Appraiser for Colored Gemstones?

[minousbijoux]

Hi all:

I have some set and unset certed stones I'd like to get appraised so that I can have them insured. Some of the stones are low to mid value stones (3-4 ct tsavorites, blue sapphires, spinels, tanzanite, diamond rings I inherited, tahitian pearls), and some are high value, very fine (such as paraibas, pads, and alex). I have been reading the threads on appraisers, and it sure seems like the consensus is to use Richard Sherwood, who is across the country. I have so many questions I don't know where to start.

Will insurance companies insure unset stones?

Can anyone recommend someone in SF area who specializes in high end colored stones?

How do you safely ship high value items across the country for appraisal? The few times I sent stones back, I couldn't get insurance to cover them, and I didn't relax until I knew they got there safely!

The ideal would be to find someone who comes highly recommended for colored gem appraisal here, but I'll take any suggestions...

Thank you!

 

[chrono]

1. Yes, as far as I know, some insurance companies will insure loose stones.
2. Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with the SF area.
3. I always use USPS registered with insurance but there is a limit on how high it goes (possibly $250K, but I’m not really sure). If you plan to send your stones to Richard, he may be able to suggest a safer method.
4. You can also contact Richard to get a recommendation for someone who is in your neighbourhood.

 

[minousbijoux]

Chrono::

Thanks for your comments - and congratulations on the "debut!" Your ring is very beautiful - not to thread jack my own thread, but if you don't mind me asking, is the spinel from a PS vendor?

I think you're right, that contacting Richard is probably the way to go...

Thx!

 

[chrono]

Minousbijoux,
There is also a thread today about finding an independent appraiser in the LA area. I hope it will provide you some useful information as well.
colored-stones/appraisals-good-and-bad-help-t148146.html

Thank you! Yes, I purchased the spinel from Eric of Swala.

 

[Art Nouveau]

Are you looking for an indpendent appraiser or one who buys and sells high end color stones and also does appraisals? I have not peronally used these appraisers but I know of 3 independent ones in the SF area, Nancy Stacy in Walnut Creek area, Carole Richbourg in Los Altos, and David L. Harris in Los Altos/San Francisco. For appraisers who also does buying and selling, you can find Barbara Voltaire at Langs' Antiques on Sutter, SF, Dan Tenenbaum at Dan Tenebaum-Gus Faber Estate Jewelers on Post, SF, and Stephen Silver at SH Silver Co. in Menlo Park. Gleims at Stanford shopping center also have an in house appraiser. I think posting phone numbers are not allowed, but you can find all these appraisers by doing a web search.

AN

 

[minousbijoux]

Are you looking for an indpendent appraiser or one who buys and sells high end color stones and also does appraisals?

AN

Hi AN: Thanks for your response. I am looking for someone who deals with high end stones enough to know that some of mine are decent quality and some of mine are outstanding quality and this information should be reflected in the appraisal. My worry is that somehow I lose one of my rare, gorgeously colored precision cut gems and my insurance company decides it can be replaced with any old good gem of similar size in the same variety. So the fact that some of these folks buy and sell high end colored stones is definitely a plus. Is it necessary? I don't know what do you think? Maybe I might sell these gems someday, but have no immediate plans to do so.

-Minou

 

[Art Nouveau]

Minou: In your situation I think Stephen Silver would be your best bet. You can check out his website. Just search for SH Silver Co. or Stephen Silver fine jewelry. It will give you some idea if he can provide the service you are looking for.

AN

 

[chrono]

In general, I prefer an independent appraiser as there will no doubt in my mind that he/she is going to be impartial (although I’m sure there are some from a high end store who will be fair as well).

 

[septemberbaby]

I wouldn't call myself knowledgeable but I do feel like I have a lesson learned to share with you. Referrals are good and important, but when you choose an appraiser, have an in-depth conversation with him to find out how experienced he is with your type of stone(s) and to find out exactly what he will put on your appraisal report.

I learned this the hard way - got a referral, had the appraisal done, then when the report came in the mail it contained very little information. We called the appraiser and his first argument was that all of the information we thought we'd get (such as clarity, cut, color of a sapphire) wasn't necessary or useful for an insurance appraisal. When my boyfriend told him that wasn't good enough, the appraiser told him something to the tune of "I wish you'd told me you wanted this up front."

I don't believe that a reputable appraiser needs to be told up front what should go in his appraisal. I think that's BS. But from a consumer perspective, the up front conversation (sample appraisal reports are very useful!) seems like a good way to protect yourself.

Btw, Richard Sherwood recommended Nancy Stacy in San Francisco. But again, I'd speak with her first and get a sample appraisal if possible. Here's the link to her business and good luck! http://www.jewelry-appraisal.com/