User:Ted Irwin/sandbox

Northwest Gemological Laboratory, Inc. (NGL) was established in 1978 [1] as one of the first independent appraisers of fine jewelry. Independent appraisers do no buy, sell or broker jewelry. With a gemological Laboratory [2] in Bellevue, WA. NGL provides documents for obtaining insurance, settling estates and other legal matters or to facilitate reselling jewelry. They work directly with the public by offering while-you-wait appointments or through select jewelers on behalf of their clients. NGL is a Certified Gemological Laboratory through the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) {link} and Accredited Gemological Laboratory through the American Gem Society (AGS) {link}. NGL appraisers are Graduate Gemologists (G.G.) and Alumni of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). {link} Ted Irwin [3] joined NGL in 1980, became an owner in 1986 and serves as its President. He is active in several industry associations, including the Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers (AIJV) {link}; AGS as an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ICGA){icga list link}; AGA as an Accredited Senior Gemologist; and holds memberships with The National; Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) {link}; Scottish Gemmological Society (SGA) {link} and Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC). Ted also maintains a Washington State Insurance Producers License to better (and legally) consul clients with insurance questions. He does not sell insurance. NGL is associated with Northwest Gemological Institute (NGI)(wikilink), in Bellevue WA. Established in 1978 to provide gemological education to the trade and community, NGI offers immersive weekend classes in Diamonds and Gemstone Identification, Evaluation and single topic seminars and once a year hosts the Northwest Jewelry Conference (NWJC) (wikilink) providing period jewelry education from industry experts over an extended weekend each August in Seattle, WA.

History Laboratory Services Appraisal Types A proper fine jewelry appraisal involves the professional examination of the item described by a qualified expert with an application of the appropriate market research for a specific purpose. The expert needs proper gemological expertise but knowledge in the evaluation of diamonds, colored gemstones and the jewelry they become part of. The purpose of the appraisal dictates the approach taken, markets examined and value result. An insurance appraisal usually follows retail markets for replacement, but may involve secondary markets, such as auctions and re-sellers. Estate appraisals for tax purposes involve a fair market evaluation and projected sale of the piece. Marital divorces also seek a fair market value, but have a different determination as they are Competitors Very few jewelry appraisers are independent references External links