appraisals for colored stones

[mangos]

I have a large aquamarine that was purchased 20 years ago in Europe during our travels. It''s oval, about 1 inch tall and maybe 1/2 as wide. It''s mounted in a fancy filigree-type pendant.

I also have an amethyst that is about as tall, in the shape of a teardrop. This was bought in the Carribean, again, probably 25 years ago and brought home and mounted.

I never see anyone else selling or wearing stones of this size and would like to get a sense of the value of these stones. How do I find a qualified person to do this? Am I going to need to mail them away? I''ve looked around and can''t find anyone claiming to be an expert in this area.

Thanks!

 

[Nicrez]

Mangos, good news and bad news. Aquamarine of that size will have some value and if you want to get them tested you can bring it to AGTA (or mail it, depending on where you are located), and they can do a full work up on it to determine that it''s aquamarine. Sometime people sell blue topaz as aquamarine so it''s a good idea to get it tested when buying a large stone and spending a lot of money. AGTA can not however valuate it.

However...the amethyst would be one of the more common gemstones and is seen in larger sizes due to the avialability of the rough. It is a lovely stone, and as such is valuated mostly on it''s quality and eveness of color as well as the quality of the violet it displays. I would suggest that you also take that to the closest appraiser you can find here on PS. If the appraiser gives you a high estimate, THEN it would be a good idea to send it to a lab for a certificate. They are a bit pricey but are well worth it to get a good sale price on the items when being sold. if you won''t sell them, maybe you won''t need the certificates, and just the appraisal will do.

Good luck I hope this helps! If you have any pictures it would be nice to see them posted! We always love to see the set pieces and admire them!

 

[mangos]

Sorry it took so long for me to get back. I went to the site for the AGTA and don''t see how I get a test done. In addition, how do I find an appraiser close by? I''m in the Philadelphia area.

Thanks

 

[Richard Sherwood]

There''s two or three appraisers listed in the Philadelphia area under the "Resources" tab at the top right of your screen.