Master valuers
The vast majority of jewellers these days deal almost exclusively in diamonds, and many of them know very little about coloured gems. Many rely on an independent master valuer to give a value on coloured gems. The independent part is important! ANYONE can give an inflated evaluation of their own gems , but independent master valuers are considered THE experts in all gems... diamonds and coloured stones. Their signed sealed evaluations are accepted by insurance companies . My prices are Always MUCH lower than those suggested by a master Valuer, as I have been doing this for decades, specializing in coloured stones. The values he provides are for bricks and mortar stores. I used to sell to bricks and mortar stores, and bought directly from the source.
I specialized in buying coloured gems for a long time. My experience allowed me to buy at truly exceptional prices. BUT. I have had a number of my gems examined by a master valuer for those who are not sure of values. I currently use Steven Knight G.G.,R.M.V.,CAJ-CAP. He was recently brought in by the CBC for help in an expose on the jewellery trade. The article can be found here .
Mr. Knight keeps a record of all of the appraisals he does, and at any time you can order a signed, sealed copy of any gem he has appraised made out in your name for insurance purposes. For gemstones on my site displaying a master valuer report, as I have partially paid for the report, he will send a signed and sealed copy made out in your name for $35 if you provide the appraisal number in the top right hand corner of the unsigned copy. Feel free to download a copy of the unsigned report at no charge. For those that request it, I can send any unappraised gem I am selling for his evaluation for an additional $50.
Retail replacement is a term for bricks and mortar stores that have high overheads. My gems and jewellery are always priced well below this.
I can provide you with my own signed appraisal for any gem I sell for a $10 donation to the animal charity of your choice. I have dealt in coloured stones for decades and know them well, but I do not have any degrees or any letters after my name. My appraisal may or may not be accepted for insurance purposes.