Business Details
47 Years
experience
Expert Jewelry Appraisal Services in New York City
Gemlab has been a trusted leader in gemological appraisal services for over 30 years. Our team of GIA-certified gemologists provides precise evaluations of jewelry, gemstones, and watches using advanced laboratory technology. We serve consumers, retailers, insurance companies, and legal entities with unbiased, globally recognized appraisals. Our staff maintains rigorous educational standards through ongoing training and participation in prestigious industry organizations. With a commitment to transparency and accuracy, we empower clients to make informed decisions about their valuable items.Our New York City location in the Diamond District offers convenient access to industry professionals and private clients alike. We specialize in diamond screening, gemstone analysis, and comprehensive appraisal reports tailored to individual needs. Our reputation for excellence has been built through decades of dedicated service and technical expertise.
Services
Appraisal Services
Diamond Screening
Gemstone Analysis
Jewelry Valuation
Lab Reports
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in gemological appraisal services
- GIA-certified gemologists with 10-30 years industry experience
- Advanced laboratory technology for precise diamond screening
- Recognized by insurance companies and legal professionals
- Unbiased third-party evaluations with global recognition
Associations and certifications
- GIA Alumni Association
- National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
- International Consortium Gem-Testing Laboratories
- Gemological Association of Great Britain
Services
Jewelry Appraisal
Our certified gemologists provide detailed jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate planning, or personal knowledge. Using advanced laboratory equipment and market analysis, we determine accurate valuations for all types of fine jewelry. Each appraisal includes comprehensive documentation of materials, craftsmanship, and market value.
Diamond Screening
We offer state-of-the-art diamond screening to distinguish natural diamonds from lab-created stones with 98% accuracy. Our technology detects synthetic diamonds using advanced fluorescence analysis and spectral imaging techniques. This service protects consumers from misrepresentation in the diamond market.
Gemstone Analysis
Our laboratory conducts thorough gemstone analysis to determine origin, treatment history, and authenticity. Using spectroscopy and microscopic examination, we identify all types of precious and semi-precious stones. Reports include detailed characteristics and valuation guidance.
Lab Reports
We generate comprehensive lab reports documenting gemological findings for appraisal purposes. These reports include detailed measurements, quality assessments, and photographic documentation. Our reports meet industry standards for insurance and legal documentation.
Jewelry Consultation
Our experts provide personalized jewelry consultation services for buyers and sellers. We help clients understand market values, quality factors, and care requirements for fine jewelry. This service includes purchase verification and investment guidance.
People
Joshua D. Lents
Gemologist
FGA and GG certified gemologist with 15+ years experience in diamond analysis and jewelry appraisal. Specializes in lab-created diamond detection and colored stone identification. Active member of international gemological organizations.
Questions
What types of appraisals do you provide?
We offer insurance appraisals, estate valuations, pre-purchase verification, and legal documentation appraisals for jewelry, gemstones, and watches.
Can you test if a diamond is lab-created?
Yes, our advanced screening technology detects lab-created diamonds with 98% accuracy using fluorescence analysis and spectral imaging techniques.
How long does an appraisal take?
Most single-item appraisals take 20-30 minutes to complete with immediate report generation for your convenience.
Are your gemologists certified?
All our gemologists are Graduate Gemologist (GG) certified by GIA, with many holding additional FGA credentials from the Gemological Association of Great Britain.
Do you offer third-party verification?
Yes, we provide independent third-party verification services to confirm jewelry purchases from other retailers or private sellers.
How often should jewelry be reappraised?
We recommend updating insurance appraisals every 3-5 years due to market fluctuations in gemstone and precious metal values.
Reviews (7)
Teresa L.
Mar 14, 2022
Report
I came in very nervously with some mounted jewelry for appraisal - standard story, was worried I had been ripped off, etc. Travis put me at ease immediately with his friendliness and professionalism. He regaled me with information about the gemstone industry, and it was clear that he's been devoted to this field for a very long time and knows his stuff. He performed the entire appraisal before my eyes and was meticulous in his work (counting and measuring stones).
The end result was a laminated appraisal with a ton of detail about the piece and the appraisal value, and he even included a list of questions to ask insurers about getting appraised pieces insured. I would come back any time with jewelry or loose stones that need to be appraised. (In fact, already planning another visit for the near future.)
The end result was a laminated appraisal with a ton of detail about the piece and the appraisal value, and he even included a list of questions to ask insurers about getting appraised pieces insured. I would come back any time with jewelry or loose stones that need to be appraised. (In fact, already planning another visit for the near future.)
Ej Y.
Oct 15, 2021
Report
We had just bought our engagement ring in the diamond district and wanted to get an independent appraisal for insurance and peace of mind. Shoko was very patient in answering all our questions and and clearly knew her stuff, and on top of that noted that one of our side stones was chipped, which we had no idea about since the side stones were so tiny. We got it fixed right away at the original jeweler, and Shoko generously did a follow-up with us for free to make sure the replacement sidestone was done right. Look no further if you need a trustworthy and high quality appraiser!
Deborah G.
Sep 21, 2021
Report
Female owned business! Fast, efficient, quality appraisal of my diamond earrings at a fair price. I was a walk in customer and they were very accommodating about squeezing me into their busy schedule. Lastly, I was in market for lab diamond and they gave me a solid recommendation for a source.
Lauren Levy
Jul 08, 2021
Report
I came in to have my engagement ring appraised for insurance purposes. Travis was very helpful, knowledgable and thorough. The appraisal process was easy and the ring never leaves your sight. I appreciated the advice he gave regarding questions to ask the insurance company. You can tell he's very passionate about his work. Would definitely recommend!
Sabrina Weiser-Min
May 07, 2021
Report
Travis was so helpful and so nice. The appraisal process was super easy and I felt comfortable being in their offices as they have taken the appropriate COVID safety measures. Will definitely be going back for all future appraisal needs.
Serena W.
Apr 30, 2021
Report
My husband brought in 2 rings but before then, I had requested an appointment and told them that we were bringing in 2 rings- one diamond and one a ruby/diamond ring. My husband said Shoko was wonderful- she appraised the diamond ring well, cleaned it and was professional and efficient. However, the ruby ring, she noted that she couldn't appraise it and couldn't even confirm if it was a real ruby (although she did clean it so that was very nice of her).
I don't know why we weren't made aware of this prior to the trip in- I have a confirmation email that acknowledges a ruby ring, a note about pricing to appraise the ruby ring and then an appraiser who was unable to evaluate it. It was very odd.
I don't know why we weren't made aware of this prior to the trip in- I have a confirmation email that acknowledges a ruby ring, a note about pricing to appraise the ruby ring and then an appraiser who was unable to evaluate it. It was very odd.
Charles B.
Apr 29, 2021
Report
GAL provides a top quality service and are very patient at explaining each step of the process. I did considerable research on Yelp and Google for an appraiser as I had never been through the process before. Came across GAL via Yelp and reached out to GAL for pricing and information on the process. They were very clear and professional. During the visit, Travis explained everything and made us feel very comfortable. Additionally, after the appointment, they were flexible when we needed a report adjusted. I highly recommend them and would not go elsewhere.
