Business Details
17 Years
experience
Independent Jewelry Appraisal Services in Kelowna
Stellar Gem Services was founded in 2009 by Heather C. Davis, a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and Certified Appraisal Professional. Our practice specializes in independent jewelry, gemstone, and watch appraisals for insurance, estate, legal, and cross-border requirements. We operate a state-of-the-art gemological laboratory equipped with advanced analytical instruments including X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectrometry, and diamond photoluminescence detectors. Our appraisals comply with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and Jewelry Insurance Standards Organization guidelines.As Canada's only Accredited Gemologists Association-certified laboratory in the Okanagan Valley, we provide transparent, in-person evaluations where clients observe the entire process. Our veteran-owned business combines military precision with technical expertise to deliver court-approved documentation and unbiased valuations. We maintain active memberships in the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and Canadian Jewellers Association while serving clients across British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Lower Mainland, and Interior regions.
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
Watch Valuations
Gemstone Analysis
Estate Appraisals
Insurance Documentation
Diamond Testing
Pearl Origin Determination
Metal Alloy Analysis
Court-Approved Reports
Repair Recommendations
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We provide in-person appraisals with transparent, observable evaluation processes
- Our laboratory features advanced X-ray fluorescence and spectrometry equipment
- Veteran-owned business combining military precision with technical expertise
- Only Accredited Gemologists Association-certified laboratory in the Okanagan Valley
- Appraisals comply with both USPAP and Jewelry Insurance Standards Organization guidelines
Associations and certifications
- Accredited Gemologists Association
- Canadian Jewellers Association
- National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)
- Jewelry Insurance Standards Organization (JISO)
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
Our comprehensive jewelry appraisals combine advanced gemological analysis with USPAP-compliant documentation. Using X-ray fluorescence and spectrometry equipment, we determine precise metal composition and gemstone characteristics. Each appraisal includes detailed photography, market analysis, and valuation rationale for insurance, estate, or legal purposes.
Gemstone Analysis
We utilize Raman spectrometry and UV-Vis NIR technology to identify natural vs synthetic gemstones, detect treatments, and determine origin. Our equipment distinguishes between Colombian and Zambian emeralds, natural and lab-grown diamonds, and saltwater vs freshwater pearls with scientific precision.
Insurance Valuations
We create court-approved insurance valuations meeting Jewelry Insurance Standards Organization requirements. Our reports include detailed gemstone measurements, metal analysis, and current market values. Clients receive both digital and printed documentation with comprehensive photographic evidence for claims processing.
Estate Appraisals
Our estate appraisal service evaluates jewelry collections for probate and inheritance purposes. We provide fair market values with detailed provenance research and historical context. The process includes in-person assessment of entire collections with itemized documentation for legal proceedings.
Expert Witness Testimony
As certified expert witnesses in BC Provincial Court, we provide legally defensible jewelry valuations. Our scientifically supported testimony includes detailed analysis of gemological characteristics, market data, and valuation methodologies for dispute resolution and legal proceedings.
People
Heather C. Davis
Owner, Gemologist & Appraiser
Retired Canadian Armed Forces Captain with 28 years of service, GIA Graduate Gemologist, and Certified Appraisal Professional. Serves on Canadian Jewellers Association Board of Directors and maintains multiple industry certifications including Registered Master Valuer status.
Questions
What does a jewelry appraisal include?
Our appraisals document gemstone characteristics, metal composition, current market values, and include multiple photographs. Reports follow USPAP guidelines with detailed analysis of treatments, origin, and valuation rationale.
Why choose in-person appraisal services?
Observing the evaluation process ensures transparency. You witness gemstone testing, metal analysis, and documentation creation while receiving immediate explanations of findings and recommendations.
How do you verify gemstone authenticity?
We use Raman spectrometry, UV-Vis NIR technology, and diamond photoluminescence detectors to distinguish natural vs synthetic stones, identify treatments, and determine geographic origin with scientific accuracy.
Are your appraisals accepted by insurance companies?
Yes, our valuations meet Jewelry Insurance Standards Organization requirements and include all documentation needed for coverage approval and claims settlement, including digital and printed formats.
Do you appraise estate jewelry collections?
We specialize in estate appraisals for probate, providing fair market values with provenance research and historical context. Entire collections can be evaluated during in-person sessions with itemized documentation.
