Prospective grooms or brides come to GemLab for the confidence of knowing they're getting what they're paying for, or for insurance purposes. Estate executors, valuing the worth of the estate either before or after inheritance issues, come to us for reliable, certifiable appraisals and valuations on jewelry, gems, or watches. Lawyers, courts, and even criminal investigators count on us to provide accurate, reliable analyses in cases or disputes.Professional industry gemologists and retailers appreciate the convenience of our location in the heart of NYC's Diamond District; in fact, for many of them, we are right on the same block as their shops.
Services
At Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America (GemLab), we go to great lengths to understand the needs of each of our guests to assure a pleasant experience. Whether a jewelry item is submitted for an appraisal, or a comprehensive lab service is required, everything is explained in detail. The process is quite simple.
Whether you need a gem appraisal, evaluation, photograph or analysis, GemLab's expert gemologists will provide accurate and quality reports you can count on. Insurance appraisals reflect the retail value of what it would cost to replace the piece should there ever be a claim. Generally valid for 3-5 Years, at which point the value will need to be updated to reflect current market value.
Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about GemLab's location, process and services. Rarely ever will you need to leave the item. The whole process is done right in front of you. Whether you want to just relax and read a magazine, or immerse yourself in the process by asking as many questions as you want answered about the piece itself or the jewelry industry in general, this should be a pleasant, care free, and most of all, informative experience.
The Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America, Inc. is thrilled to announce a new and state-of-the-art service for diamond screening of natural and lab created diamonds. As many have read or heard about in recent months, lab created diamonds in the market have become increasingly problematic. Our firm has witnessed, firsthand, parcels of diamonds and finished jewelry, alike, often containing both natural and lab created diamonds mixed in. As you would imagine, this has created a situation where an unsettling amount of diamonds are falsely being represented as natural.
Reviews (27)
Katie Terza
May 29, 2022
Teresa L.
Mar 14, 2022
I came in very nervously with some mounted jewelry for appraisal - standard story, was worried I had been ripped off, etc. Travis put me at ease immediately with his friendliness and professionalism. He regaled me with information about the gemstone industry, and it was clear that he's been devoted to this field for a very long time and knows his stuff.
He performed the entire appraisal before my eyes and was meticulous in his work (counting and measuring stones). The end result was a laminated appraisal with a ton of detail about the piece and the appraisal value, and he even included a list of questions to ask insurers about getting appraised pieces insured. I would come back any time with jewelry or loose stones that need to be appraised. (In fact, already planning another visit for the near future.)
He performed the entire appraisal before my eyes and was meticulous in his work (counting and measuring stones). The end result was a laminated appraisal with a ton of detail about the piece and the appraisal value, and he even included a list of questions to ask insurers about getting appraised pieces insured. I would come back any time with jewelry or loose stones that need to be appraised. (In fact, already planning another visit for the near future.)
Ej Y.
Oct 15, 2021
We had just bought our engagement ring in the diamond district and wanted to get an independent appraisal for insurance and peace of mind. Shoko was very patient in answering all our questions and and clearly knew her stuff, and on top of that noted that one of our side stones was chipped, which we had no idea about since the side stones were so tiny.
We got it fixed right away at the original jeweler, and Shoko generously did a follow-up with us for free to make sure the replacement sidestone was done right. Look no further if you need a trustworthy and high quality appraiser!
We got it fixed right away at the original jeweler, and Shoko generously did a follow-up with us for free to make sure the replacement sidestone was done right. Look no further if you need a trustworthy and high quality appraiser!
Deborah G.
Sep 21, 2021
Lauren Levy
Jul 08, 2021
I came in to have my engagement ring appraised for insurance purposes. Travis was very helpful, knowledgable and thorough. The appraisal process was easy and the ring never leaves your sight. I appreciated the advice he gave regarding questions to ask the insurance company. You can tell he's very passionate about his work. Would definitely recommend!
Sabrina Weiser-Min
May 07, 2021
Serena W.
Apr 30, 2021
My husband brought in 2 rings but before then, I had requested an appointment and told them that we were bringing in 2 rings- one diamond and one a ruby/diamond ring. My husband said Shoko was wonderful- she appraised the diamond ring well, cleaned it and was professional and efficient. However, the ruby ring, she noted that she couldn't appraise it and couldn't even confirm if it was a real ruby (although she did clean it so that was very nice of her).
I don't know why we weren't made aware of this prior to the trip in- I have a confirmation email that acknowledges a ruby ring, a note about pricing to appraise the ruby ring and then an appraiser who was unable to evaluate it. It was very odd.
I don't know why we weren't made aware of this prior to the trip in- I have a confirmation email that acknowledges a ruby ring, a note about pricing to appraise the ruby ring and then an appraiser who was unable to evaluate it. It was very odd.
Charles B.
Apr 29, 2021
GAL provides a top quality service and are very patient at explaining each step of the process. I did considerable research on Yelp and Google for an appraiser as I had never been through the process before. Came across GAL via Yelp and reached out to GAL for pricing and information on the process. They were very clear and professional. During the visit, Travis explained everything and made us feel very comfortable. Additionally, after the appointment, they were flexible when we needed a report adjusted. I highly recommend them and would not go elsewhere.
