Appraisal Services

Hamilton offers comprehensive appraisal services by Gemologists who are Graduates of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and members of the American Gem Society, (AGS), and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). Jewelry appraisals and laboratory reports are two important types of reports about your gemstones and jewelry, but they are not the same documents and should be provided separately for your items.

Our appraisers are highly trained specialists in the areas of antique and estate jewelry, buying and evaluations, insurance replacements, and customized appraisal services. Following a strict code of ethics governed by international organizations such as the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices, and Jewelers of America, our associates are committed to promoting responsible business practices in a clear and accountable manner throughout the jewelry industry. Our services include:

• Pre- and Post- purchase evaluations
• Insurance appraisals
• Tax, estate and probate appraisals
• Liquidation and inventory appraisals
• Grading reports for cut, clarity, color, carat weight along with a map of inclusions
• Gemstone identification
• Expert witness testimony
• Forensic and damage reports
• Private consultations

To arrange an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 1-800-5-HAMILTON or schedule one online.

Some information about appraisal documents

A jewelry appraisal can be done on any item of jewelry, regardless of the composition, style, or condition. The purpose of a jewelry appraisal is to assign a precise dollar value for an item, often for insurance purposes. An appraisal might also be necessary to settle an estate or other valuation procedures or also be used to verify an item's true market value before making a purchase. Market values change, so we recommend you have fine jewelry appraisals updated approximately every three years. The process should always include the following detail:

• Each piece of jewelry is cleaned, weighed, measured and described in detail.
• Picture of gems.
• Gemstones are identified, graded, measured, and described in gemological and narrative detail.
• Colored gemstone certificates will be provided for colored stones when appropriate.
• Metal content will be determined.
• Your appraisal will have color photos of the items.
• Photomicrographs (photos through the microscope) are available if needed for insurance claims, etc.
• Your appraisal will explain the grading systems and any special terminology used.

Labratory Reports

A laboratory or grading report describes an unmounted gemstone. Reports differ for diamonds and colored gems, but documentation includes specifics about carat weight and dimensions, color and clarity grades, and items relating to the gemstone's cut and shape. Hamilton provides Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS) reports for all diamonds that we sell. The laboratory report is akin to the "birth certificate" of the gemstone and clearly details the unique specifications of that gem.