Values From the Vault

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Suncoast Gem Lab

From time to time we come across things that we get at great prices that we can offer to our clients at incredible savings.  We just bought a lady’s stainless steel and gold Rolex Date just with an oyster band and a slate dial with gold roman numerals.  The watch has the original box and paperwork and I can sell the watch for $2800.  This is one of those smokin deals!  Let me know if you would like to come in and take a look at it.

Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

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Manatee Chamber Legislative Trip

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Tom Seguin

Each year in January the Legislative Committee of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce travels to Tallahassee to meet with State Legislators to lobby for the upcoming issues that affect our quality of life and the business climate in our local area as well as the state and the nation.  This year as Chairman elect I will be going along to join in their efforts.  This year we will be meeting with David Hart, the executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, as well as approximately 10 different State Senators and Representatives and with Governor Rick Scott.

The Manatee Chamber’s focus in 2012 is economic development, technical school funding equity, taxation, health care / reform and infrastructure.  On January 31, 2012 the Florida Legislature convenes the state legislative session.  Each year, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce adopts a Business Agenda which it lobbies for in Tallahassee and in Washington.

Our Chamber of Commerce is constantly working to attain their mission of “To build a positive business environment while enhancing our community’s quality of life.

Manatee Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Agenda


Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

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Custom Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Suncoast Gem Lab

One of the things that we really shine at is creating one of a kind, spectacular pieces of jewelry.  Many of our clients get gems and jewelry that they inherit that have special meaning but they are old and out of fashion.  Or, we have clients that want to create a one of a kind piece that no one else will ever have.

Having been in the custom design and manufacturing end of the jewelry industry for my entire 27 year career we are uniquely qualified to help you to design just the perfect piece for your taste.  We have literally hundreds of catalogs to browse through for ideas and after nailing down where your tastes lie and measuring your diamonds and gem stones we work together with you to design a unique, one of a kind piece that you can enjoy forever.

Here is a piece that we just completed for a client with a natural yellow sapphire set in 18 karat white gold with diamonds.

Call us at the office to set up a time to come in if you have a piece that you want to have made or have redesigned.

Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

Posted in Custom Jewelry, Diamonds, Sapphires | Leave a comment

Diamond Program Available for Civic Clubs

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Tom Seguin

Having been involved in service clubs for 25 years now I know how challenging it can be to line up interesting and non commercial programs for the weekly meetings.  I was program chair for a year a while back.  With that in mind, I have put together a program on diamonds that pretty much everyone in your club will find very interesting.  The program lasts for 20 minutes with time afterward for questions if you choose.

I open the program with a short introduction about the diamond industry and then we go right into a film about the diamond market, how diamonds are formed in the earth, diamond cutting, diamond fashion and how diamonds are graded using the GIA Diamond Grading System.

Take a look at a preview of the film by clicking on the arrow.  If you would like to schedule a program for your club simply contact us at the office and we will get it on the calendar.


Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

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Jewelry Manufacturing – Handmade or Cast

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Tom Seguin

There has recently been a lot of discussion among professional jewelry appraisers as to how to describe how a piece of jewelry is made. The varying techniques of jewelry manufacture are many and are often used in combination. These techniques often, but not always have an influence on the value of an item, particularly if the appraiser is using a cost plus method to arrive at a value conclusion.

Precise labeling of these manufacturing techniques is often difficult to explain in one simple statement such as “the item has been hand-made ” or “the item has been cast” particularly as many items have been made with combinations of techniques. Those techniques include, the lost wax casting technique, (Cad Cam or hand carved ,whatever is applicable), hand assembled using die struck or cast components, die struck and hand fabricated to name but a few.

If you would like to learn more about the jewelry manufacturing techniques, stop by the office and we would be happy to let you watch one of the two videos that we have on the subject titled “Jewelry Essentials” or “The Complete Metalsmith”.


Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

Posted in Jewelry Appraisal | Leave a comment

Gold Prices Decline Slightly

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Suncoast Gem Lab

Welcome to 2012! An interesting year was 2011. We saw gold prices go from $1390 per 0z in January to $1900 in September to $1565 at the end of the year.

With the economy still dragging along the bottom but with some improvement in the housing sector, the job market and the stock market we expect gold to stabilize and as markets improve to drop in price.

We have been buying so much gold from our clients that we had expected the unused gold from our clients to really slow down. We have been very surprised to find out that the people that are not in financial difficulty had not been selling off their gold but with the prices reaching new highs the last quarter that they are finally deciding that they might as well turn the old unused items into cash while the market is so high.

We had one client last month that sold over $16,000 in scrap gold that they had laying around the house that they were not using. If you still have unused gold and platinum and silver now might be the time to get rid of it while the prices are still so high. It’s a great way to pay off those credit card bills from Christmas. If you want to see what your gold is worth, give us a call to set a time to bring it in.

Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

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Gentlemen Stay Out of the Doghouse this Christmas!

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Tom Seguin

Ladies,

Don’t take the risk that your man is buying an iron, vacuum, or other gift you really don’t want this year for Christmas. Use the Share button to the right to forward this video to him and tell him come see me at Suncoast Gem Laboratories. Believe me, he will get the message!

Gentlemen,

Don’t spend another Christmas in the doghouse with Fido. Watch! Learn! Come see me at Suncoast Gem Laboratories for that perfect Christmas present. Donna trained me well so I won’t steer you wrong!

Return to the Doghouse

Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787

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Diamond Stud Earrings

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Suncoast Gem Lab

Women have worn diamond stud earrings throughout history as an elegant complement to their look. These accessories are truly timeless and some families even pass them down from generation to generation.

Diamond studs make every woman feel chic, polished, and stylish. You can wear the same pair of diamond sparklers with a casual jean outfit or a glamorous evening gown. If you own a pair, there is not an outfit in your closet that they will not match.

Purchasing a pair of diamond studs is truly an investment. Trends in jewelry come and go but diamond posts have never gone out of style. Many women think of the “little black dress” as a timeless wardrobe staple. The diamond stud earring is truly jewelry’s “little black dress.” This versatility makes for a perfect gift for a loved one. Giving someone a pair of beautiful studs is always a thoughtful and meaningful choice

This key accessory is available in many shapes, sizes, and colors to suit every woman’s taste. Even though they are timeless, there are still many variations to choose from. You can express your personal style with this accessory by finding a shape, size, color, or cut that is unique to your taste. Also, since they are so versatile, you can match them to your favorite trendy necklace or bracelet

Women young and old covet owning the “little black dress” of jewelry. Wearing a pair of diamond stud earrings will make you feel as beautiful as the Hollywood starlets that have consistently donned them throughout time.

So next time you are shopping for a great new pair of earrings, remember that diamond stud earrings are a timeless classic.

Stop by and see our collection of these timeless gems. We have beautifully matched pairs from 0.50 carat total weight up to 2.00 carat total weight.


Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787



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Suncoast Gem Lab is Ready for the Holidays!

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Suncoast Gem Lab

With Christmas rapidly approaching we have been incredibly busy. Every year at this time Tom, Donna and staff are spending their time meeting with gem dealers and designers and pouring over catalogs to select the most unique jewelry items you will find in the area. This year, our collection will include the hottest new styles including the Meira T designer line that was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition as well as the black and white diamond line from Indostar.

We will also have a great selection of the classics including diamond rings, bracelets and earrings as well as colored gemstone jewelry. We have white gold and yellow gold necklaces, earrings and bracelets. This year we have more to choose from than ever before. In addition to our expanded selection of jewelry items we are always prepared to search for or design and create that special piece of jewelry you may not see in our showcases.

The majority of our business is made up of Bridal and Anniversary jewelry. If you are looking for a new diamond engagement ring, or to upgrade your original, we offer you the best possible way to shop. Tom and Donna are both Graduate Gemologists of the GIA and the only two to hold that degree in Manatee County. To discuss what you are looking for in a diamond you can meet with Tom or Donna in the privacy of our Diamond Room. During the meeting they will answer any questions you may have about diamonds or jewelry honestly and accurately. After determining what you are looking for, we can have a selection of diamonds brought in to choose from. Of course, there is no obligation to buy and in this procedure you are assured to be educated and informed so that if you do pick a diamond, you can be confident it is what you really want. Because of our knowledge of the market and our low overhead, our prices are always the best in the area. We encourage our clients to compare prices. After you have, you will see that Suncoast Gem Lab is the best place to look for diamonds. Give us a call with any questions or just stop by.

During the busy season until Christmas, to better serve our clients we will be open on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 PM and will stay late for appointments when needed. Give us a call if you can’t make it before 5:30 PM weekdays and we will be happy to meet with you early or late. Happy Holidays!

Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787



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Suncoast Gem Lab Gift Wish List

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Tom Seguin

Every year at this time, with Christmas just around the corner, the guys start coming in to pick out a gift for their wives or significant others. For many, what should be fun, turns out to be a painful experience because they are not sure what to get. They want to show their wives how much they love them with that perfect gift, but they don’t want to miss the mark and get the wrong thing.

Problem solved! At Suncoast Gem Lab we have the Gift Wish List files. Here’s how it works:

The girls come in and pick out several things they would love to have, then the guys can come in and select one for under the tree. That way it is still a surprise, the guys are stars and the girls get exactly what they want.

Stop in and start your wish list at Suncoast Gem Lab before the holiday!


Master Gemologist Appraiser

4016 Cortez Road West
Suite 1201
Bradenton, FL 34210
ph: 941.756-8787



Posted in Holiday Messages, Jewelry | Tagged , | Leave a comment