut Info in Report	My reports include cut grades for diamonds (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) based on dimensions, crown height, girdle thickness, table diameter, culet size, etc, as well as polish and symmetry grades, (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Poor)
Other Areas Of Expertise	My area of expertise is Late 19th century through contemporary finished jewelry. I am proficient at identifying treatments in diamonds as well as colored stones, but do not consider it a specialty. I do not offer country of origin determinations.
Unique Services	I have portable G.I.A. maxi-labs, scales, cameras, and am capable of full-service on-site jewelry examinations.
Turnaround	Usually same day for items that do not require exensive research. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	I am completely independent. My client list includes clients from all levels of the industry, as well as law enforcement, government agencies, and attorney, on both sides of the aisle. The copy of my CV includes an abbreviated client list.

Thom Underwood
GG, MGA, ASA, Senior Member of NAJA
San Diego Gemological Lab
1851 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
Ph: 619-286-6614
www.sdgemlab.com

Resume	Resume. Since: 1977. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	As a rule I do not refer clients to vendors but rather consult them on their own findings and/or purchases
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Fee Schedule
Recent Education	2007 - AGA conference, NAJA conference, Scottish Gemmological conference
Master Stone Set	Yes - diamonds as well as a Gran colorimiter
Cut Evaluation Tools	Hearts on Fire scope, AGS - ASET
Cut Info in Report	I always refer to GIA & AGS reports when available but also include table and depth percentages along with measurements, girdle, culet, proportion grade, etc.
Other Areas Of Expertise	I consider myself a generalist maintianing my skills with ongoing education
Unique Services	I do have a mobile lab, however, the size of the job must support the ’out of office’ time.
Turnaround	I work by appointment and barring anything unusual the client will walk out with report in hand and all questions answered. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	No - I do not grade diamonds for other companies
Opinion	I see myself as a consumer advocate and practice full disclosure of all information.

Carole Richbourg
ASA, AGS, NAJA, GIA Alumni
Fine Jewelry Appraisals and Consulting
342 State Street, Suite 3
Los Altos, CA 94022
Ph: 408 219-1175
www.finejewelryappraiser.com

Resume	Resume. Since: 1988. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	I have a large network of vendors, retailers, collectors, antique jewelry dealers, labs, watchmakers and goldsmiths that I can refer my clients. These are pre-qualified, reputable firms and individuals.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage
Recent Education	American Society of Appraisers Conference in Brooklyn, NY 8/06. National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Conference, Tucson, AZ 2/07 Intensive gemstone and diamomd treatments course, Rolex Authentication, IRS regulations, Coins, Vintage plastics in Jewelry. I also passed the yearly American Gem Society Re-certification Exam.
Master Stone Set	5 Stone Master Diamond Set graded by GIA
Cut Evaluation Tools	ASET(tm) (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool)
Cut Info in Report	Full description of diamond: Diameter (max. and min.) Depth, Depth %, Table %, culet size, girdle thickness, symmetry, finish and proportions along with a plot. I can also attach a Facetware(tm) printout of cut grade.
Other Areas Of Expertise	Antique and vintage jewelry, detecting reproductions, costume jewelry, colored gemstone and diamond treatments.
Unique Services	AGA Certified Gem Laboratory #29. Complete mobile gem lab. I can also perform simple repairs, pearl restringing.
Turnaround	One item that doesn’t require extensive research can be completed in a day. Several items might take up to 2 weeks. Sending items to independent labs as needed can take up to 2 weeks for results. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	I consult with several jewelry stores in my area, and disclose this to my clients. This does not affect my objectivity. I will not sign my name to a document that I could not defend in a court of law.
Opinion	I believe that appraising is a Profession, and even though one might be a gemologist, or a retailer with many years in the jewelry business, it does not necessarily make them an effective appraiser. I also believe that you obtain a more objective appraisal from an Independent Appraiser, no matter how honest or well-meaning the retailer. I have been in the jewelry business for over 25 years, and have experience in several aspects, from sales to buying (from vendors as well as the public). This is an exc

Craig Lynch
AGA, JSA, AJA,
Ouellet & Lynch
3730 W Michigan Ave
Glendale, AZ 85308
Ph: 602-264-3210
www.ouellet-lynch.com

Resume	. Since: 2007. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage
Recent Education	ASA JG206 class tested passed,
Master Stone Set	certified GIA Diamond master set
Turnaround	Same day Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Opinion	Yes

David Harris
NAJA, AGA, AEA
Appraisers of California
333 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Ph: (415) 699-7083
www.appraisersofca.com

Resume

. Since: . Court Witness: . Sell Retail:

Mervyn Cohn ASA Retired
ASA, CG, JVC, AVS
Mervyn Cohn & Assoc.
#4 Point San Pedro Rd #8
San Rafael, CA 94901
Ph: 415-456-6422
www.e-praise.com

