Universal Gemological Laboratory UGL USA

Twitter for UGL-USA, Universal Gemological Laboratory

2011-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

You can now follow UGL USA (Universal Gemological Laboratory) on Twitter? Follow us at @UGL_USA!
Thanks!

Are you buying your jewelry wholesale or retail?

2011-06-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Many of our clients always ask us if the price they paid was a "wholesale" price. To better explain this and make things a little clearer, we have included a link that explains the difference. The opinion is offered by the JVC which is the Jewelers Vigilance Comittee. UGL USA always provides the Retail client the value which is used for Insurance purposes. http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/majors/public-policy-and-issues/article_detail?id=26691

What should you look for when hiring an appraiser?

2011-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you are considering purchasing or have already purchased a diamond, gemstone, jewelry item, etc., you should consult with a qualified appraiser. Following are some of the requirements you should look for before using an appraiser:

Graduate Gemologist(GIA)
Professional Gemological Laboratory
Member of an Appraisal Association
Do Not Buy or Sell Jewelry
Do Not Charge a Percentage of Value as a Fee
Knowledge of The Various Levels of Value

The appraisal profession has many professional designations that you may see after an appraiser’s name. Listed below are some of the reputable associations and the acronyms that may follow the name of a professional appraiser.

International Society of Appraisers

-Associate Member

-Senior Member

-CAPP (Certified Appraiser of Personal Property)

Gemological Institute of America

-Member (GIA)

-Gemologist (GIA)

-Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

American Society of Appraisers

-Senior Member (ASA)

-Fellow Member (FASA)

-Master Gemologist Appraiser(MGA)

Accredited Gemologists Association

-Accredited Senior Gemologist

-Certified Master Gemologist

Facebook

2011-05-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hi, visit our Facebook page weekly to see our new posts. We post topics that we feel are interesteing to the public, such as fabolous diamonds for sale, unique jewelry items in the news, etc.
UGL USA. Universal Gemological Laboratory is an independent jewelry appraiser. Come check us out!
www.Facebook.com/UGLUSA

100-ct. 'Sunrise' to shine at Symposium!

2011-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

The 100.67-carat, fancy intense yellow Steinmetz “Sunrise”
is one of many outstanding gemstones that will be on display
at the Gemological Institute of America’s headquarters for
“GIA Symposium 2011: Advancing the Science and Business of Gems.”
----UGL USA

Stricter standards!

2011-05-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

UGL USA has, over the last few months, been implementing tighter grading standards. We have let go some employees, and now believe we have in place an excellent group of people that will enable UGL USA to move forward with its goal to become a more recognized independent appraisal company. We now currently get 2 to 3 opinions on a stone or items quality to ensure that the grade given is an average of opinions. As we all know, word of mouth is the best way to build a reputation or destroy one. So we hope that word of our stricter standards will be spread throughout the public and industry to improve our standing. Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Watches, Pearls and all other jewelry items are appraised by UGL USA and the work is accomplished quickly and accurately. Stop by UGL USA and try for yourself. Independent appraisals for insurance purposes are our specialty.

Tanzanite!

2011-05-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

For anyone worried about the supply of Tanzanite running out, see below article from National Jeweler.

Arusha, Tanzania--A series of surveys conducted by mining and supply company
TanzaniteOne have shown that the blue gem’s supply will not be depleted anytime soon.
Dr. Bernard Olivier, CEO at the company, told National Jeweler that, while Tanzanite miners
face challenges in continued extraction of the gems as mines deepen, "TanzaniteOne currently
has an estimated life of mine of up to 20 years at the current mining rate of approximately
2.2 million carats per annum.
(Excerpted from National Jeweler Article, May 2011)

Robert Lejman, G.G.(GIA)

Fortunoff to liquidate

2009-02-26T08:45:00.000-08:00

A sign of how troubled the economy is, venerable retailer Fortunoff's is liquidating it's assets beginning this week. Fortunoff's was a longtime jewelry destination for many people. With the tanking ecomomy, jewelry is one of the first things to take a hit, being considered more of a luxury than a necessity. Even Zales reports that sales are down 18% in the last quarter. While Bernard Bernanke said that he thought the recession may end in 2009, others believe it will more like 2010.

Diamond Basics

2009-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

What makes a diamond valuable? What makes a diamond most valuable to you? Each person has a "C" that is most important to them. Which one is most important to you? Color? Carat weight? Clarity? In the diamond business, we like to say that the most important "C" is the "cut". While the other "c's" can make a visual impact, without a properly cut diamond, those other "c's" won't pop. A diamond has to be cut to proper proportions to maximize it's brilliance. Who wants a large diamond if it doesn't sparkle. The sparkle is what will catch someone's eye first, then they will be able to comment on the size ;-)
For more info on the basics of diamonds, visit our website at www.uglinc.com

Debeers DiamondSure

2009-02-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Universal Gemological Laboratory(UGL-USA) has acquired a DeBeers DiamondSure machine to assist us in ascertaining whether a diamond is natural versus synthetic. The machine tests colorless and nearcolorless diamonds to determine whether they need to be referred for higher level testing using the DeBeers DiamondView. 97% of all diamonds will be successfully weeded out with the DiamondSure, with only 3% being referred for futher testing. If you have a diamond that you suspect may be synthetic, let us test it for you.

Jewelry cleaner

2009-02-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

UGL_USA now has jewelry cleaner available for purchase. This jewelry cleaner is great for using on your diamond engagement rings! When you stop in, ask for it! Only 5.00. Universal Gemological Laboratory is where you can get your diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls and wristwatches appraised. We do not buy or sell jewelry, so our opinion is unbiased. Universal Gemological Laboratory(UGL-USA) is your independent jewelry appraiser.

Anyone out there?

2008-08-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well, this is all new to us here. I guess we'll just keep writing something when we can and hope that someone will ask us a good question! This is, however, the Labor Day Weekend coming up, so I guess everyone is looking to get out of town!

Grand Opening!

2008-08-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first day of our new blog. We are here to answer any questions anyone may have related to jewelry, gemstones, appraisals etc. We will try to provide unbiased info to anyone who poses a question! Topics may include diamonds, rubies, emeralds and any other type of gemstone. Questions can relate to appraisals, value, quality grading etc. While we can't provide dollar values on items based on descriptions provided to us through the internet(that would be unprofessional and unethical), we can provide guidance. Feel free to ask away and we will try to help. Our team of appraisers has experience ranging up to 24 years in the jewelry business, so all topics can be answered with confidence.