Services and Fees

Consultation – Minimum fee is $60 up to the first hour, and pro-rated at 15 minute increments – NOT including travel time (if applicable). Consultations do NOT include gem testing, appraisals, or reports. Consultations serve clients by providing expert opinion, education, and care instructions.

Travel – Travel time is billed at $40 per hour, but billed only in 15 min increments. A non-refundable consultation fee may be collected prior to travel with the balance due at the time of service.

Mailing – Clients are responsible for shipping costs incurred for getting their pieces to NLJ. We strongly suggest purchasing insurance as we can not be held responsible for lost or damaged goods resulting from delivery services. Once respective services and payment are complete, NLJ will cover the cost to return your item(s) safely back.

Gem Identification – A minimum of two GIA approved tests are required to positively identify a gem. Clients will not be charged for gems where identity can not be confirmed. For a simple written identification of a single gem, the charge is $30, with subsequent gems in the same piece at $20 each additional gem (some melee stones are exempt).

Gem and/or Jewelry Reports – Unlike appraisals, gem or jewelry reports don’t require amending unless the condition of the piece changes. A report covers most of the same things an appraisal will, but allows the client flexibility. Reports are performed per piece. Included in the report are: identification, a description of the piece, weights and measurements as a setting permits, and the techniques and/or equipment used. The fee for a gem or jewelry report is the same as it is for gem identification (per gem), plus $20. For a report of a piece of jewelry with no gems–just metal, is $20.

Gem and/or Jewelry Appraisals – Unless an appraisal is required–as is often the case with insurance companies, I find they are rarely useful. I know, I’m killing business here. In determining if an appraisal is necessary, there are several factors to consider. The gem and jewelry market fluctuates and leaves some appraisers to inflate values, within the law, in order to ensure the value stays current for more than a short time. Valuation of one’s piece can vary depending on whether it is being stated for retail replacement value, insurance replacement value, personal resale, or scrap.

Some pieces may be charged on a case by case basis. Gems can be tested as settings allow (if applicable).

Jewelry Labor – Fees for working on a piece will vary depending on the complexity of the job and the degree of skill needed to reach the desired outcome. NLJ is a gemological service and store, not a bench jewelry service provider. Our services in regard to giving a piece “new life” are charged based on the “consultation fee” schedule. Your gemologist will work with you in regard to options for your gems or settings and advise accordingly. Outsourced repair costs to a qualified jeweler are the respective jeweler’s charge, plus 10%, not including our travel time.

The benefit of labor services through us is expert advocacy and connection with the right master jeweler. You are more than welcome to take information you gain from a consultation to your own trusted jeweler. Please know, bench jeweler and gemologist education differ greatly. These are two different specialties.

All this being said, there are some basic jewelry services NLJ can provide such as gems setting, wire wrapping and “precious metal clay” (PMC) design and work. Pricing for these options will be offered at the time of consultation.

Services through New Life Jewelry are predominantly referral based; but if you happen to “find” us, we’re happy to assist!