"Why should I have my jewelry appraised?"

There are 2 common reasons why people get their jewelry appraised. The first is for insurance purposes. Most insurance companies do offer some coverage (usually $1000) for jewelry in case of theft in a standard homeowners policy. There are a couple of ways to get full coverage for the value of your jewelry. For better coverage, insurance companies want an insurance appraisal of your pieces.  This appraisal should be performed by an independent appraiser. The second common reason for appraising jewelry is if you are buying or selling pieces.  This type of appraisal determines the Fair Market Value of the jewelry. Other reasons to get an appraisal include cash liquidation for a fast sale,  for IRS purposes regarding estates, or to determine Fair Market Value for the distribution of the estate.

"What is an independent appraiser?"    

An independent appraiser acts as an impartial third party. The appraiser cannot act as a buyer or a seller of the piece, and can have no relationship with the pieces being appraised (or the parties involved). Most Insurance companies or credit card companies involved in resolving a dispute require that the appraiser not buy or sell jewelry of any kind.  Their only business is evaluating and documenting jewelry, diamonds and gemstones.  This assures you that the appraiser is being fair and impartial; that the pieces being appraised are not being artificially inflated or devalued.  It is not the duty of the independent appraiser to determine whether you are getting a “good deal” or are getting “ripped off.” It is their job to evaluate and document facts.    If at any time during the appraisal process the evaluator mention that he or she can get you the same or nearly same item for a "better price" cancel the appraisal right there.  This evaluator is merely trying to "spoil the sale" and hopefully gain you  as a customer.  This is highly unethical.  If this appraiser is unethical in this practice, how can you expect him/her to be honest with you as a customer?

Why should I have Carigem evaluate my jewelry?

Carigem has been operating within the Caribbean and Florida since 1991.   Our Gemologist/appraisers work directly within the jewelry market of the various cruise ports.   This market is perhaps one of the most robust in this hemisphere, prices on diamonds, gold and gemstones change on a daily basis.  Since we work within a close proximity of this market our evaluators are best able to determine the true value of items purchased within this market. 

Our company works closely with the cruise industry to help resolve customer disputes.  Our documentation provides an honest evaluation of an item.  The major credit card companies  rely on our documentation to provide unbiased and truthful evaluations of the item.  Most credit card companies will not accept an appraisal from anyone other than a true Independent appraiser with a Graduate Gemologist degree from G.I.A.  

The majority of merchants within the Caribbean have come to trust our reports and are willing to accept the findings to help resolve problems. 

As our director likes to say "Once the truth is known the path becomes clear." 

"Can I have a jewelry  item which was not purchased in the Caribbean appraised?"  

Yes, of course.  We have had many customers who return after an appraisal with many of their jewelry items from home.  If there is an item which the appraiser feels does not warrant a full appraisal, they will let you know.   Contact our office in Florida for more information.

How quickly can an item be appraised?

Items which are brought into our office can be completed within one hour.  The client can sit in during the evaluation process.  All questions can be answered.  You will leave the office with your appraisal in hand.    If an item is sent into our office for an appraisal our turn around time is within 24 hours.   The appraiser will also fax a copy of the appraisal to you and phone with their findings if you wish.  All questions will be answered to the clients satisfaction.  Please contact our office at 239-945-0021 if you have any questions.  Items which are mailed to the Carigem office are evaluated on the day they arrive and mailed out on the next business day.  We have maintained the reputation for one of the quickest turn around times for items sent to us for evaluation.  

"What fees do you charge for your services?"

Insurance Appraisal:   The fee for the first jewelry item to be appraised is $95.00.  Each additional item is $60.00.  We will not raise the fee ever for being "more complex or of larger size."   In our market we regularly evaluate items with values from $1,000.00 to over one million.  They all get charged the same fee.  If you are a manufacturer and would like to have large volumes of items documented please contact our office.  We do have volume discounts on over 20 items at a time.

Loose Diamond Report:   This report documents the exact qualities of a diamond, including a plot of all inclusions, use of the Gran Colorimeter and master diamond set to evaluate color, exact measurements and weight.   Since the diamond market varies on a daily basis the value of the diamond will be determined as of the day of the evaluation.    The price of this service varies by diamond size. 

Loose Colored Stone Report:    $75.00.  Come with a detailed gemological description of the stone including weight, color, clarity and measurements.   The stone is photographed.   If it is a stone which displays phenomenon such as a color change sapphire or an alexandrite, two photos are included.   The photographs are not doctored in any way to enhance color, they are for easy identification purposes.   The Value of the stone is determined as of that market day.

Are your appraisals the "Feel Good" appraisals

Currently in the jewelry market are several appraisal companies which provide documentation showing highly inflated values on jewelry and diamonds.  These are what are considered the "feel good appraisals".   Retailers love these because they can sell a stone for a high price and the customer feels he is getting a good deal.  At Carigem our goal is to come as close as possible to a realistic value, which can be substantiated by documentation if necessary.      The major Insurance companies, credit card companies and merchants know that our appraisals come as close to the insurance value as possible.   We will not over inflate a value.  Carigem can provide a rational sheet which breaks down exact costs, values and sources of values if necessary.   This is why in many markets Carigem is considered the "last word" in resolving a dispute.

Highly inflated values provided by some appraisal companies drive up the cost of insurance.  Most Insurers base the premium to be paid upon the appraised value of an item.  If the customer sustains a loss the Insurance company is only required to provide their customer with another item of similar quality.  Since their buying power is so broad they are able to buy diamonds and jewelry at much lower amounts.   If they are unable to provide a similar quality of an item they may issue a cash out.  The amount they will pay will be what they feel they can replace the piece for.  Many customers pay premiums for year on over appraised items only to be shocked when they sustain a loss.   By providing accurate values on an item safeguards the consumer and provides the insurance company with adequate documentation of the gem or jewelry quality for proper insurance coverage.       

How do I send my jewelry to be appraised?

We ask that all items be shipped via Registered Insured mail via the United States Postal service.   We have found this to be the safest way.    Please place your item in a sturdy box, (about the size of a video tape)   include a piece of paper with your name address phone number, e-mail address and a check or money order made out to "Carigem" for the appropriate amount.  Please also list out what services you want completed.  This way we can contact you as soon as the package arrives and also after the evaluation.  Please remember to pad your item up well with either tissue or bubble wrap.  Upon completion of your evaluation and speaking with you on the phone we will ship your item back registered insured mail.     We will call you with the tracking information.

Where do I mail my items?

Please cotact our office either by phone or by email for mailing instructions.   Our Florida office is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am - 6pm. 

BACK