Sapphire e-ring appraisers in Chicago or San Francisco

[sebas]

Hi, does anyone know of some really good appraisers in the Chicago or San Francisco areas? I saw on here mention of Richard Drucker (Glenview, IL) and Lorraine Oakes (Chicago Gem Lab, Chicago, IL). Do you know any others in Chicago or San Francisco?

I should be receiving my e-ring soon and need an appraisal for insurance purposes.

 

[sebas]

Hi everyone, thought I would update. I should be receiving my engagement ring any day and would like to have it appraised for insurance purposes. I have the option of doing someone in Chicago or southeastern Ohio during the holidays or waiting to do it near San Francisco. I'm worry that something could happen to it since we would be traveling, so I think it is probably best not to wait, correct?

Here are the people I have contacted:

Richard Drucker (Glenview, IL) and his prices are $125-145. His colleague Margaret Gillmore is $95-115.

Lorraine Oakes (Chicago Gem Lab, Chicago, IL) and her price is $75.

Nancy Stacy (Walnut Creek, CA) and her price is $225. And it would be after the holidays.

The pricing is quite different for all three. Do you recommend one over the other? I've heard good things about Richard, Lorraine, and Nancy, but not sure if there is a difference in quality of the appraising.

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[innerkitten]

How about Barbra in San Francisco? She looked at something for me once.
http://www.sfgemlab.com/

 

[sebas]

Thank you innerkitten! Good experience? I think the phone number on the pricescope list for Barbra must be old because it did not work earlier today, but I was able to get her email via her website.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

did I miss your final purchase post? Was there a happy ending? I'm still coping with the vissisitudes of my own sapphire search, so good news would be a welcome respite!

 

[innerkitten]

Thank you innerkitten! Good experience? I think the phone number on the pricescope list for Barbra must be old because it did not work earlier today, but I was able to get her email via her website.

Yes, she was really helpful. I didn't get an actual appraisal, but she looked at a stone for me that needed to me checked out. I got to see all the equipment she uses.

 

[keen]

Give Balzan Gem Lab a call...they may be able to squeeze you in.

Barbara Voltaire e-mailed me that see is booked through February...

 

[sebas]

keen > just got the email from Barbra (same deal... she isn't taking private appointments at the moment). Thanks for the tip on Balzan. I just did a quick search on here and Balzan came up. Thanks!

corundum_conundrum> I did make a final purchase on a sapphire, but never posted because it happened so fast and had to send it in to have the setting made. It was none of the ones I posted about. When I receive the ring I will post a picture and give details. I have a lot of people to thank too.

 

[chrono]

Sebas,
Do keep us posted when you are able to squeeze in some time with regards to the appraiser and the ring.

 

[sebas]

Hi Chrono... I most definitely will.

 

[sebas]

Thanks everyone for the help! Balzan was very helpful and super nice, but in the end I went with Watson and Son here in San Francisco. Mark was great and did the insurance appraisal in front of me in 45 minutes. Cost was $100. He was recommended to me by Lang Jewelry (they don't do insurance appraisals) and Barbara Voltaire (she was doing a project). I preferred this method since I was not comfortable with leaving the e-ring out of my sight.

 

[chrono]

That's great. Sounds like you are very happy with their service. I presume the sapphire ring all checked out fine?

 

[sebas]

Hi Chorno> Yes the ring checked out fine. Mark said it is a beautiful ring with beautiful craftsmanship. He appraised it at more than twice the cost, but then we agreed to lower the appraisal value to 1.5x, which should be enough to recreate the ring.

 

[minousbijoux]

I am really looking forward to seeing the finished ring, with plenty of handshots!