Appraisal & Valuation
Having a piece of jewelry appraised or a gemstone analyzed requires much more than just a quick glance. At IGEM, we combine scientific rigor, an independent perspective, and educational expertise to provide you with clear, well-documented, and accessible insights, regardless of your background.
An assessment is designed to address various needs or objectives. To that end, a variety of options are available.
It should also be noted that an appraisal may cover the entire piece of jewelry or only a part of it, such as one (or more) of the gemstones that make up the piece.
Appraisal & Valuation
There are three possible formats
A verbal notice
for gemstones and jewelry that can be appraised quickly and easily
An assessment in the form of an inventory
when there are multiple pieces of jewelry, such as in the case of an estate
One appraisal certificate per piece of jewelry
for insurance purposes or when reselling the jewelry
evaluation
Three Types of Assessment
All of our appraisals are strictly confidential and are provided only to the client or to a third party authorized by power of attorney. We also offer customs support (e.g., ATA Carnet), as well as assistance in the event of theft, by forwarding reports and photos to the authorities.
Our services are provided based on predefined assignments, with the option of monthly or annual flat-rate fees.
This allows professionals and individuals alike to determine the market value of a piece of jewelry, taking into account the rate of wear and tear on both the metal and the gemstones. The value provided thus makes it easier to resell the jewelry, and it also serves as a factual basis for property division (such as in the case of a separation or estate settlement).
This price represents the amount that would have to be paid if the piece of jewelry or gemstone were lost or stolen.
Here at the Gemmology Institute, we offer individuals the opportunity to sell their gold with complete confidence. Whether you’d like to part with antique jewelry or unused gold, our team of experts is here to provide you with a transparent and fair appraisal.
We’d also like to inform you that there are processing fees associated with selling gold. These fees cover the various stages of analysis and processing and are clearly explained from the outset, so you have complete transparency regarding the transaction.
Our goal remains to provide you with a simple, stress-free, and fair process. Please feel free to come see us if you have any questions.
NEW SERVICE
Jewelry Appraisals in Toronto, Quebec, and Vancouver
The Montreal Gemmological Institute is expanding its appraisal services across Canada. Our gemologists now travel to Toronto, Quebec City, and Vancouver to provide jewelry appraisals, verbal appraisals, gemological certificates, and jewelry inventories.
Services Offered
- Diamond Grading and Appraisal,
- Appraisal of Cut Gemstones,
- Oral and Written Assessment
- Inventories of gemstones and jewelry
- Jewelry Appraisal for Insurance Purposes
- Appraisal of Jewelry for Estate Purposes
- Training sessions, private workshops, and team-building activities
The appointments will take place in private spaces reserved for this purpose, providing a professional, confidential, and secure environment.
Expertise
Independent and impartial expertise
Unlike a jewelry store or retailer, we do not seek to buy or sell your items. This ensures an impartial appraisal, free from sales pressure.
Our reports are written with complete transparency, using language that is accessible yet precise, so that you can understand the findings, make informed decisions, and protect your interests.
A team of trained experts, blending tradition and innovation
Our appraisers are certified gemologists, trained in both traditional techniques and market trends. Thanks to our in-house laboratory, we combine artisanal expertise, cutting-edge technology, and access to a comprehensive database of antique gemstones and jewelry.
We also work regularly with insurers, auction houses, and notaries, which allows us to tailor our reports to the standards expected by professionals.
IGEM does more than just issue you a certificate. We help you:
- understand what you own,
- make the right decisions (keep, pass on, renovate, sell…),
- You can showcase your pieces on our Gemwheel platform if you’d like.
Every project is unique, and our role is to guide you through every step with patience, respect, and confidentiality.
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Support
For Individuals
- Antique Jewelry & Estate Sales : We provide an objective and passionate assessment of your pieces, ideal for estate settlements, divorces, or to kickstart a restoration project. Each appraisal is based on a rigorous methodology: observation, technical testing, and market analysis.
- Estimate in the Event of Theft or Loss upon presentation of evidence (photos, videos, receipts).
- Tips for Buying or Selling a Gemstone
- Bring Your Treasures Back to Life : modernization, reassembly, restoration… We advise you on the best course of action, and each project can be accompanied by a certified and detailed report.
Support
For Professionals
- Certified Reports & Inventories : Tailored for auction houses, insurance companies, notaries, and customs agencies, we provide detailed appraisals that comply with international standards.
- Professional consultant acting as an expert in court, to provide an impartial assessment or opinion.
- Strategic Consulting : Whether it’s setting a reserve price, determining an insurance value, or authenticating a lot, we provide reliable analyses based on scientific expertise.
- Responsiveness & Accuracy : Our laboratory and experienced practitioners ensure accurate and rapid test results.
Expertise
Request an Appointment / Quote
Make the appraisal process simple, fast, and personalized
- Online Request via our dedicated form (dates, documents, context)
- Appointment-Based Appraisal Session, in person or remotely.
The appraisal is conducted in your presence, during which photos are taken and the jewelry’s specifications are recorded. Once this information has been gathered, you can take your gemstone or piece of jewelry with you immediately.However, if you wish, you may drop off your items to save time. We will then issue a drop-off receipt that insures the items you entrust to us (see the service agreement in the General Policies section). These items are stored in a secure safe.
We can also make house calls, whether to a private residence or a business location. Appointments can be scheduled by phone. - Documented Results : certificate, report, and recommendations
Each step is designed to provide confidence, convenience, and transparency, so that your experience is simple, secure, and rewarding.
Rates
Our Service Rates
Rates depend on the nature of the service and the level of responsibility it may entail. Prices are listed exclusive of tax.
For recurring, annual, or monthly services, or services on a project basis: contact us by phone or email.
For a visit to your home or office: a flat fee of $20 on the Island of Montreal, plus an additional charge of $0.23/km.
We analyze only faceted gemstones (not rough stones).
| SERVICES | PUBLIC | PROFESSIONNEL | INSTITUTIONNEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificat d’évaluation Valeur d’assurance ou d’occasion | 130$* | 80$* | 150$* |
| Inventaire (photo + description) Valeur d’assurance ou occasion | 50 $/bijou | 50 $/bijou | - |
| Consultation verbale (pierres brutes, pierres à facettes, bijoux) | $35 / 15 minutes | $30 / 15 minutes | - |
| Service supplémentaire Reproduction du certificat, traduction supplémentaire, production immédiate du certificat | 20$ | 20$ | 20$ |
| GEMPRINT : Système d’empreintes digitales pour les diamants (enregistrement + document imprimé) | 70$ / diamant | 70$ / diamant | - |
| Production de rapports Témoin expert devant les tribunaux | - | - | 120$ / heure |
*In certain specific cases, additional fees may apply depending on the complexity of the piece of jewelry.
Our sales platform
Once your jewelry has been appraised, it deserves a display case that does it justice. Born from IGEM’s expertise, Gemwheel combines scientific rigor with emotional appeal. Each piece of jewelry is appraised, traced, and given a story.
Each stone is carefully selected for its rarity, its quality, or simply for what it has to say.
Your jewelry presented with professional photos and a detailed report.
Reach passionate buyers from around the world
Every sale is IGEM-certified, providing peace of mind for both buyers and sellers.
From going live to transaction procedures, we’ll guide you through every step.