1831 Chestnut St # A, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Know What You Own.
Whether it’s an heirloom, an insurance requirement, or a recent purchase – a professional appraisal gives you the clarity and documentation your jewelry deserves.
The Four C’s We Look At
Every gemstone appraisal begins with the same four fundamentals — the international language of diamond grading. These four characteristics work together to determine a stone’s quality, rarity, and ultimate value. Understanding them isn’t just for experts. It’s for anyone who wants to know exactly what they have.
Cut
The most important of the four. Cut refers not to shape, but to how precisely a diamond’s facets interact with light. A well-cut stone returns light to the eye with brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A poorly cut stone goes dark. We evaluate cut grade, symmetry, and polish to assess how much life a stone truly has.
Color
Diamonds are graded on a D-to-Z color scale – D being completely colorless, Z carrying a visible yellow or brown tint. The difference between grades can be subtle to the naked eye but significant in value. We assess color under controlled lighting and magnification to place your stone accurately on the scale.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes – the natural fingerprints of a stone’s formation. Graded from Flawless to Included, clarity affects both beauty and value. We examine each stone under 10x magnification to identify, map, and grade every characteristic present.
Carat
Carat is the unit of weight for gemstones – one carat equals 200 milligrams. Larger stones are rarer, and value increases exponentially with size. We weigh stones precisely and cross-reference carat weight with cut and proportions to ensure the number on paper matches the stone in hand.
Initial Examination
Every appraisal begins with a thorough visual inspection of the piece as a whole – metal type, hallmarks, overall condition, construction quality, and any visible wear or damage. We document what we see before any measurement or grading takes place.
Gemological Grading
Each stone is removed from context and evaluated individually using professional gemological instruments – including a calibrated loupe, microscope, and spectroscope where applicable. We grade cut, color, clarity, and carat weight against GIA standards, noting any treatments, enhancements, or synthetic characteristics that may affect value.
Metal Analysis & Valuation
The mounting is tested for metal purity using acid testing or XRF analysis, confirming karat or platinum content. We assess craftsmanship, weight, and market value of the setting independently from the stones – because both contribute to the final appraised figure.
Documentation & Certification
You leave with a formal written appraisal – a document that includes stone grades, metal analysis, photographs, and a certified replacement value. This document is accepted by all major insurance providers and serves as your official record of ownership and value.
Schedule Your Appraisal.
Bring your piece in and let us take a closer look. Leave your information below and we’ll be in touch to set up a time.