Resume	. Since: 1965. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	I’m not involved with merchandise except in value research and reference.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage
Recent Education	JVC Jewelry Appraiser
Master Stone Set	GIA COMPARISON STONES GRADED Dec. 17, 1980
Cut Evaluation Tools	Leveridge Guage, linier Caliper and eCS Calculator
Cut Info in Report	Each Criteria provided on a Labratory Quality Certificate is included on my reports
Other Areas Of Expertise	With over 50years experience I’ve learned to recognize most cuts by country of origin and so state in the description on my reports
Special Policies	An Appraisal is an opinion of value that is supported by an argument
Unique Services	Working from a home office, I carry most of my gear on a luggage cart. I have a lab set up at L.L. Brown’s Jewelers at #1 Embarcadero Ctr. San Francisco, CA. 94111. I’m available there for Appraisals by appointment on most Tuesdays or Thursdays
Publications	Diamond Registry, San Francisco Chronicle, Miami Herald, San Francisco Examiner, Marin Indepenant Journal, Gemology.
Turnaround	Three to five days after competion of inspection Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	I work at but not for L.L.Brown.
Opinion	An appraisal has value only when it is needed to establish the value of an item, usually after a loss or during a dispute
* Note:	After many years of Appraisal practice my spectum of valuation knowlege extends across a very wide band and I’ve been called upon to establish values in many litigious cases

Mona Smith
ASA/AGS/JBT/JVC/NAJA/AGA
Pacific Gem Lab
534 SW 3rd Avenue #206
Portland, OR 97204
Ph: 503-274-7022
www.pacificgemlab.net

Resume	Resume. Since: 1988. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	NO -If they are uneasy about thier purchase, I recommend for them to shop around and deal with whom they are comfortable with.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage www.pacificgemlab.net
Recent Education	I am currently teaching valuation theory (GJ205 class) and advanced gemological studies (GJ206 class) with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). Also at the University level in the Art History department on Fashion and Period Jewelry 1750 to current.
Master Stone Set	We have three sets of Diamond Masters. One eight stone set of 1.00 carat sizes and two six stone sets of 0.50 to 0.35 carat size. Also a colorimeter.
Cut Evaluation Tools	Sarin, OGI, Ideal scope
Cut Info in Report	We reveal color, cut, clarity, weight, dimensions, table, depth, girdle, culet, polish and finish. If they request a OGI or sarin we will include a copy of that report consisting of weight, dimensions, total depth, pavilion depth, pavilion angle, crown angle, table size, culet, girdle mininum/maximum, fluorescence,color, clarity, along with a diagram of the stone with the proportions. With this process the stone must be loose/unmounted.
Other Areas Of Expertise	Period jewelry
Special Policies	Can do your appraisal while you wait with an appointment. You will leave with report and item(s) same day.
Unique Services	Portable lab to travel to your home, office, bank, etc.
Turnaround	With appointment - while you wait in most cases, 3 -5 days with out. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	We grade loose stone and jewelry for many jewelry stores all over the U.S.. We cannot and do not recommend our appraisal clients to go to any particular store for purchase. They need to feel comfortable with where and whom they are purchasing from.
Opinion	Yes, we will sit with the client and review the appraisal process and when complete we will review the document with them.

Paul Thompson
GG, ASA, MGA
Paul Thompson Co
444 North Larchmont Blvd. #107
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Ph: 323-464-8815
www.paulthompsonco.com

Resume

. Since: . Court Witness: . Sell Retail:

Sookie Lehman
G.G., NAJA, GIA
Appraise This! by Sookie
2S883 Thorncrest Ln
Batavia, IL 60510
Ph: 630-482-2980
www.appraisethisbysookie.info

Resume	. Since: 2008. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Suggest Alternatives	I prefer to stay netural.
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage
Master Stone Set	CZ
Unique Services	Mobil lab, I will travel anywhere in the USA
Turnaround	As you wait if it’s local, large estate will discuss for turn around time. Out of state appraisals discuss at time of booking. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	I am an independant appraiser that sets up at independat jewelry stores for appraisal promotion days. The client can stay in the store and wait for their appraisal.
Opinion	A jewelry appraisal is largely a matter of research, you are the source for sales records of personal property such as jewelry. If you withhold documents at the beginning of an appraisal, then produce them for consideration after the appraisal is complete, the appraiser has every right to charge you for the extra time it will take to re-check his original estimates. You will not benefit in the end by playing "mind games" with your appraiser.
* Note:	I travel out of state all expenses paid by client plus a daily rate. I work by appointment only, payment cash or check.

Steven Policastro
GG (GIA), NAJA
S. California Gem Lab
861 6th Ave Ste 155
San Diego, CA 92101
Ph: 619-236-1643

details not provided

Thomas Elliott
GIA, GIA Alumni, AGS, NAJA
Elliott Gemological Laboratory
13240 ne 20th st suite 23
Bellevue, WA 98005
Ph: 425-637-0075
www.elliottgemlab.com

Resume	Resume. Since: 1998. Court Witness: . Sell Retail:
Charges	Per Item Per Time Percentage Call for information in price
Master Stone Set	Diamond Master color grading stones
Cut Evaluation Tools	We use OGI tools for evaluation of cut grade
Cut Info in Report	If the customer would like a full report on cut grade we do offer it.
Turnaround	All appraisals are done while you wait by appointment are 24-48 hr. turaround. Clients can attend appraisal sessions
Security	Secure Premises Vault/Safe
Insurance	E&O Liability Theft
Can Receive Directly from Vendors
Services for Other Businesses	we do not provide any appraisals that would be considered a conflict of interest.