Business Details
33 Years
experience
Accredited Jewelry Appraisals in Pasadena, CA
Gemmology International has been providing unbiased jewelry and gemstone appraisal services since 1993. Our founder, Geoffrey A. Nelson, is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers with over 30 years of industry experience. We specialize in valuations for legal professionals, insurance companies, and private individuals while maintaining strict independence from jewelry sales or trade. Our appraisals adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and are conducted in a secure laboratory environment. We offer same-day reports with detailed descriptions, digital imaging, and market analysis for diamonds, gemstones, watches, and fine jewelry.Our portable laboratory equipment allows on-site evaluations when necessary, ensuring convenience without compromising accuracy. We maintain affiliations with five professional appraisal organizations including the American Gem Society and Jewelry Insurance Appraisal Institute. Clients benefit from transparent pricing, with standard rates of $120 for the first item and $80 for each additional piece. Our services support trust inventorying, estate planning, litigation cases, and insurance documentation. Located in Pasadena, California, we serve the greater Los Angeles area with appointments available in our secure facility.
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
Gemstone Valuations
Legal Appraisals
Insurance Documentation
On-site Evaluations
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of jewelry appraisal experience since 1993
- Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and Certified Insurance Appraiser
- Unbiased valuations with no vested interest in outcomes
- Portable laboratory services for on-site evaluations available
- Secure facility with legal and insurance industry expertise
Associations and certifications
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)
- International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
- American Gem Society (AGS)
- Jewelry Insurance Appraisal Institute (JIAI)
What people say
Very professional and informative
Excellent appraisals and insurance valuations
Generous with his time
Most qualified person in the field
Thorough and helpful
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
We provide comprehensive jewelry appraisals following USPAP standards. Our Graduate Gemologists examine diamonds, gemstones, watches, and fine jewelry to determine accurate market values. Each appraisal includes detailed descriptions, digital imaging, and documentation for insurance or legal purposes.
Legal Appraisals
Specialized appraisals for legal professionals and court cases. We offer expert testimony support, trust inventorying, and litigation documentation. Our reports meet legal standards with detailed analysis of jewelry values for estate planning, beneficiary disputes, and criminal restitution cases.
Insurance Appraisals
Accurate jewelry valuations specifically for insurance documentation. We follow JISO ACORD standards to ensure proper replacement value determination. Our reports include digital photography and detailed specifications to facilitate insurance claims and policy updates.
Gemstone Analysis
Expert analysis of diamonds and colored gemstones using professional gemological equipment. We identify stone characteristics, verify authenticity, and determine market value based on current industry standards and market conditions for insurance or sales purposes.
On-site Appraisals
Portable laboratory services for clients requiring on-site evaluations. Our certified appraisers bring specialized equipment to your location while maintaining the same rigorous standards as in-lab appraisals for added convenience and security.
People
Geoffrey A. Nelson
Accredited Jewelry Appraiser & Gemologist
Graduate Gemologist with 30+ years of experience, certified by GIA, NAJA, and JIAI. Provides unbiased jewelry valuations while maintaining affiliations with five major appraisal organizations. Offers expert testimony support and portable laboratory services.
Questions
What types of appraisals do you provide?
We offer jewelry and gemstone appraisals for insurance documentation, legal cases, estate planning, trust inventorying, and private client needs with USPAP-compliant reporting.
How long does an appraisal take?
Most appraisals complete within an hour while you wait, with printed reports and digital files provided immediately upon completion.
Are your appraisers certified?
Yes, our lead appraiser holds Graduate Gemologist (GIA) credentials and certifications from multiple organizations including NAJA and JIAI.
Do you offer on-site evaluations?
Yes, we provide portable laboratory services for on-site jewelry appraisals when items cannot be transported to our Pasadena facility.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily serving Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area with appointments available in our secure laboratory or at client locations.
How are appraisal fees structured?
Standard pricing starts at $120 for the first item and $80 for each additional piece, with transparent costs communicated before service begins.
Reviews (7)
Liza Rivera
Jun 30, 2021
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Excellent service! I brought my engagement ring and wedding ring for appraisal. I needed it for insurance. Geoffrey is knowledgeable, detailed and friendly. The process took about 45 minutes. I will definitely come back to get my other jewelry appraised by him.
Cricket Arrison
Apr 04, 2021
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I didn't know that this chore I've been putting off for years - getting a family ring appraised so I can properly insure it - would also be fun! But the process was easy (I got an appointment quickly) and informative (I learned a lot about the piece and jewelry in general.) Highly recommend going to see Mr. Nelson!
Rise S.
Mar 18, 2021
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I found Geoff from his many positive reviews and noted that he is highly credentialed in jewelry appraisals. Geoff has appraised three pieces for me and each time he took the time to explain each step of the appraisal process which I found extremely interesting and enjoyable. Geoff was very open and communicative with me during the appraisals and completed each appraisal efficiently. I highly recommend Geoff and American Accurate Appraisals as I know you will be happy with the high level of service and expertise that Geoff provides.
Laura Inman
Feb 15, 2021
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Wow. If there were extra stars I would award them to this exemplary business. The experience from start to finish was extraordinary. The office is lovely as is the support staff. Most noteworthy, however, is the level of service and expertise offered. Geoffrey is incredibly knowledgeable, courteous and thorough. He has equipment which must be state of the art. My appraisal was done in front of me and he explained each aspect of his examination. While I learned a lot, Geoffreys manner was so respectful and kind, I didnt feel I was being schooledat all! I received my PDF report on the
Meredith Ryness
Feb 03, 2021
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Great experience! Good communication and very thorough. I have had two appraisals now and was very pleased with the process. It made submitting to my insurance agent a breeze and I feel confident knowing that I have proper coverage. I also enjoyed learning more about the pieces I own and how to better care for them.
MarSanMar
Jul 30, 2020
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Geoffrey has done formal and informal diamond and gemstone appraisals for me in the past few years. He is honest and very knowledgeable. He goes into such detail that half of what he says about a stone is over my head but I guess thats a good thing. His prices are reasonable. Definitely recommend!
Paul Hermelin
Jun 21, 2020
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Geoff did an outstanding job of appraising my mother's jewelry to settle her estate. He did a great job of explaining the significance of certain pieces and clearly answered any questions that I had. Geoff was also very flexible in scheduling our sessions. I would highly recommend Jewelry Judge for any time that you need to have jewelry appraised.
