Jewelry Appraisal

At DGL your appraisal is carried out in accordance with the professional standards of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

We can provide an appraisal report for various purposes including insurance, estate, divorce property settlement, and private sales.

We work by appointment in Los Angeles and six days a week at our laboratories in Jakarta.

• Gemstones are identified, assessed, measured, and weighed.
• Metal content is determined.
• All diamonds are described with weight, shape, color, clarity. In more than 1/2 carat diamond internal characteristics of the diamond described (plotted) and further details regarding the proportion are included.
• Colored gemstones are described with weight, shape, color, clarity with further details when appropriate.
• Pearls are identified, assessed and measured.
• Your appraisal includes a color photograph printed on the report.
• Photomicrographs (photographs through a microscope) are available if required for insurance claims, etc.
• An explanation of the definition of value is included along with instructions for the proper use of the appraisal report.

Fee Schedule

The minimum charge for an item written assessment (standard item)

$ 55.00

The minimum charge for each additional item (a standard item)

$ 50.00

Complex and larger items estate may require a special quote.
Office consultation fee (per hour)

$ 125.00

B) Receipts are required for stone or jewelry pickup. Official identification is required for pickup. If any other individual is allowed to pickup that persons full name must be on the submission receipt and that person must have ID during pick up. 

C) Fees are incurred in full, regardless of outcome, upon commencement of lab work. Payment is due in full upon completion of lab work or customer pickup, whichever occurs first. DGL accepts payment via cash or major credit card.

C)  Turnaround time for reports will be given at time of submission. Usually reports are done while you wait.

Additional reports, duplicate reports, an updated report, - 50% of the listed price

Why jewelry insurance?

Your favorite pieces of jewelry are more than valued possessions. They’re reflections of who you are. They’re symbols of your feelings for loved ones and of life-long relationships. Protecting them from theft, damage, mysterious disappearance, or loss is as natural and important as protecting anything of great value. 

More than a monetary investment

Consider everything that went into the jewelry purchase, whether it was by you or by the person who gave you the piece as a gift. The hours, days, or weeks spent shopping. Working with a jeweler or craftsperson to customize or engrave the piece. Choosing the perfect time and place to present it. 

Jewelry should be worn, not locked away

Think of your most valued possessions. An engagement ring. An heirloom necklace. A pendant. These are not  things that should be locked away. They should be worn, enjoyed, and lived in. Jewelry insurance offers freedom from worry which is a valuable gift in itself. This is why so many individuals make jewelry insurance part of their jewelry gift.

Questions to ask before you choose a Policy

( feel free to cut, paste, and send to an insurance company )

      · Is the ring covered if I lose it accidentally , or if a partial loss, if it is damaged; or only if it's stolen?

      · Am I covered if there was negligence or carelessness involved? If so how do you determine it?

      · How will the company reimburse me for my lost or stolen items? A check (cash-out) or replacement? 

      ·  Will the company cover repairs to damaged jewelry?

      · If the coverage is only for replacement, is it through a specified  jeweler or a jeweler of my choice? 

      ·  If my item is replaced through your source can I verify proper replacement by an independent appraiser?

       · What if it's a vintage ring or other unique piece? Am I covered and how will it be replaced?

       · Is the ring insured to full cost or a fraction of it?

       · What proof is necessary to justify a claim?

       ·  Are there any circumstances that aren't covered, such as wear and tear or chips on a diamond? 

       ·  Do I need to increase homeowner's insurance protection through an endorsement (e.g. rider or add-on)?

       ·  If there is a deductible how does raising or lowering the deductible affect my policy cost? 

       ·  Is depreciation ever imposed? To what and how is it computed?

       ·  How often should I have an appraisal update?

       ·  Will the coverage for matching a missing item in a set if it has not been computed and stated?

       ·  Is there a difference in the premium amount for replacement coverage versus cash-out coverage? 

       ·  Is my jewelry covered if lost, stolen or damaged while in the possession of a third party (e.g. a jeweler)?

       ·  What if only a part is lost, stolen or damaged while in the possession of someone else?

       ·   What is the dollar cost per $100 of coverage for replacement and cash-out coverage?

       ·  If I have an unset diamond, am I covered? What types of items are not covered?

       ·  Are my items covered no matter where they take place (domestic or international travel)?

       ·  Are there any other exclusions that I don't know about?

See this link for more frequently asked questions  

What are people saying about Dufau Gemological Laboratory Jewellery Appraisals?

To DGL Gemologists,

My insurance guy said it was one of the most complete appraisal he's seen. Good job.

-Glenn Peterson

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Dear Dennis Dufau,

We are going to use your appraisals for a lot of our jewelry. As soon as I show our customers your professional certs and appraisals they are sold. I tell them to call you if they have questions and I have never had any problems. It's like you are our after sales customer service guy. Everybody ends up happy. 

Sincerely,

Brian Elkins

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 Dufau Gemological Lab,

I felt comfortable living my valuables in your care. Of course you were referred by a good friend of mine. Still on the receipt you gave me a rather complete description of the things I left in your possession- again that was very comforting.

Thanks,

Jeff Allen