We have just added another gemological laboratory facility anew-facilityt Suncoast Gems and hired Rebecca McDonald G.G. to oversee that lab.  The lab is located within the same building as our original space and is a fully equipped facility with all of the gem testing, grading and photography equipment as our main office.

This new space and added staff will enable us to better serve our clients with faster turnaround time on jewelry appraisals and gemological services.

While the majority of the appraisals that we perform are for the public for the purpose of determining the estimated retail replacement value there are many other functions of jewelry appraisals.  Those include determining the marketable cash value of jewelry for equitable distribution between the heirs of estates.  Another function is determining the Fair Market Value of gems and jewelry for estate purposes for the IRS.

In addition to those formal appraisals we also perform quotations to replace lost or stolen jewelry for insurance agents and claims adjustors and verify quality and value of replacements in lost jewelry claims.  We verify grades and value of jewelry purchased on line from internet jewelry sellers and for jewelry purchased in cruise ports,

We work with banks to verify value of gems and jewelry used to collateralize loans and we work with CPA’s and Attorneys to assist their clients for many purposes including dissolution of marriage.  We also perform these services for retail jewelers and pawn brokers to assist them in verifying quality and value.