Graduate Gemologist Appraiser

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Minimum fee for an insurance appraisal, first item $150.00 Minimum fee for each additional item $100.00 Minimum fee for a soldered bridal set $200.00 Higher charges apply to larger carat stones, period pieces, multi stone pieces, complex designs, items requiring additional research and establishing provenance. Fees will be quoted before work begins. Minimum fee for timepieces: All steel, steel/gold $150 (Rolex) Sport models, all gold $200 Rolex owners: Except on newer models, the bracelet (or strap) will have to be removed from the case to obtain the model and serial number. Please bring in any documentation which may be available, such as previous appraisals, sales receipts, grading reports, timepiece box and papers, and insurance listings along with the item(s) which needs to be done. It is important for complete documentation to have all the facts in your file. If any discrepancies exist, we will address it during our session. The thoroughness of your report will determine how well you are covered in the event of loss, theft and/or damage. Appraisal update fee: Within 5 years of original appraisal, 50% less than current fee schedule. Estate Distribution fee $200.00/hour, one hour minimum. IRS Estate Appraisal fee $300.00/hour, one hour minimum. Stone Verification fee $75.00 New Purchase Verifications fee $100.00/hour, one hour minimum. Expert Consultation fee $150.00/hour, one hour minimum. Prices for appraisals include precise documentation, digital pictures, plotting diagrams on natural diamonds over 1.00 carat, and presented in a USPAP compliant format – all necessary for proper insurance coverage. Fees are based on the amount of work, the difficulty of the item(s) and the research which may be necessary to make a fully comprehensive report. Estimates will be quoted when the pieces are presented for examination and the exact nature of the appraisal and work required can be determined. PGA specializes in being a complete mobile gem lab, available for larger collections. A nominal trip fee of $50.00 will be added for an appointment set within a 20 mile range. Longer ranges available by quote. PGA accepts: Cash, Check, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard.

If you receive a ‘free’ appraisal from the seller, it is really just a Documentation of Purchase. It should state what was sold, the grading, stone weights and the actual transaction price. Do not be fooled by inflated documentation. This is nothing more than a marketing tool. Also, be aware that if someone says they can do an appraisal for considerably less – they are not doing you a favor. The appraisal report will be scant and may not be backed up by any level of expertise. In case of loss or theft — you could have problems. It is fair to charge for the amount of work and research required to complete your project properly, and to ensure it will hold up in court if required. You are covered only as well as your appraisal report is written and by the qualifications of the appraiser. Dollar amounts, if higher than warranted, are not necessarily the amount you will be awarded in case of loss, theft or damage. You have to understand your individual policy and how you are covered. Do not rely on inflated and often fictitious dollar values, or on appraisals with very little information. This will benefit your insurer and cost you money in premiums — but may not “make you whole” in case of a loss.

The services PGA offers range from USPAP compliant Insurance & Estate Appraisals, Stone Identification, Expert Consultations, Diamond Grading, New Purchase Verifications, and Equitable Distribution.