Independent jewelry appraisals in Overland Park
Sara Thaemlitz is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an independent appraiser of fine jewelry. She has worked in the jewelry industry since 1992, and her appraisals and consultations are impartial.
Call or email Sara to arrange an appraisal. Office hours are not posted, and the lab is portable, so she can also come to you.
7319 W 81st St, Overland Park, KS 66204, in downtown Overland Park. Serving the whole Kansas City metro.
KC Gem AppraisalJewelry appraisals by Midwest Gemological Services, Inc.
- Appraiser
- Sara Thaemlitz, GG
- Trained at
- Gemological Institute of America: Graduate Gemologist; Diamonds, Colored Stones and Pearls Graduate
- In the industry
- Since 1992
- Appraises
- Fine jewelry and watches, for private and professional clients
- For
- Insurance, estates, divorce and prenups, lost or stolen items, liquidation
- Laboratory
- Fully portable, for on-site appraisals
Appraisals and services
What the appraisal is for decides what it documents. Tell Sara the purpose when you get in touch, and she will prepare the right kind of report.
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Insurance appraisals
The most common kind. Used to get insurance coverage on jewelry you already own or have just bought, with detailed documentation of each piece.
Documents approximate retail replacement value -
Estate appraisals
For an executor of an estate or a conservator. The attorney handling probate will tell you whether one is needed; if so, Sara prepares it.
Documents fair market value -
Divorce and prenup appraisals
Identifies and values jewelry owned by either or both parties, for a prenuptial agreement or a divorce. An independent evaluation helps take the emotion out of it.
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Gem identification
Found a stone, or bought one and want to know more? Sara can answer your questions about any finished gemstone.
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Hypothetical appraisals
For a piece that was lost or stolen before it was scheduled on a policy. Sara interviews you, writes a report from your description, and works directly with the insurance adjuster.
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Liquidation reports
For bankruptcy or the liquidation of business assets. Sara goes to the jewelry, whether it is in a bank vault, a home, a place of business or your conference room.
Need something not listed here? Ask. Sara offers other services that are not on this page.
Your appraiser
Sara Thaemlitz, GG (GIA)
Sara is an independent appraiser of fine jewelry, and she values the trust she has from each client. Her background and her close attention to detail when examining your gems and jewelry mean accurate appraisals and impartial advice.
She is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and holds its Graduate Gemologist diploma. As a graduate gemologist she holds herself to the highest standards for testing, laboratory equipment and appraisal method.
She has worked in the jewelry industry since 1992, and specializes in insurance, estate and fair market appraisals. Seminars and jewelry shows keep her current in a market that keeps changing.
- Graduate Gemologist (GG)Gemological Institute of America
- Diamonds GraduateGemological Institute of America
- Colored Stones GraduateGemological Institute of America
- Pearls GraduateGemological Institute of America
A laboratory that travels
Midwest Gemological Services' laboratory is fully portable, so an appraisal can happen where the jewelry is. The instruments Sara works with:
- Binocular microscope
- Dino-Lite digital microscope eyepiece
- Refractometer
- Spectroscope
- Polariscope
- Dichroscope
- Chelsea color filter
- Ultraviolet light unit
- GIA Gem Set color grading system
- CZ master stone set
- Thermal conductivity diamond tester
- Electronic metals tester
- Electronic scale
- Leverage gauge
- Digital camera
Arranging an appraisal
Fees are not published. Ask about them when you call.
Get in touch
Call 816-806-4206 or email sara@kcgemappraisal.com. Say what the appraisal is for.
Choose where
At Sara's office in downtown Overland Park, or on site at your home, bank or business anywhere in the Kansas City metro.
Get your report
Sara examines each piece and gives you written documentation of its identity and value, ready for your insurer, attorney or adjuster.
Basic jewelry care
Sara's notes on keeping fine jewelry in good shape.
Take jewelry off to bathe
Soap can leave a film that makes jewelry look dull and dingy.
Use a polishing cloth
Silver or gold polishing cloths have no fibers to scratch.
Have it inspected
Regular maintenance and inspection prevent problems, and a professional cleaning keeps jewelry in shape.
Colored gemstones
Warm water (not hot), mild soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. Plug the sink first.
Pearls and opals
Keep them away from dry air, and out of safe deposit boxes. Both can crack in very dry conditions or with quick temperature changes. Store them in a padded cloth bag or jewelry box.
Contact Sara
Midwest Gemological Services, Inc.
- Phone816-806-4206
- Emailsara@kcgemappraisal.com
- Office7319 W 81st St, Overland Park, KS 66204
- Fax816-561-6088
Covering the Kansas City metro area from downtown Overland Park. Appraisals are arranged by phone or email; the lab can come to you.