AboutA. DeMello Gemological Laboratory - Arthur DeMello GG (GIA) Expertise Questions pertaining to Diamonds and Fine Jewelry regarding Evaluation and Valuation Sciences. Questions may include Gemology, Appraisal, Identification, Issues with Jewelers, Complaint Resolution, Jewelry Insurance,Estate Settlement, Family Disputes, Marital Settlements and Unfair Jewelry Trade Practice.
Experience I have 23 Years as a self employed Diamond and Fine Jewelry Consultant, Appraiser and Court Expert Witness.
Organizations GIA Alumni Association
Former National Assoc. of Jewelry Appraisers
Publications Online Question & Answer Forums
Education/Credentials Berklee College BA. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) GG. American Gem Society Courses toward CG. Undergraduate Studies in Business.
Past/Present Clients 1983 - 1986 RO-AN Jewelers Taunton, Mass. Store Manager
1986 - 1989 Hyannis Jewelers, Hyannis, MA. Appraiser 3 Stores under Eugene Munn former Pres. Concord Watch.
1989 - 1991 Shreve, Crump and Low Boston Mass. Contact: Mark Aaron Marks Jewelers Wareham, MA.
1991 - Present GAB Robbins - New Hampshire Insurance Claims Consultant Appraiser.
1991 - Present AIG- American International Group Insurance Claims Springfield, Mass. Consultant
1991 - Present Aetna - Hartford Group Insurance Co. Middleboro, Mass.
1991- Present Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Quincy, Mass.
1991 - Present Hanover Insurance Co. North Dartmouth Mass. Contact Stephen Foss Consultant
1995 Founder of National Gemological Laboratories - Massachusetts Based Firm President /Owner
2004 - Boston Bar Association Legal Expert Witness
2004 - Mass. Bar Association Legal Expert Witness
2005 - Present AIG - American International Group Appraisal Client Referrals
2005 - Dept. of Financial Services - Unclaimed Property Invitation to Bid
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0360
2005- Guardsmark Security New York, NY. Appraisal Client
2005 Oscar Heyman & Brothers LLC New York, NY. Tradeshows through Bailey, Banks & Biddle Jewelers
2005 - Scott Kay Teaneck, NJ. Tradeshows through Bailey, Banks & Biddle Jewelers
2005 - Reed & Barton -Taunton, MA. Client Referrals
2006 - United States Treasury Dept. Drug Enforcement Administration New Bedford, MA
2006- Citigroup Smith Barney New York, NY
Question My husband bought a 10 kt gold ring in the Phillipines in 1964 and was told at that time that it was an Alexandrite stone. It does change color depending on the light. Inside the ring it just says BALCO on one side and 10kt on the other. Is there any way to tell if it is a real alexandrite other than spending upwards of $250 for an appraisal. Would you know what BALCO means? Thanks very much for any help you can give me.
Answer Balco sounds like the manufacture. I'm sorry I'm not fammiliar with this manufacture.
You can save money on the appraisal by sending it in. Most People feel more comfortable bringing the item in for an appointment.
The is more expensive.
You should find an appraiser you can trust,insure and ship the ring.
This makes it much less expensive.
Our lab fee for mail in testing and appraisal is only 89.00.
I hope this helps you.
Sincerely,
Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)
Enjoy the weekend!
