FAQs

What is a Gemmologist?

A Gemmologist is a person who has received a formal education and diploma from an accredited organization, in the study of diamonds and gemstones. The courses are a mix of mathematics, physics and chemistry. In my case I have completed two different two year courses in the study of Gemmology and received the Canadian FCGmA and the British FGA, considered to be the most complete course in the world.

How often should I get my jewellery appraised?

Diamonds, coloured gemstones and jewellery can change in value very quickly in some cases. My appraisals indicate the date that the appraisal was conducted for that very reason. Most appraisers and even the Insurance Institute of America recommend that you get your jewellery appraised every two years. This might seem excessive but when you consider that the value of gold alone in the past two years has made huge jumps in value, your jewellery will follow the same path.

I just bought a new ring, can't I use the sales receipt for insurance purposes?

Well I'll bet you're proud of your new addition to your jewellery box, and if you are as thrifty a shopper as most people who are making a major purchase like jewellery, you got a bargain. When you use the receipt for your insurance coverage, you are not fully covered. My appraisals reflect what it would cost to replace your new purchase, not what you paid for it.

What makes your appraisals different than others?

My appraisals are a legally prepared document with security features that assure you and anyone you need to present it to that this is an official document. To see a detailed explanation of what is included in one of my appraisals CLICK HERE.

I would prefer not to have to leave my jewellery with someone to get an appraisal done, is there an alternative?

While some jewellery stores offer appraisals they are either done by the jeweller, not a Gemmologist, or they are sent out to be appraised. Like yourself this is a concern for many people and why I offer in-home appraisal services. Using laboratory grade equipment I can visit you in your home and conduct the physical portion of the appraisal. The final prepared document will arrive a little later by Canada Post or by local delivery. This is my most popular service, because many people have the same concern as you.

My insurance broker wants to verify that your appraisal is legitimate, how can they do that?

Traditionally I have always been available by telephone to accommodate these kinds of requests and still am. In the past few years the world has become a very different place and I was receiving a lot of these requests. This is why I created my new Web Verification system. You broker can sign -up at my website and then they will be able to view the details of your appraisal online by using the Web Verification Code on your appraisal.

How exactly does your Web Verification system work?

When I complete an appraisal a special Web Verification Code is included in the details of the appraisal. To use the code you need to be a registered member of my website, most clients are issued a username and password at the time I do the appraisal. When you arrive at my website, where you are now, you will see the client login box. You just insert your username and password and the Web Verification box will appear. This is where you enter the Web Verification Code from your appraisal and a page with all your Appraisal's details will appear.

How do I get a Username and Password to access your site and Web verification system?

You should have been issued one at the time your appraisal. If not, you can complete one of the following forms and once I verify your information I will forward your Username and Password in two separate emails.

Personal Access Application (clients of mine)   

Business Access Application (industry related companies)