Tatiane Renee
Nov 04, 2020
Jack H.
Sep 10, 2020
Jenny H.
Aug 25, 2020
Jennifer G.
Apr 24, 2020
K. P.
Apr 14, 2020
Paige D.
Apr 05, 2020
Had a really efficient and productive experience here. Brought in my grandmother's engagement ring and wedding band for an appraisal, without any original paperwork (just a previous appraisal when it was in a different setting). The team was quick and helpful, providing me lots of advice on care and upkeep, while also educating me along the way. Really appreciate it! Plus, my appointment was on MLK day so it was a great reason to come into the city on my day off. Thanks!
Ameya U.
Apr 04, 2020
I went in to get 2 engagement rings appraised and it couldn't have been easier! Making an appointment was very quick and they were very responsive. At my appointment, Shoko was very friendly and helpful. I was in an out of there within 20 minutes. They provided each ring with a laminated certificate and emailed comes as well. They also have services available if you move or just need to update your appraisal info for low cost. We'll definitely be going back when we need to!
Robert Pestka
Mar 13, 2020
Sully D.
Mar 09, 2020
Made the appointment on a Sunday online for next day, and received an email confirmation very quickly. I met with Shoko, and she was great! The appraisal was very thorough and informative, and I was in and out in 30 minutes. GEM LAB is a gem (pun intended), right in the diamond district. Highly recommend.
Claire Neumann
Feb 12, 2020
Amazing experience at GemLabs! I sat in the Gemologist's office while he worked, and it was lovely. He has so many certifications in all types of jewels, and you can tell he is really passionate about his work. I had my diamond appraised, and both my and my husband's wedding rings, for insurance purposes. He is the best in my opinion!
T. C.
Jun 12, 2019
My fiance and I just met up with Shoko from GAL, and we had a terrific experience.! I was able to make a last-minute online appointment yesterday for today (from the GAL website), and confirmation of the appointment was sent to me via e-mail shortly after. So easy peasy. Shoko herself was very personable, informative, honest. everything you would want in someone who is appraising something that is super near and dear to you (in our case, my engagement ring).
She made us feel completely at ease. and bonus- taught me how to clean my own ring/diamond.! We wholeheartedly recommend seeing Shoko.! Five triple-x, D color, flawless stars for this place
She made us feel completely at ease. and bonus- taught me how to clean my own ring/diamond.! We wholeheartedly recommend seeing Shoko.! Five triple-x, D color, flawless stars for this place
Masha G.
May 31, 2019
C.
May 25, 2019
Melanie A.
May 01, 2019
Great experience! Travis was personable and knowledgeable. We were there for about 45 minutes, we learned about the appraisal process, questions to ask a potential insurer and proper care instructions for our jewelry. We left with a thorough packet of information (including the appraisal). Make an appointment and go!
Marysa G.
Jan 23, 2019
Easy, fast, great -- I called in the afternoon on MLK Day unsure if they'd be open. To my pleasant surprise, they were open and able to fit me in for a jewelry appraisal within an hour. The office is small and no-frills, but the process was easy. Shoko Abe looked up my stones based on the laser inscriptions, typed everything into a form and calculated the retail value.
At the end, she demonstrated proper cleaning techniques and explained how often the appraisal should be updated. I left happy with the hard copy in hand and a PDF in my email. Couldn't have asked for anything more!
At the end, she demonstrated proper cleaning techniques and explained how often the appraisal should be updated. I left happy with the hard copy in hand and a PDF in my email. Couldn't have asked for anything more!
Umme B.
Jan 02, 2019
I went here to get emeralds appraised for insurance purposes. Josh was amazing! He is clearly very knowledgeable about colored gemstones and answered all my questions with ease. He also took all measures right in front of me so I was very comfortable. I think the price for the appraisal is fair and I'd definitely go back.
Ben Hagai
Jan 07, 2018
I went to get an appraisal of multiple items for insurance purposes, i got a VERY fare quote on the spot and everything was very smooth. Kenneth and Shoko worked in parallel to finish the work as fast as possible and overall service and experience is exceptional, everyone were very friendly as well. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need for a similar service.
Eric B.
Aug 17, 2017
Appraisal of an engagement ring with Josh. They run a tight ship. Efficiently and effectively managed. Got the job done, answered all questions (and more) that I could have possibly had. Was very comfortable in what is a pretty unusual piece of business (bringing a piece of jewelry to a stranger's office). I believe the price is on a per carat basis and very reasonable. Ping them on their website/email to make an appointment and roll right in smoothly.
Chris L.
Jan 27, 2015
Boo Boo and I came to appraise her engagement ring so we can insure it. We were around the area so I called a few minutes to see if they could take us. The lady over the phone said they preferred appointments but they were able to accept us. We had to scan/show our id to the 'doorman' before we took the elevator up. We only had to wait 15 minutes for Travis to appraise our ring. He is very thorough and answered all our questions. He even gave us a question sheet for us to ask the insurance company. I would recommend coming here for your appraisals.
