Lab Operations
NGL has
state-of-the-art facilities for the appraisal of fine jewelry where you may
watch the process by appointment, if requested.
The Appraisal
Process
Since NGL specializes
in appraisals for insurance and estates, we predominately see finished
jewelry, where the stones are set into mountings. This creates a need for
careful attention, since mountings can inhibit any aspect of the examination
process. While NGL maintains an exceptional record for accuracy, no one can
be as specific when examining a mounted stone versus one that is loose.
Mounted vs loose
examination
If you wish to know an
exact stone weight, specific grading or proportion analysis, you
must have your jeweler remove the stone before submission for an appraisal.
Bear in mind, removing and re-setting a stone requires a jeweler's
expertise, will cost money and may structurally weaken a mounting - reserve
this for significant stones or when the situation requires it. Usually, we
have little problem grading within the mounting, but will advise you if
concerned.
Bring previous
documents
If a stone (or the
entire item) has been examined previously, any paperwork or representations
are submitted at the time of appraisal. We will then be able to discuss any
discrepancies we find, and verify the stone/item being the same. Since most
diamonds sold today as center stones are already certified, it is important
to verify the diamond to the certificate. The diamond's exact weight is
therefore known and if it matches the original paperwork the provided
weight would be more accurate than an estimate in the mounting. If we
disagree, NGL will not rely on another's representation for color or
clarity, but give our opinion. We will reference an
original document on our appraisal in two cases - diamond reports from The
Gem Trade Lab of the GIA and the American Gemological Society (AGS). These
are the most respected in the industry and have set the standard for which
we at NGL try to adhere.
Misrepresented
diamonds
With the prevalence of
loose diamond certification today, there has been a significant rise in
false documentation from "labs" with impressive certificates bearing
inaccurate information. When caught soon enough the situation is easy to
remedy, but if left uncontested, the terms of acceptance may become an
issue. Occasionally, a diamond doesn't match its certification. This may be
due to human error rather than misrepresentation, but in either case, needs
to be addressed. Other times, the certification may match the diamond
described, but the diamond is graded higher than is actually the case.
Again, at NGL we try our best to grade to GIA standards and will not "rubber
stamp" inaccurate certificates.
Making an
appointment
We schedule
while-you-wait appointments between the hours of 10am and 3pm, Monday
through Friday, Pacific time. Fees are due upon completion and may be by cash or personal check. We do not take bank
credit or debit cards.
Allow from one-half
hour per item. Your jewelry will be examined in-lab, returned to you during
your appointment time and you will receive the finished appraisal before
you leave, unless additional research is required. While you are not
required to stay during your appointment time (most of our clients shop at Bellevue Square
or go to Tully’s across the street) you have the option of waiting in
our lobby or watching the gemologist perform the appraisal process.
Since we take a
limited number of appointments each day, advance reservations are required.
Most of our appointments are scheduled within the upcoming week, but you
may also make one far in advance or check that day, in case of
cancellations. A phone call will tell you what we have available. Another option
is to schedule an early morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. This allows
both you and the appraiser some flexibility while getting the appraisal
done in the same day. Fees for an appointment follow our rate card. Call Audrey at 425-455-0985
to schedule an appointment. We generally accept up to three (3) items on a
while-you-wait basis, with a discount for the second and third item.
Multiple piece
appraisals
We also make
appointments to preview larger jobs for both insurance and estates. We will
quote you a time frame and appraisal fees as well as advise you on which
items require an appraisal for the intended purpose. No additional fee is
involved if articles are left for appraisal. Fees for consultation may apply
if gemological tests and examinations are involved and no items are left
for appraisal.
Dropping-off
jewelry
You do not need an
appointment when dropping off jewelry for appraisal. Articles may be left
between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. You will be
quoted a fee and turnaround time for pick-up, or called upon completion -
generally three to five business days. Contact Northwest Gemological Laboratory for current
service rates.
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