International Gemological Institute

Fast, reliable and reputable! They will appraise your jewelry even if mounted!

I took an engagement ring and wedding band to IGI to get appraised. I had an appointment, and they were prompt in seeing me when I arrived. The appraiser looked at each ring, wrote up her assessment, photographed each ring, had a second appraiser review the rings and assessment to see if they agreed, and then provided an appraisal. During the entire time, I was in view of each ring and the entire process. The amount they appraised each ring for was a bit better than I expected. While on-​site, they provided a hand written copy of the appraisal, with the certified copy coming in the mail within two weeks.
The appraiser was quite professional, and fully explained how she come up with the appraisal amount. I had a certificate from when purchasing the rings, and the information in the IGI appraisal was similar to the certificate I received when purchasing the rings.
The appraiser said that if I want an update to the appraisal in the future, via their website I can pay $ 25 and receive an update.
I was quite happy with the entire process.

I found the IGI facilities and staff very professional. I took my engagement and wedding ring set in to be appraised for insurance purposes (you should call ahead for an appointment as they were too busy to take me as a walk in initially). I was brought in to sit and watch as the appraiser looked at my piece. She then had her appraisal of the rings seconded by another appraiser. They very kindly cleaned and photographed my rings. I was given an appraisal document to take with me and then an even more professional looking document with a diagram of my rings in the mail a few days later. Knowing that the IGI does not actually sell jewels made me feel much more trusting, unlike may jewelry shops that both appraises and sell rings.

Not worth $ 10. They provide astronomically high appraisals — must be to keep their seller clients happy. No good for insurance or return appraisals — you’ll pay much more than necessary in insurance premiums. May make you feel like your diamond was a deal, but in reality, they are doing you a disservice.