Assurance Policies

At Tampa Gemological Laboratory Inc. our jewelry appraisal service is proud of the solid service we provide. To ensure you receive the best experience possible, we will provide you with a written receipt with a color photo of the jewelry that is being worked on. This process is adhered to whether your jewelry is left here or the appraisal is done while you wait, If a large estate is involved, we will sort through and separate any costume or inexpensive jewelry from the items that are more likely to need appraisal. Our appraisal fee is quoted before the appraisal is begun and is based on the size and number of gemstones as well as the complexity of each item. We do not charge according to the value of each item.

Tampa Gem Lab and its staff meet the following criteria that we feel are essential for professional jewelry appraising:
1. Education: All staff appraisers are Graduate Gemologists trained at Gemological Institute of America.
2. Extensive gem testing instruments and up to date grading practices.
3. Practical experience - 35 years in the jewelry industry.
4. Current pricing information and research materials.

Resume: R. Fred Ingram - President and Chief Gemologist

Diplomas:
1981 - Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, University of South Florida
1986-1989 - Registered Jeweler, A.G.S. (American Gemological Society - an organization devoted to ethics in the jewelry industry)
1987-1989 - Certified Gemologist, A.G.S. - Program includes diamonds, colored gemstones, metals, manufacturing techniques, appraisals, etc
1988 - Present - Graduate Gemologist, G.I.A. (Gemological Instutute of America - a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of the jewelry industry). Program includes diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls.

Experience:
1984-1988 (A.G.S. Member Jewelry Store, Tampa, FL) Salesman gemologist/appraiser, estate jewelry buyer
1988 - Present - Tampa Gem Lab, Inc., Tampa, FL - President, gemologist, appraiser, consultant
2004 - Present - member of National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

Expertise:
• Diamonds, colored gems, precious metals, jewelry manufacturing, stone setting, quality control analysis, enameling, gem identification, and appraisals at all levels
• Expert witness on numerous occasions in Florida's Hillsborough and Pinellas county Courts (involving martial assets as well as consumer complaints) and in Federal Courts (DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals, FDLE, DHS)
• Assisted in jewelry related audits for various accounting firms (references available upon request)