Business Details
Expert Jewelry Appraisal & Consultation Services Albuquerque
Gemologically Speaking has been providing independent jewelry appraisal services in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2007. Our team of highly credentialed appraisers brings over 30 years of combined experience in the jewelry industry, holding prestigious certifications from the American Society of Appraisers, Gemological Institute of America, and Gemmological Association of Great Britain. We specialize in insurance appraisals, estate valuations, tax-related assessments, and jewelry brokering services for both individual and institutional clients. Our commitment to precision and transparency ensures clients receive accurate valuations and detailed documentation that meets IRS and insurance requirements.We operate exclusively by appointment to provide personalized attention, completing most appraisals in-house with same-day jewelry return. Our services extend across New Mexico, West Texas, and Southern Colorado, serving trust officers, attorneys, and individuals managing estate distributions. Our proprietary appraisal process combines advanced gemological testing with comprehensive market research to deliver defensible valuation reports tailored to each client's specific needs.
Services
Insurance Appraisals
Resale Services
Jewelry Triage
Tax Related Appraisals
Consulting Services
Lab Services
Estate Valuations
Brokering Services
Litigation Support
Gemological Analysis
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of combined experience in jewelry appraisals.
- Our appraisers hold the highest industry credentials from GIA and ASA.
- We provide same-day jewelry return with in-house appraisal services.
- Our reports meet IRS and insurance industry compliance requirements.
- We maintain two portable gemological laboratories for on-site services.
Associations and certifications
- American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
Services
Insurance Appraisals
Our insurance appraisals provide detailed jewelry descriptions and accurate replacement values for insurance coverage. We document metal types, gemstone characteristics, and craftsmanship quality to establish proper valuation. Our reports meet insurance company requirements and help prevent underinsurance or overpayment of premiums.
Tax Related Appraisals
We prepare IRS-compliant appraisals for estate tax, gift tax, and charitable donation purposes. Our reports follow Treasury Regulations and include detailed market analysis to support fair market value determinations. Our appraisers maintain qualifications required for tax-related jewelry valuations.
Jewelry Triage
This service helps clients organize and categorize inherited or estate jewelry. We distinguish fine jewelry from costume pieces and group items by value characteristics. Our triage process assists with equitable distribution while identifying pieces requiring formal appraisal.
Resale Services
We provide resale value assessments and brokering services for jewelry liquidation. Our network of trusted dealers helps convert jewelry assets into cash quickly. We offer detailed market analysis to help clients understand realistic resale values and market conditions.
Consulting Services
Our consulting services cover pre-purchase verification, litigation support, and jewelry authentication. We offer expert analysis of gemstone identity, quality assessment, and damage documentation. Our consultations provide authoritative information without formal valuation opinions.
People
Mary Reich
Master Gemologist Appraiser
Graduate Gemologist from GIA with Fellow status from Gem-A, holding ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser designation. Specializes in jewelry valuation for estate planning and IRS compliance with 35+ years industry experience.
Mark Cartwright
Master Gemologist Appraiser
GIA Graduate Gemologist and ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser with 40 years in jewelry industry. Holds certifications from AGS, ISA, and NAJA, specializing in complex jewelry valuations and litigation support.
Questions
What is included in a comprehensive jewelry appraisal?
Our appraisal includes detailed descriptions of metal type, gemstone characteristics, dimensions, and craftsmanship. We research current market values and provide digital photographs to support our valuation.
Do you provide consultation services?
Yes, we offer hourly consultations for jewelry identification, quality assessment, and market analysis. In-office rates start at $225/hour with out-of-office consultations at $275/hour.
Can you appraise jewelry on-site?
We offer on-site appraisal services using portable gemological laboratories. Local assignments outside our office are billed at $275/hour including travel time and expenses.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and all of New Mexico. Our service area also includes West Texas, Durango, and Southern Colorado.
How do you handle jewelry brokering?
We connect clients with trusted jewelry dealers through our established network. We negotiate offers on your behalf and charge a sales commission based on the final selling price.
Reviews (5)
Mindy J.
Jan 19, 2022
Report
Mary was extremely responsive, reliable, kind, and knowledgeable. She worked around my busy work schedule so we were able to meet at a convenient time for me. Upon meeting, she immediately told me her process and made sure all my questions were answered. She was very professional but she explained everything in layman's terms, which made me feel comfortable about leaving my precious rings with her.
Her response time and turnaround time were quick, and her report afterwards was incredibly thorough. I feel like I know everything about my rings now! For how outstanding she was, the cost of her services is very reasonable. I highly recommend her service to anyone looking for a jewelry appraisal!
Her response time and turnaround time were quick, and her report afterwards was incredibly thorough. I feel like I know everything about my rings now! For how outstanding she was, the cost of her services is very reasonable. I highly recommend her service to anyone looking for a jewelry appraisal!
Jennifer Segura
Jun 14, 2021
Report
I just love Mary! She is extremely knowledgeable and very detailed in her work! She had my ring back to me in a day and now I can get it properly insured! I highly recommend her for your appraisals! Thank you for everything!
Colette N.
Jul 07, 2019
Report
Very easy to work with Mary! She was very professional and she had my jewelry only over night to examine it so I was glad to have it back quickly!
Karen Fitzpatrick
Jan 22, 2019
Report
Mary is the most thorough appraiser I know. She is meticulous, enthusiastically viewing jewelry items and detailing subtle things that only a trained eye like hers can see. Remember you get what you pay for and she is the best.
Adam Hurd
Dec 23, 2018
Report
I needed insurance on a new Rolex but didn't know who to use for an appraisal. When I asked around, everyone told me to go to Mary. Even my watchmaker said "I only use Mary". I'm glad I did - she was a pleasure to work with and the appraisal was done the same day. Look forward to working with her again.
