Looking for a reputable appraiser in Honolulu?

[cheradrian]

Anyone have good experiences with any reputable appraisers in Honolulu?

I did some of my homework before posting and...

1) read "Appraisal" from Good Old Gold

2) read "Appraise the Appraiser" from Brian Gavin

3) found the AGS certified appraisers list

4) found the PS appraisers list for Hawaii (even though this only has one appraiser in Portland, Oregon)


... but I am looking for some "word-of-mouth advertising" for one of the better/best appraisers in Hawaii.

Thanks in advance.

 

[whatmeworry]

Try:
Karl Nakamura (Iridium Jewelers),
Brenda Reichel (Carats and Karats), or
Thomas Wheeler (Opal Fields).

 

[cheradrian]

Date: 5/28/2009 1:45:05 AM
Author: whatmeworry
Try:

Karl Nakamura (Iridium Jewelers),

Brenda Reichel (Carats and Karats), or

Thomas Wheeler (Opal Fields).

Thanks WMW!

I am still doing some research, but I am leaning toward Karl Nakamura at Iridium Jewelers (http://www.iridiumjewelers.com/). I found a couple recommendations for Karl here on PS (from both you and oldminer).

A while back (before I found PS), I talked to Tom at Opal Fields (http://www.opalfields.com/) since they carry EightStar diamonds; they are beautiful stones, but on the pricey side.

For Carat and Karats (http://www.caratsandkarats.com/), I found a couple reviews on them through Google and will probably not take my business there (unless someone has some good experiences to share).

I also found Sandra Boyle-Dougherty at Associated Gemological Services, LLC (http://www.hidiamonds.com/appraisals.html). Has anyone had an appraisal done with Sandra or have any other experiences they are willing to share?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cheradrian]

I just tried calling appraisers to go over some of the questions from the "appraisal" and "appraise the appraiser" (linked above and here are the results:

Karl (Iridium Jewelers)
: at JCK

Tom (Opal Fields)
: at JCK

Susan (Associated Gemologists)
: no answer (possibly at JCK too?)

Although I could not talk to anyone today, it is good to know that both Karl and Tom (and maybe Susan) are still active in the industry.

I have not decided on an appraiser yet, but if all things being equal, it will probably boil down to who offers the most affordable rates.

 

[oldminer]

Brenda is a strong retailer and a very outspoken appraiser. Karl is more laid back and easy going, less a retailer and an extremely competent appraiser. I have known both of these people for several years. Karl should be back from JCK mid week or before.