The Washington Gemological Laboratory was founded in 1997 for the express purpose of providing a truly unbiased source of jewelry appraisals. We voluntarily adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the ethical standards set forth by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Your appraisal will meet or exceed the requirements that you, your attorney, or your insurance company set forth. Located to the left of Planet Fitness which is in the strip mall across the southeast parking lot of Fred Meyer.
Services
An estate appraisal is utilized in the administration of the estate of a deceased individual to establish payment of the inheritance tax or for fair division of the estate property among the estate heirs. The estate appraisal is always based on the Fair Market Value as defined by Treasury Regulations.
An insurance replacement appraisal establishes the cost of replacement in case of loss, theft or damage. Important in such an appraisal is an accurate, detailed description as insurance companies insure the jewelry items, not their value. The monetary value is used to determine one's premium. A hypothetical appraisal is one in which the item being appraised is no longer available due to loss or destruction. The value is normally based on a previous appraisal, on the verbal description of the item by the owner, or a photograph.
Why step out of your area of expertise? We offer a fully accredited gemological laboratory, an extremely well trained and knowledgeable staff, quick turnaround and we adhere to USPAP as it applies to personal property. With our understanding of the various markets into which business or personal liquidation can go, let us help make your job easier.
As an independent jewelry appraiser, I don't do any jewelry or watch repair, nor do I engage in insurance replacement services. After working in retail jewelry for some 12 years, I don't have the desire to do that any more. What I can do for you and your client is provide a fully considered, unbiased appraisal of jewelry.
Reviews (16)
William M.
Mar 05, 2022
Victoria G.
Aug 27, 2021
He was fantastic! Got us in with a very last minute appointment. Other places wanted us to drop off the jewelry and come back later which I felt very uncomfortable with since they've been in my family, but he allowed us to stay while he worked and chit chatted with us to whole time. John is awesome! Pricing was very reasonable as well.
Kyra Leanderson
Feb 17, 2021
George Wood
Oct 28, 2020
John Maximuk
Nov 08, 2018
Sarah S.
Nov 02, 2018
This is the guy to see if you want unbiased appraisal for everything from jewelry, loose gems, pearls, to silver flatware. He's friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. He doesn't make you feel hurried and the price is very reasonable. He even tried to help me identify a mystery makers mark on an old ring. I would definitely go back if/when I need to. When you call, leave a message and he'll get back to you!
Christa Z.
Apr 29, 2018
Yvonne K.
Feb 06, 2018
John is fabulous. Always charges a decent price. Had him verify some stones authenticity and also do some appraisals. He doesn't work solely in this office and always leave a voicemail cause he's a busy guy, but he always gets back to you in a timely manner and he's a great outlet for jewelry and stone communities.
Ailina M.
Dec 07, 2016
Recently purchased an antique ring online and am SO happy that we were referred to John to have an appraisal consultation done. There is a reason every jewelry store I called referred us to him! He was SO generous with his time and we really appreciated his honesty. He was very accessible to schedule an appt and answer our preliminary questions. We trust him 100% and will pass his name along to any one that needs a master appraiser! Thank you John!
Kristopher B.
Aug 05, 2016
L. S. Y.
Mar 27, 2016
We had John appraise our jade and other jewelry. He did an excellent job and kept us informed every step of the way. He is a very personable individual and did a wonderful job of educating us on Jade and gem stones. His clear explanation of the appraisal process was enlightening. We were able to watch the entire process and it was completed quickly but thoroughly.
He was a wealth of information with suggestions as to how to proceed with our plan on what to keep and what to liquidate. We drove from Seattle to have our items appraised though there are a number if appraisers in our area and it was well worth the trip. I recommend him over all for his expertise and candor. We will only use him from now on. Excellent experience!
He was a wealth of information with suggestions as to how to proceed with our plan on what to keep and what to liquidate. We drove from Seattle to have our items appraised though there are a number if appraisers in our area and it was well worth the trip. I recommend him over all for his expertise and candor. We will only use him from now on. Excellent experience!
Rick C.
Dec 22, 2015
Ru R.
Jun 12, 2015
Felicia H.
Dec 16, 2013
Found John on Yelp and true to the other reviews, he was fantastic. It was easy to schedule an appointment for a ring appraisal and his office is conveniently located in a busy shopping center, so you can also run other errands before or after your appt. He gave my ring a thorough cleaning, explained each step during his assessment as well as answered any questions I had.
I got a printed document as well as a pdf emailed to me. John had many degrees and certifications on his wall and throughout our conversation, he indeed sounded educated and qualified in his work. He was very easy to speak with and it was a MUCH nicer experience than going into a snooty jewelry store. I would definitely use his services again and highly recommend him to others. Oh and he only charged $100 for the ring appraisal and accepts credit cards.
I got a printed document as well as a pdf emailed to me. John had many degrees and certifications on his wall and throughout our conversation, he indeed sounded educated and qualified in his work. He was very easy to speak with and it was a MUCH nicer experience than going into a snooty jewelry store. I would definitely use his services again and highly recommend him to others. Oh and he only charged $100 for the ring appraisal and accepts credit cards.
Paul C.
Sep 23, 2011
Shane O.
Jul 20, 2011
I recently had John do an appraisal for my engagement ring, as well as advise me on the process of having my ring set and insured. John's work was excellent and his advice through the process was exactly what I had been looking for. John is extremely pleasant and knowledgeable and made the whole experience much less stressful. A great resource for anyone with jewelry appraisal needs in the Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey area. Thanks again!
