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Question
Dear Mr. DeMello,
)
I am a retired Soldier currently employed in Afghanistan. Recently I acquired several gem stones at a local bizarre. Two of these gems were sold as sapphires, a green (4.13 ct) and a blue (2.44 ct); which I am confidant are real by the reaction I got from several jewelry store owners (they are flawless). The stone that I am interested in knowing more about is one that appears to be a 9.86 ct color change stone. I asked three different store owners what it was and got three different answers but all agreed it was real; when put on the gem meter it read between ruby and sapphire. I know that a stone this size would be a rare find, but taking into consideration that nobody knows how long this stone could have been in circulation and the fact that these people are desperate...is it possible by looking at the photos to provide an opinion as to what it could be? I took one photo in natural daylight and the other under a 60 watt soft white bulb. I know that there are synthetic stones being produced, but after reading about what to look for, I didn't see any of the normal indicators associated with synthetic stones. I would also appreciate your professional opinion on the other two also.
Scott,
You dont have the proper expertise to evaluate these stones nor the proper equipment. A heat conductivity meter is not the proper way to test these stones.
I ould need to see these stones to properly evaluate them.
I do many stones for soldiers in afghanistan.
If you would like them evaluated send them and I will give you a special price for my work available only to millitary personnell.
Thank you for your mail.
Arthur DeMello GG (GIA), USPAP, J_BAR
A.DeMello Gemological Laboratory
http://www.nationalgemologicallaboratory.com
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Answers by Expert:
A. 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
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